Drinking and getting behind the wheel of a vehicle is one of the leading causes of car accidents in the United States. Alcohol related accidents are unforgivable because they could have been prevented by having a designated driver or by not driving a car while intoxicated. In Florida, a driver can be charged with a DUI (driving under the influence) if the individual operating a motor vehicle has a blood alcohol level of .08 or higher.
It’s important to note that in addition to the drunk driver being responsible for causing an accident and injuries, drinking establishments may also at times be held responsible. When drinking establishments sell, serve or provide alcohol to an obviously intoxicated person — someone who was intoxicated to the extent that he presented a clear danger to himself and others — the drinking establishment can be legally just as responsible as the drunk driver.
Many drunk driving accidents in Florida involve two or more vehicles. However, alcohol related accidents could also involve
- Pedestrians
- Trucks
- Motorcycles
- Bicyclists
- Boats
Alcohol related accident could cause serious and permanent
injuries including but not limited to:
- Broken Bones
- Head Injury
- Neck Injury
- Back Injury
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Brain Injury
- Wrongful Death
A drunk driver has the same duty of care as a sober driver. Intoxication is not a legal defense to failing to act as a reasonable driver would. The very act of driving under the influence is enough to prove that the driver is negligent.
If you or a loved on has been injured in a drunk driving accident, seek medical care immediately. Then contact the Law Offices of Randy C. Botwinick. Our firm has successfully represented and fought for clients in countless drunk driving car accident claims.