According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2013 a total of 10,076 Americans lost their lives in car accidents where a driver was above the legal blood alcohol limit. In fact, drivers who are legally drunk, meaning their blood alcohol level is 0.08 g/dL or higher, caused one-third of all highway deaths, the CDC said. Florida was no exception to the high rates of alcohol-impaired car crashes, with 676 DUI fatalities.
Despite the risk of serious injuries or death, many Americans report that they have taken the wheel while impaired. According to CDC, 4.2 million adult drivers reported that they had driven while impaired at least once during the past month.
While death is the most serious result of drunk driving, serious injuries are also common. The latest data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show that there were 326,000 non-fatal injuries caused by crashes where alcohol was involved. These injuries may include fractures, burns and traumatic brain injuries.
If you were injured or a loved one lost their life in a car accident that was the fault of the other driver, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact Chalik & Chalik for a free consultation to learn more about your rights.
According to the National Transportation Safety Board, although wrong-way collisions are rare, especially when compared to other accidents, including head-on crashes, they tend to be fatal. Wrong-way collisions occur most often at night, on weekends, and in the lanes closest to the median. The fatality rate in wrong-way collisions has remained unchanged for several years....
In Florida, approximately 25% of all crashes involve a hit-and-run. Because of this, the state has an awareness campaign called “Stay at the Scene.” The campaign looks to educate drivers on their responsibilities if they are in a crash and the potentially serious consequences they face if they are convicted of leaving the scene of...
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, traffic deaths involving bicyclists in Florida has tripled since 1975. By May 2019, there had been 783 cyclists killed in the United States that year. 16% of these fatalities occurred in Florida. 38% of these were caused by either the cyclist or the motorist failing to yield...
In Florida, a driver is required by law to stop immediately following any accident. Even if the incident results in little to no damage, the driver must stop and exchange information. Failure to do so may result in being charged anywhere from a citation to a felony charge, depending on the circumstances surrounding the incident....
The Facts of Facial Lacerations Cause by Car Accidents
When you are involved in a car accident in Fort Lauderdale, it is a blessing to come out alive. But many accident victims suffer disfiguring injuries. Some injuries cause mountains of medical bills, pain and suffering, and anguish. For example, if your airbag did not deploy during a car accident and you struck the steering...
When Uninsured Drivers Hit the Road, Insured Drivers Pay the Cost
Being in a car accident is traumatic enough. But when the person who caused the accident is uninsured, it can add another level of devastation to a life-altering event. In many cases, the victim is left paying for another’s mistake, both physically and financially, even though he or she played by the rules. Forty-nine states...
A Fort Myers Accident Attorney Warns Drivers of Eating at the Wheel
The constant busy schedule that many Americans keep is one of the leading reasons why so many drivers eat behind the wheel. Many drivers do not realize that eating at the wheel is considered distracted driving, but it is. The government reports that distracted driving causes 80% of accidents, according to a news report from...
7 of the Best Vehicles for Families
When you are buying a car for your family, safety is paramount. You want a car that’s safe, reliable, spacious, and affordable. U.S. News and World Report assesses the options on the market for families, and publishes a yearly list of the best cars for families for each vehicle class. U.S. News and World Report...
Who Pays for Your Medical Bills After a No-Fault Accident in Florida?
Under the state’s no-fault insurance system, your personal injury protection (PIP) car insurance policy will pay for your medical bills after an accident in Florida. However, the medical care costs for your injuries could exceed the policy limits. The remaining balance of medical bills may be covered by other sources, such as additional insurance policies...
How to Report a Hit and Run in Fort Lauderdale
Experiencing a hit and run can be both frightening and overwhelming. In the chaos that follows, it’s normal to feel uncertain about what steps to take next. Knowing how to report a hit and run in Fort Lauderdale is crucial for protecting your rights and ensuring that justice is served. Reporting the incident promptly not...
How To Get a Police Report for a Car Accident in Tampa
Car accidents can cause serious physical and financial harm, and you may need to file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit to recover your losses. If your crash was caused by another person’s negligence, a police report can help substantiate your claim for damages. Learn how to get a police report for a car...
When you are in a car accident, you may face pressure from another driver—especially one that caused the accident—to exchange information (or even just exchange money) and avoid calling the police. It is vital, however, that you call the police as soon as possible after reaching a safe location. Calling 911 After a Crash Is...