South Florida Injury Attorneys Blog
Despite decades-long efforts by the state and federal governments, drunk driving remains a major problem on Florida roads. Indeed, in the 10-year period between 2003 and 2012, there were almost 8,500 Florida drunk driving deaths. This amounts to about 850 drunk driving accidents a year or 70 per month.
When a driver gets behind the wheel after having too much to drink, they are putting not only their own life in jeopardy but also the lives of countless others. It has been shown that drunk drivers are more likely to speed, act aggressively, fall asleep, get distracted, or make poor judgment calls, all of which can further increase the chance of causing an accident.
Florida law allows for victims of drunk driving accidents to seek compensation for their injuries through a Florida personal injury lawsuit. In some cases, the fact that a driver was intoxicated will make an accident victim’s recovery process easier because the driver is presumed to be negligent, due to the fact that drunk driving is specifically prohibited by law.
Drunk Driver Causes Accident Injuring Three Children, Then Flees the Scene
Earlier this month, three children and their father were all injured in a Florida car accident when their vehicle was struck from behind by a drunk driver. According to a local news report covering the collision, the accident occurred on Interstate 75, near mile-marker 242 in Hillsborough County.
Evidently, a father and his three children were heading southbound in a Ford SUV when they were rear-ended by a pick-up truck that was traveling at a high rate of speed. The force from the collision caused the SUV to roll onto its side. As the SUV rolled into the median, two of the three children inside were thrown from the vehicle. One of the children is still in critical condition, and the other two sustained serious injuries but are expected to recover.
The driver of the pick-up truck continued southbound on I-75 after the accident. His abandoned vehicle was located approximately 13 miles away from the scene of the accident. Authorities later arrested the driver in Manatee County. At the time of his arrest, the driver had a blood-alcohol content of .15, which is roughly twice the legal limit in Florida. The man was charged with drunk driving and leaving the scene of an accident resulting in injury.
Have You Been Injured in a South Florida DUI Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been injured in a South Florida car accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. The dedicated South Florida personal injury attorneys at the law firm of Cecere Santana have extensive experience representing victims in a wide range of car accident claims, including drunk driving cases. We have offices conveniently located across South Florida in Homestead, Coral Gables, West Palm Beach, and Hollywood. Call 800-753-5529 to schedule a free consultation with an attorney today.
More Blog Posts:
Plaintiff’s Slip-and-Fall Accident in Doctor’s Examination Room Deemed Not To Be “Medical Malpractice” Lawsuit, Cecere Santana Injury Lawyers Blog, published November 28, 2017.
Florida Crash Highlights Lack of Enforcement of Agricultural Transportation Laws, Cecere Santana Injury Lawyers Blog, published December 11, 2017.