It may not be a surprise to learn that road travel is more dangerous around holiday periods in Miami, but you might be shocked to find that Christmas and other winter celebrations do not rank in the Top 10. The “bookends” of the summer season – Memorial Day and Labor Day – claim #1 and #2 for the highest number of fatal collisions according to auto insurance marketplace AutoInsurance.org. In fact, deadly crashes around Christmas are 12.4% below the average of all holidays considered, putting the holiday at the #17 spot. Travel on New Year’s Day, the 12th most dangerous holiday, is slightly riskier at 3% under average.
Obviously, car accidents still occur at an alarming rate in Miami. There have already been more than 107,700 auto crashes in South Florida so far, and 2021 is not yet over. If you were injured or lost a loved one, retaining a Miami car accident lawyer should be a priority any time of year. Some additional information on holiday traffic collisions offers insight on the dangers.
Risk Factors for Holiday Auto Crashes in Miami
One thing is for sure in South Florida — wintry weather will not have as much of an impact on holiday travel as it does up north. However, the primary risk factor, drunk driving, is a problem that persists nationwide throughout the year. In total, DUI collisions are behind 38% of all fatal car accidents during the holidays. Crashes that occur around these festive events are also linked to:
- Heavier traffic on both highways and city streets, as drivers head to visit family, go to parties, shop, and dine out;
- Drowsy driving by motorists who are sleep-deprived from the hustle and bustle associated with holidays;
- Excessive speeding by drivers who are in a hurry; and,
- Aggressive driving and road rage when a moody motorist is behind the wheel.
Three Things to Know About Florida Car Collision Claims
No matter what time of year, auto accidents are typically the result of negligence. To recover compensation, you must prove that the crash happened because the at-fault motorist failed to exercise reasonable care when driving. Other important notes include:
- The statute of limitations in Florida is four years from the date of the car accident. If you do not file a lawsuit in court by this deadline, you are barred from obtaining monetary damages.
- Florida follows the law of comparative fault, which focuses on the victim’s conduct in a crash. Your compensation may be reduced if you also breached the legal duty of care.
- Consult with a lawyer before filing a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurer. You risk being under-compensated when you do not know what your claim is worth.
Discuss Your Legal Options With Our Miami Car Accidents Attorneys
For more information on recovering compensation for your losses after an auto collision, please contact Gerson & Schwartz, PA. We can schedule a free consultation at our offices in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach, FL. After reviewing your situation, we can get started on the claims process.