Now that Halloween is behind us, everyone is looking toward the upcoming holiday season with excitement! With Thanksgiving looming just around the corner, and Christmas following closely behind, residents throughout the Tampa Bay area are gearing up for festivities that include preparing for multiple feats, holiday parties, and plenty of good food. Chances are, some adult beverages will make their way out onto the table as well, and if you aren’t responsible, the choice to drink at one, or all, of your holiday parties could end up costing way more than the price of the alcohol.
Driving while intoxicated is one of the biggest dangers of the road, and sadly, choosing to drive under the influence of alcohol claims the lives of drivers, or innocent victims, on a daily basis. Just yesterday another life was claimed right here in the Tampa Bay area, when a young woman, 27-year old Kasey Gibson, was struck from behind by a driver who was operating his vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. Gibson was the passenger in the car traveling on I-275 in St. Petersburg. She was killed instantly, and sadly, in just a single moment two young children, an adoring mother, and countless other family members and friends are left without someone they loved and cared about. A senseless act ripped a family apart and will cause harm for years to come, and it could have very easily been prevented.
We urge you to think twice before you pick up your keys this holiday season. If you’ve enjoyed a drink or two (or more) at a party or gathering, you always have options that don’t involve you getting behind the wheel. Call a taxi or Uber, have a friend or family member pick you up, schedule a designated driver before the party, or worst case, just sleep it off in your vehicle until you are fully sober and ready to operate your vehicle responsibly. There is no excuse for DUI’s in today’s world when knowledge and support are abundant and the danger is well known. Don’t put yourself, and others, at risk this year. Instead, choose to drink responsibly and don’t drive.
If you or someone you love has been injured due to the negligence of a driver who chose to get behind the wheel while intoxicated, we are sorry for your suffering. You could be eligible for compensation to help with expenses related to your accident, and long-term effects from the event. We know you never expect accidents and injury to happen, but when they do, WE STAND FOR YOU! We are proud to serve the greater Tampa Bay and Sarasota area with top-quality law service. We want to make sure you come home for the holidays this year!