There have been many unexpected side effects from the COVID-19 pandemic. One of those side effects is the decrease in the number of drunk drivers on the roads during the coronavirus pandemic. As bars and nightclubs remain closed in Miami-Dade County, the number of drunk driving car accidents may continue to remain lower than in previous years.
Miami-Dade Nightclubs and Bars to Remain Closed
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, at the direction of Gov. DeSantis, announced that bars and clubs could reopen at 50 percent capacity beginning September 14, 2020.
However, Mayor Carlos Gimenez announced that the bars and clubs in Miami-Dade County remain closed until further notice. Palm Beach County made a similar announcement that bars within the county would remain closed despite the decision to open bars statewide.
The decision to keep bars and clubs closed in Miami-Dade and Palm Beach Counties are part of the measures each county is taking to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
As of right now, there is no reopening date for bars and clubs in these two Florida counties.
The Decrease in Drunk Driving Accidents is a Positive Aspect
Even though many people disagree with keeping the bars and clubs closed because of COVID-19 concerns, the decrease in drunk driving accidents is saving lives and preventing injuries. DUI accidents account for thousands of deaths and injuries each year on our nation’s roads, including Florida roads. A decrease in the number of drunk driving accidents is a positive thing.
However, it comes at the cost of businesses losing revenue and individuals being out of work.
Therefore, some people do not view the decrease in drunk driving accidents as positive. Other individuals disagree with closing bars and clubs because they believe their civil rights are being violated by the government mandating closures. Many people continue to believe that the closings are necessary to slow the spread of the virus.
Regardless of how anyone may view the closing of clubs and bars in Miami, as long as the closures continue, the number of DUI accidents may continue to remain low.
DUI Accidents Can Destroy Lives
The injuries from a DUI accident can change a person’s life forever. A drunk driving accident may involve cars, trucks, motorcycles, pedestrians, and bicyclists. The type of vehicle involved can have an impact on the severity of the accident injuries, but all DUI accidents have the potential for causing traumatic injuries.
Drunk driving accidents can result in catastrophic and life-threatening injuries such as:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Paralysis
- Amputations
- Spinal cord injuries
- Chest injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Back injuries
- Neck injuries and whiplash
- Soft tissue injuries
- Death
A drunk driver who causes an accident is liable for the damages caused by the accident. However, to recover compensation, an accident victim must prove that the intoxicated driver caused the crash. Being intoxicated is not evidence that the driver caused the crash.
Proving a Drunk Driver Caused the Accident
The police may cite the driver for DUI, but they may not conclude who caused the accident. Even if the police report states that the drunk driver caused the accident, the police report is not proof of fault. You need additional evidence to prove fault.
Evidence that a DUI accident lawyer might gather to prove fault includes but is not limited to:
- Photographs of the accident scene
- Videos of the accident
- Eyewitness statements
- Physical evidence from the accident scene and the vehicles
- Information from the vehicle data recorders
- Expert testimony and evidence
A car accident lawyer has the resources and skills required to conduct a comprehensive accident investigation.
Can You Prevent a Drunk Driving Accident?
You cannot control what other drivers do behind the wheel of an automobile. However, there are steps that you can take to prevent a drunk driving accident:
- Never drink and drive. DUI accidents are always preventable.
- Always have a designated driver if you intend to drink while out with friends
- Make arrangements to stay overnight if you intend to drink at someone’s house
- Use public transportation if you have too much to drink
- Never let friends drive after drinking
If you host an event at which you intend to serve alcohol, you may want to consider hiring a professional bartender. A bartender helps you keep an eye on guests who may have too much to drink. Make sure you have options and are prepared for anyone who might have had too much to drink.
You can find more information about preventing drunk driving from the Centers for Disease Control and AAA.
Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm in Miami, FL
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Miami, FL and need legal help, contact our Miami car accident lawyers at Lavent Law Personal Injury Lawyer to schedule a free consultation.
Lavent Law Personal Injury Lawyer
17295 NE 19th Ave
North Miami Beach, FL 33162
(305) 257-9464
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