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.
Back in the earlier part of the 2000s, statistics indicated that as many as one person per day was killed in an accident attributed to a police chase. Police pursuits generate much media attention, and as such, many police departments had to implement pursuit policy changes. Some agencies, such as the NYPD, have enacted policies...
Roadway departure crashes, sometimes called run-off-road collisions, are frequently severe. Because most of these crashes occur at high speeds, they can cause catastrophic injury and even death. Typically, roadway departure accidents are caused by driver error. They have frequently been attributed to driving while intoxicated, distracted driving, overcorrecting, driving while drowsy, and speeding through a...
WFLA NBC Channel 8 On Your Side News reported recently that a Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputy is considered lucky to be alive after a terrifying motor vehicle accident along Interstate 4 on the evening of Friday, March 12, 2021. According to officials with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office as well as spokespeople from the...
According to the Insurance Information Institute, failure to yield was a top cause of traffic accidents. In 2016, failure to yield was the primary reason behind 3,659 accidents or 7% of all accidents. There are many reasons that a person may not yield to those with the right of way. One of the primary reasons...
Weather Proofing Your Car Can Decrease Accidents
How Can Rain-Related Crashes in South Florida Be Prevented? As fall is in full affect and winter weather is approaching, the first heavy rains and harsh weather can leave you feeling unprepared. It is easy to forget an umbrella when there is a chance of rain in the forecast, and it is also common to...
South Florida’s Deadliest Intersections
Several factors make for a dangerous intersection. The International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health reports that fatalities are more likely to occur at intersections where dense traffic allows little room for error while driving. Additional possible hazards include: High numbers of motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists. Poor visibility. Little signage or unclear road instructions....
To Ban or Not to Ban? This is the Question Facing Florida Legislatures
While it already may not make sense that Florida is one of the few states without a cell phone/texting ban while driving, it should make less sense now. The Sun Sentinel recently released a report indicating that, in several Florida cities and counties, fatal Florida car crashes took place due to careless and distracted driving....
Florida has a Move Over law
Have you ever zoomed by a car or a crash on the side of the highway without slowing down or moving over a lane? Many of us have; however, Florida has a Move Over law in place, and motorists are required to move over one lane if an emergency vehicle is on the side of...
What Is the Most Common Cause of Rear-End Collisions?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the most common cause of rear-end collisions is distracted driving. The second most common cause is following another vehicle too closely. If you were involved in a rear-end collision, you may wonder who is at fault. In most rear-end crashes, the driver in the rear vehicle...
Common Injuries Caused by Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions are one of the most frequent types of car accidents, often resulting in significant harm to those involved. Common injuries caused by rear-end collisions include whiplash, back injuries, and concussions, which can lead to chronic pain, mobility issues, and even long-term disabilities. The toll on victims can be overwhelming, affecting their quality of...
How To Get a Police Report for a Car Accident in Miami
If you were in a car accident in Miami, you could use information from the police report to support your insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. You may obtain a crash report for your car accident by filling out an online form, obtaining the report in person, or sending a request by mail. Learn how...
Can You File A Lawsuit Against A Rental Car Company For An Accident In Florida?
Yes, there are some situations where you can file a lawsuit against a rental car company for an accident in Florida. However, in most cases, the driver of the rental car has accepted responsibility for the vehicle. In these cases, they or their insurance company will be held liable for the car accident, not the...