A report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration revealed that in 2018 in Florida, there were 3,133 people killed in car accidents. 814 of those were caused by drunk drivers. In 2017, that number was 841 of 3,116 deaths. Even a first time DUI can have a huge impact in Florida. The fine is between $500 and $1000. Jail time can range between 8 hours and 6 months. There is also a mandatory 50 hours of community service. Probation can last for up to a year. In addition to these penalties, if the DUI involved an injury or death, the DUI can be charged as a felony.
The Tampa Bay Times reports that a Pasco man has been charged with DUI manslaughter after running a stop sign. 36-year-old Alan Thomas Jerdan is charged with the death of a 70-year-old Michigan man while he drove under the influence of drugs.
Jerdan allegedly ran a stop sign at 5:30 p.m. on Friday at the intersection of Lynbrook Drive and Old Lakeland Highway. Jerdan’s vehicle, a 2008 Lincoln MKZ hit the left side of a Ford F-150 that was being driven by Donn Mosier. The truck went into a spin and flipped over, ejecting Mosier. Mosier was not wearing a seat belt.
Mosier was rushed to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Jerdan has a previous DUI conviction from 2011. He is facing a charge of DUI manslaughter.
Florida Dram Shop Laws Dram shop laws refer to the statutes governing the liability of places that sell alcohol. In an accident, like a drunk driving accident, these laws can dictate whether you can file a lawsuit against the dram shop for serving the person who injured you. These laws differ by state, so Florida has its laws with...
How Many Accidents Are Caused by Drunk Driving? According to the most recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2019, 10,142 people died in drunk driving accidents nationwide. That equals about one fatality every 52 minutes. In 2019, Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) says that drunk driving caused 4,984 collisions, 351 of which were fatal. If you...
Punitive Damages in Florida DUI Accident Cases Drunk drivers can wreak havoc on Florida roads, causing serious, potentially life-threatening injuries and catastrophic property damage. A driver who gets behind the wheel with a blood alcohol level that exceeds the state’s limitations cannot safely operate their vehicle. They, and their insurance company, can be held accountable for their actions and your resulting expenses...
Uninsured Drunk Driving Accidents: How to Seek Compensation You can seek financial compensation after getting hit by an uninsured drunk driver. One of your first options is to seek benefits from your insurance policy. You can also sue the driver, who must pay you from their assets. A Fort Lauderdale drunk driving lawyer from our law firm can also determine if someone else is...