Car Accidents Caused by Drunk Driving

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a criminal offense that has claimed many lives and resulted in thousands of car accidents.

Summary

• Drunk driving accidents claim thousands of lives annually in the U.S., with over 13,000 deaths in 2021. This highlights the devastating impact of impaired driving.
• Common reasons for drunk driving include impaired judgment, overconfidence, social pressure, and lack of awareness about consequences or alternatives.
• Risks of drunk driving include reduced reaction time, poor decision-making, and impaired vision or perception, all of which increase the likelihood of accidents.
• Victims of drunk driving accidents often suffer severe injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, fractures, and internal injuries that may be life-threatening.
• Proving driver intoxication is essential in legal cases and is done using methods like field sobriety tests, breathalyzers, blood tests, and witness statements.

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Drunk driving accidents claim thousands of lives across the country every year. Even though people know the risks, they continue to get behind the wheel while impaired. This decision can have catastrophic consequences, both for the victim and the driver.

If you’ve suffered a severe injury or lost a loved one in an accident caused by an impaired motorist, please don’t hesitate to contact the Jones Law Group. We’ll do all we can to hold the drunk motorist responsible for their actions and help you obtain the compensation you deserve.

Use our online form or call (727) 571-1133 for a free consultation.

Drunk Driving Statistics

Statistics on DUIs paint a devastating picture of the impact of drunk driving crashes. In the United States, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that drunk driving accidents claim thousands of lives yearly.

More than 13,000 people died in 2021 because someone chose to drive while impaired. About 37 people died daily that year, with one fatality occurring every 39 minutes.

Why Do People Drive Drunk?

Several factors contribute to people driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Some common reasons include:

• Impaired judgment: Alcohol and drugs impair cognitive functions, leading individuals to make poor decisions, such as choosing to drive instead of finding an alternative means of transportation.

• Overconfidence: Intoxicated individuals often believe they’re less impaired than they actually are, leading them to underestimate the risks associated with drunk driving.

• Social pressure: Peer pressure or social situations where alcohol consumption is normalized can influence people to drive while intoxicated.

• Lack of awareness: Some individuals may not fully understand the consequences of drunk driving or be unaware of alternative transportation options.

Risks of Drunk Driving

Drunk driving poses significant risks to impaired drivers and others on the road: it is a completely preventable but common cause of car accidents. These are just a few of the more dangerous consequences of alcohol-impaired driving.

Reduced Reaction Time

Alcohol consumption slows down the central nervous system, including the brain’s ability to process information and send signals to the body. The CDC’s report on impaired driving shows alcohol leads to a significant reduction in reaction time.

This makes it difficult for an intoxicated driver to respond promptly to unexpected situations on the road. For example, impaired reflexes may hinder their ability to brake or swerve to avoid a collision, increasing the likelihood of an accident.

Decreased Judgment

Intoxication impairs a person’s cognitive functions, including their ability to make sound judgments and decisions. This can result in risky behaviors while driving, such as aggressive driving and road rage, speeding, tailgating, changing lanes without proper signaling, or running red lights and stop signs.

Alcohol affects people’s inhibitions, leading them to take dangerous risks they would otherwise avoid when sober. 

Impaired Vision and Perception

Alcohol consumption affects various aspects of vision and perception, which are crucial for safe driving. It impairs visual acuity, making it more challenging to see clearly and distinguish fine details.

For example, impaired drivers find it hard to read road signs, identify pedestrians or cyclists, or detect hazards in low-light conditions. 

Injuries Caused by Drunk Driving Accidents

Drunk driving accidents often result in severe car accident injuries and fatalities. The specific injuries can vary depending on the circumstances of the crash, but common injuries include the following:

Traumatic Brain Injuries

A traumatic brain injury occurs when the head experiences a significant impact or sudden jolt, leading to damage to the brain. In drunk driving accidents, the force of the collision can cause the head to strike the steering wheel, dashboard, or other objects inside the vehicle.

The consequences of this brain injury can last for the rest of a victim’s life.

Spinal Cord Injuries

High-impact car accidents caused by drunk driving can result in damage to the spinal cord. This damage can lead to temporary or permanent loss of motor function and sensation below the injury site. Spinal cord injuries are considered a type of catastrophic injury.

Broken Bones and Fractures

The force generated in a car accident caused by a drunk driver can cause bones to break or fracture. The impact can be severe enough to result in multiple fractures throughout the body.

Fractures can cause excruciating pain and limited mobility. Victims may need surgery to align and stabilize the bones for proper healing. 

Internal Injuries

The blunt force trauma experienced during a drunk driving accident can also lead to internal injuries. These injuries may include damage to organs. Internal bleeding can be life-threatening if not promptly identified and treated. Internal injuries may not always be immediately apparent.

