An Overview Of Drunk Driving Accidents

Important Information About Drunk Driving Accidents

Despite attempts by state and local governments to make driving safe, there are still people who drive while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. Their actions lead to inevitable car wrecks and serious injuries. Our firm has helped injured clients, as well as their families, recover damages for their losses, as well as medical treatments.

We have a good reputation for the systematic and aggressive representation of our clients. If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident in Hallandale, call us today or visit our firm for a free consultation.

But first, let’s look at some information about drunk driving accidents that you must be aware of:

Drunk Driving Facts

Drunk driving is the biggest cause of auto accidents that lead to fatalities. Here are some interesting facts about drunk driving:

• A drunk driver will drive an average of 80 minutes before their first arrest
• In the United States, a drunk driving death occurs about every 53 minutes, totaling around 27 drunk driving deaths per day. This is why it is very important to always have a designated driver.
• Drunk drivers under 21 years of age face serious consequences, expensive fines, loss of their driver’s license or even jail time. It doesn’t matter if they have a small amount of alcohol in their blood. There is zero tolerance for drunk driving.
• Injuries resulting from drunk driving occur every 90 seconds.
• Around 10,000 people in the U.S. die each year in drunk driving accidents.
• Between 50% and 75% of those accidents are caused by people who drive illegally after having their driving license revoked for drunk driving.
• Since 1980, the fatality rate has dropped down by 50% due to stricter drunk driving laws
• In 2010, 211 children were killed in drunk driving accidents, 62% of whom were riding in the car of the intoxicated driver.
• Kids and teens who start drinking at an early age are 7 times more likely to die or be injured in a drunk driving accident.

As you see, the numbers are still bad. But the good news is that they are headed in the right direction.

Effects Of Drunk Driving

Because of the influence of alcohol, the driver will experience poor coordination, blackouts, slurred speech, double vision and disorientation, just to name a few.

Other bad effects of being intoxicated include:

• Slow Reaction Time

Alcohol slows the reflexes of the driver, which significantly decreases the ability to react quickly to certain situations.

• Bad Vision

Double vision is not the only problem. Alcohol slows the eye muscle function, altering eye movement and visual perception, possibly resulting in a blurred vision as well. A person’s night

• Low Tracking Abilities

Alcohol decreases the driver’s abilities to perceive the car’s position on the road, relative to other cars or objects. The driver might forget, or completely ignore, road signs.

• Loss of Concentration

Alcohol causes the driver to lose attention while driving.

• Loss of Comprehension

A driver under the influence of alcohol can completely lose his or her ability to make rational decisions.

• Reduced Coordination

Too much alcohol can cause poor coordination of the eyes, hands, and feet, along with unpredictable reactions.

While driving, drunk drivers can cause collisions, crashes and even hit innocent passersby. The latter would then face economic difficulties, like medical treatments, lost earnings, medications and even rehabilitation. The accident may also trigger psychological pain and mental anguish.

Drunk Driving Consequences

The consequences for drunk driving are very harsh and fall into two primary scenarios. Either you are caught before you have caused an accident, which is the good scenario. Or, you cause an accident resulting in possible fatalities and suffer even worse consequences. This, of course, is the bad scenario.

In the first scenario, a suspicious driver is pulled over and tested for motor skills and judgment. The officer can also perform a blood alcohol content test (BAC). In most states, the limit is .10%. However, many states have adopted a lower limit of BAC 0.08%.

If a driver fails any of these tests, he will be taken into the police car and spend a night in jail with a DUI or DWI charge, facing the legal repercussions for drunk driving.

The second scenario is the worst one. If there are fatalities, the drunk driver will obviously face serious jail time. Also, all the victims in the crash, including loved ones, can take legal actions against the responsible driver. This often results in a huge amount of fines and other compensations.

Drunk Drivers In South Florida And Their Obligations

A lot of people mistakenly believe they can drive effectively while intoxicated. These people do not anticipate the effects of driving under the influence of alcohol.

In South Florida, drivers under the age of 21 are banned from having any alcohol in their system. The state has created sanctions for violations of this law, which include mandated fines, suspension of their driver’s license, community service, possible jail time and suspension of the vehicle’s registration.

However, Florida law is not limited to those who were driving under the influence of alcohol. Drivers who operate a motor vehicle after drinking excessively may also face civil liability for the harm and damage they caused.

Legal Actions That Can Be Taken As A Result Of Drunk Driving Accidents

If you are a victim of a drunk driving accident, you are entitled to legal representation. You may file a personal injury or wrongful death claim against the driver who recklessly caused the accident. Filing a claim is necessary if you want to recover compensation for the damages and injuries you have suffered.

Our legal team is dedicated to winning these cases and helping victims of drunk driving accidents. We have medical experts and investigators who will work closely on the details of the accident to determine the causing factor, as well as the liable parties.

We will work to bring about justice for you and your loves ones affected by a drunk driving accident.