Drinking and Driving (DUI) Lawyer Fort Lauderdale
Drinking and driving is foolish, unnecessary, and very dangerous. Driving with a blood-alcohol content above .08% is illegal in Florida. Unfortunately, even though it is illegal and easily avoidable, people still do it on a daily basis. According to data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, in 2009 and 2010, there were 1,004 and 794 traffic fatalities that were related to alcohol respectively. Furthermore, there were 9,605 arrests for driving under the influence in 2009 and 9,053 arrests in 2010. (Keep in mind that arrests for driving under the influence doesn’t necessarily mean that the driver was above the legal limit)
Although quickly absorbed, alcohol remains in the body for an extended period of time. Alcohol slows the driver’s reaction time, eye muscles are slowed and blurred vision results, the ability to judge the speed and distances of other cars is impaired, and the ability to concentrate on driving safely decreases. Drivers have been known to even fall asleep at the wheel due to being under the influence of alcohol. It is obvious that driving while intoxicated is extremely dangerous and reckless.
Unlike some other areas in the state and throughout the country, alternative public transportation is readily available in the South Florida Metropolitan area. Taxi cabs, buses, and other forms of safe transportation are plentiful. Furthermore, in Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and West Palm Beach there are hotels close to many of bars and nightclubs where you can check in to for the night rather than drive intoxicated. There is no excuse to get behind the wheel while being intoxicated. It is simply not worth the legal and immeasurable consequences that could result. For more information about the legal results of drinking and driving refer to the blog posting on Fort Lauderdale Criminal Law Firm of Berman & Tsombanakis LLC’s website.
The intoxicated driver that caused the accident can be held liable for the damages to the victim’s body and vehicle. In Florida, punitive damages are limited to the greater of three times the compensatory damages or $500,000. However, if the driver that caused the accident was intoxicated the caps on punitive damages are removed. This means that your recovery for your injuries and damages could be greatly increased if you were injured by a drunk driver.
In some cases, the victim can also recover from the person who served the intoxicated driver their drinks. In Florida, bars and restaurants have a responsibility to stop serving drinks to someone who is obviously intoxicated and some bars have been held accountable for creating conditions that allow drunk driving to take place. (Dram Shop Laws) This is important because if your injuries exceed the amount that the intoxicated driver is able to pay, the bar/restaurant may have “deeper pockets” and provide another financial source to ensure your full recovery. The attorney’s at Berman & Tsombanakis LLC will explore all possible avenues to recover for your injuries.
If you or a family member has been injured in a vehicle accident with an intoxicated or drunk driver you may be entitled to recovery. It is important to hire an experienced attorney to explore all avenues to ensure you are fully compensated for your loss.
