Articles Tagged with drunk driving accidents

Drunk driving remains a problem in Florida and throughout the US, and many times, offenders are arrested for DUI. However, there are many tragic situations where an impaired driver causes an accident that leads to injuries or death. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), there are almost 5,000 traffic collisions every year that are linked to alcohol intoxication. Of these, around 720 drunk driving crashes occur in South Florida. Up to 40 people lose their lives in DUI accidents, while more than 400 victims are injured in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach Counties. 

When alcohol is a factor in a crash, a victim may need more than just proof of fault, injuries, and losses. It is also crucial to show that the at-fault driver was intoxicated, which requires evidence of drunk driving. Your Miami DUI accident lawyer will assist with issues of proof, but some details will help you know some of the information you will need.

Overview of Negligence

Drunk driving accidents claim the lives of thousands across the U.S. every year, and data from state officials reveal how the problem affects Florida motorists. According to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), there are more than 5,000 crashes annually involving intoxicated drivers. Approximately 375 people are killed in these incidents, while more than 3,000 victims suffer injuries in DUI collisions. Fortunately, you do have rights under Florida law if you were hurt by a drunk driver. You may qualify to recover compensation for your physical, financial, and emotional losses. 

Though you might think your rights are clear when an intoxicated driver causes a collision, there are still complications with DUI crashes. You will need solid evidence of fault, so proof of impairment is critical. There are multiple sources of evidence for your case, and a Miami DUI accident lawyer will be thorough in gathering strong factual support. Some basics will help you understand what information might be useful.

Evidence for DUI Crashes

Drunk driving has plagued US roadways for decades, yet motorists continue to get behind the wheel of a car after consuming too much alcohol. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) reports that officers make almost 34,000 arrests statewide for driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI), and more than 3,700 of these cases arise in South Florida. Police are always on the lookout for motorists who are swerving, driving erratically, and exhibiting other indications of intoxication. 

However, a drunk driving arrest can also result from a DUI accident, since officers will conduct an investigation when arriving on the scene. When their probe turns up sufficient information to charge and/or convict the other driver, you probably assume you have an open-shut case to recover compensation if you were injured in a crash caused by that driver. The legal issues are not quite so simple, so rely on a Miami drunk driving accidents attorney to assist with your remedies. You can also gain some insight by reviewing answers to common questions about DUI crashes in Florida.

What are the differences between a civil and criminal case after a drunk driving accident? 

Florida Justice Association
The National Center for Victims of Crime
outh Florida Legal Guide
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