Instead, their symptoms may develop gradually after the accident. It’s crucial to seek medical attention following a drunk driving accident to ensure that any internal injuries are diagnosed and treated promptly to avoid complications from delayed car accident injuries.

How to Prove a Driver Was Intoxicated

Proving that a driver was intoxicated during an accident is crucial for legal proceedings. Some standard methods used to establish intoxication include:

• Field sobriety tests: Police officers often conduct standardized tests to determine a driver’s physical coordination and impairment.

• Breathalyzer tests: Breathalyzer devices measure blood alcohol concentration (BAC) by analyzing a person’s breath sample. Results above the legal limit can indicate intoxication.

• Blood tests: In some cases, authorities may conduct blood tests to determine the presence and concentration of alcohol or drugs in a driver’s system.

• Observations and witness testimonies: Eyewitnesses to the accident or individuals who interacted with the driver before the incident may provide valuable information about their behavior, such as slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, or the smell of alcohol.

Steps to Take After a Drunk Driver Hits You

Taking the following steps will be essential if you are involved in an accident caused by a drunk driver. Keeping these tips in mind will help your health and also help improve your chances of winning your case.

• Ensure your safety: Move to a safe location, away from traffic if possible, to avoid further harm.

• Seek medical attention: Even if you don’t exhibit immediate signs of injury, it’s essential to get a medical evaluation to identify any hidden injuries that may manifest later.

• Contact law enforcement: Report the accident to the police, providing them with accurate information about the incident and the suspected intoxication of the other driver.

• Gather evidence: Take photos of the accident scene, the damage to the vehicles involved, and any visible injuries for evidence in your car accident case. Obtain contact information from witnesses, if possible.

• Do not confront the other driver: Avoid engaging in arguments or confrontations with the intoxicated driver, as it could escalate the situation.

• Notify your insurance company: Inform your insurance provider about the car accident caused by drunk driving, providing them with all the necessary details and documentation.

• Contact an attorney ASAP: Seek an experienced car accident lawyer with a track record of success helping victims of drunk driving accidents. They can guide you through the legal process and help you seek compensation for your injuries and damages.

FL Drunk Driving Accident Victims Can Benefit From Hiring Jones Law Group

When dealing with the aftermath of a drunk driving accident, having skilled Florida car accident attorneys can make all the difference in securing the compensation you deserve.

Extensive Knowledge of Drunk Driving Laws

At Jones Law Group, our lawyers have a detailed understanding of Florida’s traffic and DUI laws. We know the intricacies of how these laws impact your case and use this knowledge to build strong legal arguments. Our experience ensures that you’re positioned for the best possible outcome in your claim.

Skilled Negotiators with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies often try to minimize or deny claims, especially in drunk driving cases involving catastrophic personal injuries. Our car crash attorneys are seasoned negotiators who know the tactics insurers use. We fight to ensure you receive fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

Proven Track Record of Results

Our lawyers have a history of success in representing clients in drunk driving accident cases. Our reputation for achieving favorable settlements and verdicts speaks to our dedication and skill. When you choose Jones Law Group, you are partnering with a firm that can deliver results for its clients.

Personalized Attention and Support

At Jones Law Group, you aren’t just another case file. Our attorneys take the time to understand your unique situation and tailor their approach to meet your needs. We provide compassionate guidance throughout the process.

We’ll keep you informed and uphold your rights every step of the way. You can trust us to ensure that the insurer values your personal injury claim fairly.

Resources to Build Strong Cases

Drunk driving accident cases often require substantial evidence, such as eyewitness accounts, police reports, and expert testimony. Jones Law Group has the resources and connections to gather and present compelling evidence to strengthen your case. This thorough preparation is key to holding the responsible parties accountable.

Contact Jones Law Group to Speak with a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Injured car accident victims need lawyers to represent their interests after a collision caused by drunk driving. Jones Law Group has a team of skilled attorneys ready to protect your rights and help you get every dollar you have coming.

Schedule a free case review by calling (727) 571-1133 or contacting us online.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the legal BAC limit in Florida?

According to Florida DUI law, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08% for drivers aged 21 and older. For commercial drivers, the limit is lower at 0.04%. Meanwhile, drivers under 21 must adhere to a zero-tolerance policy with a BAC of 0.02% or higher being a violation.

Can I lose my driver’s license for drunk driving?

Yes, drunk driving can result in the suspension of your driver’s license in Florida. Penalties include license suspension of at least six months for a first offense, with harsher penalties for repeat violations or if your BAC was significantly over the legal limit.

Is drunk driving a criminal offense?

Absolutely, drunk driving is considered a criminal offense in Florida. It’s treated as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on factors like prior offenses or accidents leading to serious injuries or fatalities.

How much does a car accident lawyer cost?

Car accident lawyers at Jones Law Group work on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t owe us anything upfront; instead, the legal fee will come as a percentage of the settlement or court award we secure for you.