Auto Accidents Caused by Drunk Drivers
Accident victims and their loved ones in Central Florida have strong advocates in Chanfrau & Chanfrau. Our legal team has years of valuable experience when it comes to auto accidents lawsuits that involve serious and even fatal injuries. Many times these accidents are the result of negligent behaviors, such as drunk driving. We'd like to look at DUI/DWI-related injury accidents right now.
Drunk Driving Is Never Acceptable
Alcohol affects your motor skills, your cognitive abilities, your reaction time, and your reflexes. Drunk driving is linked to reckless behaviors, such as speeding, swerving, and a general disregard of traffic laws. Anyone who gets behind the wheel while drunk is putting their own life at serious risk as well as the lives of others.
Drunk driving is just plain unsafe. Never drink and drive.
Drunk Driving Statistics
2011 statistics from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) found that more than 1.2 million people were arrested for drunk driving or driving while under the influence of illegal drugs.
The National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that drunk driving was related to 10,322 auto accident fatalities in 2012. That makes up 31% of all traffic fatalities that year. Tragically, 1,168 children aged 14 or under died in these alcohol-related auto accidents.
The Legal Limit in the State of Florida
In the state of Florida, the legal BAC for drivers over the age of 21 is 0.08.
Keep in mind that the state of Florida has a zero tolerance policy when it comes to minors and alcohol. This means that any minor found with a BAC of 0.02 or higher will be charged with drunk driving and have his or her license suspended.
Law enforcement takes these matters seriously, and so should all motorists on the road.
Times When Drunk Driving Is More Likely
Drunk driving tends to be more likely at night and on weekends, especially around last call at bars. Drunk driving can also increase as a result of holidays (e.g., New Year's Eve, Mardi Gras, July 4th), sporting events, local festivals, and major concerts. High-traffic areas and busy roads tend to see more drunk drivers simply given the regular flow of traffic and the number of motorists who access/use these roadways.
Protect Yourself and Others: Be Smart and Be Safe
If you are going to drink, be sure to drink responsibly and that you are fully sober before getting behind the wheel. If you are not sober, do not drive. Period. Arrange for a designated driver for the evening, have a friend help you home, or call a taxi to make sure that you arrive at home without harming yourself or others.
How Our Legal Team Can Help Accident Victims and Their Families
We at Chanfrau & Chanfrau feel that drunk drivers should be punished to the fullest extent of the law. We will make sure that they are held accountable for their actions and pay for your medical bills, property damage, and other losses that have been sustained.
Our team knows that drunk drivers can cause fatal accidents, and so we will make sure to hold them accountable for funerary costs as well as the emotional pain of losing your loved one. This will not bring your loved one back, but it will help with the grieving process.
Contact Our Personal Injury Lawyers
For more information about your legal options following an accident with a drunk driver, it's of the utmost importance that you contact our personal injury law firm today. The legal team at Chanfrau & Chanfrau looks forward to your visit and helping you receive just compensation following a serious accident.