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.
While Tesla certainly has innovated the motor vehicle, offering fully electric vehicles that are stylish and perform well, they are not without problems. One of the first problems is that the “Autopilot” system, sometimes marketed as fully self-driving, is not. The company is facing numerous lawsuits and NHTSA scrutiny over the system, which may have...
Rollover crashes are one of the most dangerous kinds of crashes that can occur. While there are many factors that can contribute to a rollover crash, there are some noteworthy data that may explain why they occur. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, nearly half of all rollover crashes involved alcohol. Vehicles with...
Statistics reveal that most drivers will be involved in at least one accident in their lifetime. However, a little knowledge about the top causes of car accidents and how to avoid these situations may help you arrive home safely. There are about 350,000 car accidents in Florida each year. Speeding is one of the top...
Florida is a “no-fault” insurance state as it pertains to auto insurance liability. What this means is that every driver in Florida is required to carry a minimum of $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) that they must turn to in case of personal injury in an accident. There are exceptions to this law; such...
A broken or fractured rib is a very painful medical condition. When trauma to the chest occurs, a broken or fractured rib is a common result. Car accidents are one of the leading causes of trauma to the chest, and therefore one of the leading causes of broken ribs. If you need help recovering compensation...
Car safety seats for children play a vital role in protecting your kids when driving in the car. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) citing a 2011 study in Pediatrics, car seat use reduces the risk for death to infants by 71 percent, and for toddlers by 54 percent. Sadly though,...
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...
If you’ve been in a car accident and need assistance obtaining a police report, making changes to an incorrect police report or filing a personal injury case for damages, contact an attorney that can help. With a thorough understanding of car accident and personal injury law, the Ft. Lauderdale personal injury firm at Chalik &...
An Uber passenger may be within their legal rights to sue an Uber driver in the event of an accident. Although initial compensation would come from your Florida no-fault insurance policy, any costs that exceed your compensatory amount would be the responsibility of the at-fault driver. Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers can help you navigate...
If a car accident occurs and damages a vehicle (or other property) but does not require a police report (see criteria below), the driver of any vehicle involved in the collision must report the accident within the 10 days following the crash. This written report must be provided via a law-enforcement-approved form. When an Auto...
If you or someone you love suffered injuries in a golf cart accident, a Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer can hold the at-fault party accountable on your behalf. They will explain how fault is determined in this kind of accident and how your state defines negligence. Typically, the elements that constitute negligence can establish how fault...
In most cases, you have two years from the date of your car accident to claim injury in Florida. Florida’s statute of limitations establishes this time limit. Similarly, if you are pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit, the state gives you two years to file. Failing to file a lawsuit before the deadline can prevent you...