Drunk Driving Accidents Surge in March: Protect Your Rights as a Victim

March marks the beginning of Spring Break season across Florida. For cities like Miami, this means increased tourism, packed streets, and a spike in alcohol-related celebrations. Unfortunately, it also brings a surge in drunk driving accidents, especially in nightlife hotspots like South Beach, Wynwood, Brickell, and downtown Miami. These crashes often result in devastating injuries, emotional trauma, and even loss of life.

If you or a loved one were injured by an impaired driver this Spring Break, a Miami car accident lawyer can help you pursue justice and financial compensation. Don’t let someone else’s reckless decision ruin your future—know your rights and take action.

Spring Break draws thousands of college students, tourists, and part-time residents to Florida every year. Cities like Miami become round-the-clock party zones, with open bars, rooftop events, and beachside festivals filling the calendar throughout March.

This seasonal environment leads to a higher number of intoxicated drivers for several reasons:

• Alcohol-Fueled Tourism: Bars, nightclubs, and beach parties often offer drink specials and all-day events.
• Underage Drinking: Spring Break often involves minors or young adults who drink illegally and then drive.
• Unfamiliar Roads: Tourists navigating a new city while under the influence are more likely to cause accidents.
• Late-Night Driving: Many Spring Break celebrations continue into the early morning, increasing the risk of impaired drivers on the road.
• Lax Decision-Making: With many people on vacation, personal responsibility can sometimes take a back seat.

These factors contribute to a dangerous rise in DUI-related crashes across Miami-Dade County, especially near tourist districts and major highways like I-95, the MacArthur Causeway, and the Palmetto Expressway (SR 826).

Drunk driving crashes are often more severe than typical accidents because they involve excessive speeds, reckless maneuvers, and delayed reaction times. Victims in these collisions can suffer life-altering injuries such as:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
• Spinal Cord Damage or Paralysis
• Broken Bones and Fractures
• Severe Whiplash or Neck Injuries
• Internal Bleeding or Organ Damage
• Burns or Lacerations from Impact

In the worst cases, these accidents result in fatalities, leaving families with unimaginable grief and loss.

If you've been hurt in a crash caused by a drunk driver, speak with a Miami car accident lawyer as soon as possible to understand your legal rights and recovery options.

If you’re involved in an accident and suspect the other driver is impaired, take these steps to protect your safety and future claim:

1. Call 911 Immediately
   • Reporting the crash ensures police and emergency medical responders are dispatched. Law enforcement can perform sobriety tests and gather evidence of intoxication.
2. Seek Medical Attention
   • Even if you feel okay, many injuries take time to surface. A medical report will support your personal injury claim.
3. Document the Scene
   • Take photos of vehicle damage, injuries, skid marks, and any visible alcohol containers in the other vehicle.
4. Gather Witness Statements
   • Witnesses who observed erratic driving or intoxicated behavior can provide powerful testimony.
5. Do Not Speak to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company
   • They may try to downplay their client’s liability or get you to accept a lowball settlement. Refer all communication to your attorney.
6. Contact a Miami Car Accident Lawyer
   • Legal representation is crucial in DUI injury cases. Your lawyer will investigate the crash, preserve key evidence, and fight for full compensation.

Florida law allows drunk driving accident victims to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver for damages. In some cases, criminal charges will also be filed by the state, but these are separate from your civil claim.

A civil injury lawsuit may seek compensation for:

• Medical Bills
• Lost Wages
• Pain and Suffering
• Future Medical Care
• Rehabilitation and Therapy
• Property Damage

In certain situations, Florida’s Dram Shop Law allows you to hold an alcohol vendor (like a bar, club, or restaurant) liable if:

• They served alcohol to someone under 21.
• They knowingly served someone who was habitually addicted to alcohol.

A Miami personal injury attorney can investigate whether a third party contributed to the driver’s intoxication, adding another layer of liability to your case.

If your family member was tragically killed by a drunk driver, you may be entitled to file a wrongful death lawsuit. This type of claim can provide financial support for:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Lost financial support or income
• Medical bills incurred before death
• Emotional pain and suffering
• Loss of companionship or parental guidance

The emotional impact of losing a loved one to a preventable crash is overwhelming. A compassionate Miami wrongful death lawyer can help you seek justice while giving your family space to grieve.

DUI accident cases often involve aggressive insurance defense teams and complex legal procedures. At Wolfson & Leon, we help level the playing field for injury victims by:

• Investigating the crash – Reviewing police reports, camera footage, and breathalyzer results
• Filing your injury claim – Making sure it’s done on time and backed by solid evidence
• Negotiating with insurance companies – To fight for the full compensation you deserve
• Filing a lawsuit if necessary – To hold all liable parties accountable in court
• Guiding you through the legal process – So you can focus on recovery, not paperwork

Whether you're a Miami local or a visitor injured during Spring Break, we’re here to protect your rights.

Under Florida’s new statute of limitations, most personal injury claims must be filed within two years from the date of the accident. However, DUI-related cases require fast action to preserve evidence and strengthen your claim.

If you’ve been injured in a drunk driving accident in March—or any time—speak with a Miami car accident lawyer as soon as possible.

• Miami
• Orlando
• Tampa
• Jacksonville
• Fort Lauderdale
• West Palm Beach
• Fort Myers
• Cape Coral
• Sarasota
• Clearwater
• Tallahassee

Let us help you get back on the road to recovery. Call (305) 285-1115 today, and our team will handle your case with the personal care and attention you deserve.