Bradenton Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one was involved in an accident with a drunk driver, you need to speak with a Bradenton car accident lawyer right away. Some accidents are unavoidable, such as vehicle malfunctions or changing weather conditions. Unfortunately, drivers on the road who have been drinking or taking drugs are far more common than you might think. These people know the possible consequences but choose to get behind the wheel anyway.
At The Cahill Law Firm, we understand how frustrating and stressful dealing with an accident claim is, especially when it involves a drunk driver. Florida has harsh penalties for people who get behind the wheel after drinking. Let our Bradenton drunk driving accident lawyers help protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Florida Statistics on DUI Accidents
In 2019, there were nearly 5,000 accidents involving alcohol, with 378 deaths across Florida. Of the fatal accidents, 205 drivers were confirmed to be under the influence of alcohol, 250 under the influence of drugs, and 220 under the influence of both drugs and alcohol.
Florida DUI Laws
Like other states, Florida’s legal limit for Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is 0.08%. Someone who drinks and gets behind the wheel of the car while their BAC is 0.08% or higher could be charged with a DUI. For a first time DUI conviction, offenders are looking at penalties such as:
- Up to six months in jail
- Driver’s license suspension, minimum six months or up to a year if the person refuses the breathalyzer test (even if they were acquitted in court)
- Fine
- Up to one year of probation
- 12 hours of DUI school
- 50 hours of community service
Any drunk driver who has a child in the car and causes an accident that results in someone else’s death could be facing much harsher conditions.
Drivers who were under 0.08% could also receive a DUI citation if their normal faculties were impaired. In that case, they could receive a hefty fine and up to six months in jail.
While these criminal penalties are warranted, they don’t necessarily help you as the injured car accident victim. That’s one reason to contact a Bradenton car accident lawyer who can help.
Florida’s Dram Shop Laws
Florida also has something known as the Dram Shop Law. Dram shop laws typically hold establishments, social hosts, and vendors liable for accidents when someone is over-served alcohol. However, Florida’s dram shop law is different. The host or establishment would only be held accountable if they served someone underage or someone who has a known alcohol addiction.
Common Injuries in a Drunk Driver Accident
Injuries in a typical DUI accident can include any combination of the following:
- Whiplash
- Broken bones
- Strains, sprains, and tears
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Internal injuries
- Skull fractures
- Other neck and back injuries
Even if you think your injuries are minor, you should seek medical treatment right away. You could have internal injuries that are not immediately apparent.
Contact a Bradenton Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
If you were hit by a drunk driver in Florida, don’t attempt to handle the claim independently. Instead, contact The Cahill Law Firm to schedule an initial consultation. Let us put our knowledge and experience to work for you and help you hold the drunk driver responsible for your injuries.
