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.
Florida is like many other states when it comes to having an implied consent law. This law basically states that by having a state of Florida driver’s license, you agree, should you be suspected of DUI, to take a chemical test to determine your blood-alcohol level. While you legally have the right to refuse the...
Officer.com reported on the tragic death of a police captain with the Miami-Dade Police Department in an off-duty crash Sunday that also hospitalized his wife, who is in critical condition. Preliminary reports from the Broward Sheriff’s Office indicate the accident occurred in the 11800 block of Griffin Road in Cooper City, around 1:00 p.m. Sunday....
Most states have laws regarding when the driver or operator of a motor vehicle must yield the right of way to another vehicle. These can vary from state to state and depending on what types of vehicles are involved. For example, motor vehicles in Florida must typically always yield the right of way to bicyclists...
Not many people can argue the fact that seatbelts save lives. Despite this fact, in 2017, the national seatbelt use rate was 89.6%. This is an 11% increase from 2014, which is a sign that seatbelt use is headed in the right direction. Additionally, in 2017, 2,549 additional lives could have been saved in fatal...
Top 10 Car Accident Causes in Florida in 2012
In 2012, Florida experienced 281,340 traffic accidents involving 468,470 drivers, resulting in 2,430 fatalities, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. While some of these accidents were caused by unknown or unpredictable factors, the majority of them were preventable and occurred as a result of driver error. Below are the top...
Lower Back Pain Resulting from a Crash
Crashes happen every day and can lead to a plethora of injuries ranging from minor abrasions to severe injuries. One of the most common repercussions that arises from these incidents is lower back pain. If you’ve suffered from lower back pain as a result of a crash, you may be eligible to recover compensation for...
The Pros and Cons of New Auto-Digital Technologies
Google is investing a lot of time and money in auto-digital technologies, working toward making cars of the future a current-day reality. It has co-founded the Open Automotive Alliance (OAA), an industry group that includes car manufacturers working to integrate computer technologies (specifically Android) into automotive systems. Car-Based Software and the Open Automotive Alliance By...
Florida Is a No-Fault Insurance State: What This Means for You
If you are ever injured or someone you love is in a Florida car accident, you will want to make sure that you have adequate insurance coverage. States will vary in what insurance they require of drivers. Florida is a no-fault insurance state, which means that your insurance company steps in and pays your medical...
What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Hit and Run Accident in Florida?
Being involved in an accident where the other driver flees the scene is an unsettling experience with many questions about the next steps. One important consideration for victims is understanding the statute of limitations for filing a legal claim after a hit and run. The statute of limitations is the timeframe within which a person...
Following any type of accident, if you are emotionally and physically able, collecting evidence from the scene may prove useful when moving forward with legal action. Taking proactive measures to establish a connection between your financial losses and the collision at hand could mean the difference between a successful claim versus a denial. Some of...
In the aftermath of an auto accident in Boca Raton, it is important to do what you can to strengthen your potential personal injury case. This starts with obtaining a copy of the police report related to your accident. Law enforcement officers typically respond to traffic accidents and file a crash report, and this document...
Can You File A Lawsuit Against The Company If You Get In A Car Accident While In A Taxi In Florida?
Yes, you can file a lawsuit against the company if you get into a car accident while in a taxi in Florida. In most cases, the company’s insurance company will pay for medical bills and other damages following an accident. However, sometimes insurance companies try to deny claims or say they are not liable for...