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.
Five Critical Tips for Parents of South Florida Teen Drivers
As a parent, you want to protect your child from danger; however, when your child starts learning how to drive, it can be a scary time. You may find yourself not wanting to hand over the keys to your teen driver and being fearful of your child driving without you. If you find yourself asking...
Top Rated Safe Cars for 2014: Raising the Bar on Safety Standards
Every year, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) ranks cars according to safety features and publishes its findings in a list, “Top Safety Picks,” a ranking that automakers covet. This year, it has toughened its standards in an attempt to get more auto manufacturers to begin using new safety technologies that will prevent crashes....
The Financial Responsibility Law in Florida
Anytime you go out on the road, you are at risk for an accident. In Florida, car accidents happen more frequently than almost any other place in the United States. It is important that you know how to protect yourself and what you need to do if you get in any kind of accident...
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....
What If You’re in an Accident With an Uninsured Driver?
If you get into an accident with an uninsured driver, don’t assume you have no options. In fact, you have several possible paths to compensation—insurance claims, lawsuits against the driver, or even cases against additional liable parties. Our Fort Lauderdale uninsured motorist accident lawyer can help you decide which path is right for you. Call Your...
How to Report a Hit and Run in Miami
To report a hit and run in Miami, you need to contact local law enforcement immediately by calling 911. Reporting the hit and run incident as soon as possible helps authorities locate the responsible driver, gets you in touch with emergency medical services, and protects your legal rights. If you have questions or need assistance...
When Are You Required to Report an Auto Accident in Florida?
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...
Most Dangerous Highways in Florida
The three most dangerous highways in Florida are reportedly Interstate 4, Interstate 95, and U.S. Route 1. These roads are dangerous because they are the sites of many fatal crashes. They all have high traffic volumes as throngs of vehicles travel across them daily. Those involved in accidents on Florida’s highways can seek compensation for...