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In the United States, someone dies from a drunk driving-related accident every 45 minutes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 11,000 people died in drunk driving crashes in 2020, marking a 14% increase in impaired driving fatalities from the previous year.
Unfortunately, Florida continuously ranks among the top three worst states for drunk driving, alongside California and Texas. According to auto insurance company Bankrate, these three states accounted for almost 30% of all alcohol-related deaths in the nation between 2008 and 2019.
Injured by a drunk driver? Contact the Law Office of J.J. Talbott to speak to one of our Pensacola drunk driving accident attorneys about your legal rights: (850) 437-9600.
In Florida, it is illegal for anyone to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. To be considered “under the influence,” an individual must be “deprived of full possession of normal faculties,” which is usually—but not always—measured by blood alcohol concentration (BAC).
Florida DUI laws prohibit the operation of a motor vehicle with the following BAC levels:
People who violate the state’s DUI laws face various criminal and administrative penalties, including jail or prison time, steep fines, driver’s license suspension or revocation, and mandatory installation of ignition interlock devices (IIDs). While these penalties can help deter motorists from getting behind the wheel while intoxicated, they do little to compensate victims of drunk driving accidents.
Consuming alcohol impairs various functions needed to safely operate a motor vehicle, such as coordination, alertness, judgment, and reaction time. As a result, drunk drivers are significantly more likely to cause car crashes than motorists who are not impaired. Additionally, drunk driving accidents are more likely to result in catastrophic injuries and deaths, as drunk drivers typically fail to take necessary actions to avoid a collision, such as braking.
For victims, the effects are devastating. Many suffer life-changing injuries, leading to extreme physical, psychological, and financial hardships.
Some of the most common injuries arising from impaired driving-related crashes include:
Tragically, many drunk driving accident victims do not survive. Families who are left behind may struggle to cope with the immense emotional and economic consequences of the loss.
Being involved in a drunk driving accident can be a traumatic experience, and understanding your legal rights is crucial for ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. At the Law Office of J.J. Talbott, we believe that victims should be fully informed about their options following such incidents. Here are some key points to consider:
If you or a loved one has been affected by a drunk driving accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to our experienced team. We’re here to help you navigate this challenging time with compassion and expertise.
At the Law Office of J.J. Talbott, we understand that navigating the aftermath of a drunk driving accident can be overwhelming. Our dedicated team of attorneys is committed to providing compassionate support and expert legal representation. Here’s why we stand out in Pensacola:
Choosing the right attorney can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Let us be your trusted advocates in this challenging time. Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward justice.
Being involved in a drunk driving accident can have devastating consequences, both physically and emotionally. Our experienced Pensacola attorneys at the Law Office of J.J. Talbott are dedicated to representing victims and their families who have been impacted by these tragic events. We understand the complexities of Florida DUI laws and will fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
When you choose our law firm to handle your case, you can expect:
At the Law Office of J.J. Talbott, our Pensacola drunk driving accident lawyers understand just how devastating these crashes are, both for victims and their families. We are here to help you seek justice. If you were injured or your loved one was killed by a drunk driver, you likely have grounds for a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. While no amount of financial compensation can undo the tragic events that have happened, a fair settlement or verdict can allow you to secure the financial resources needed to manage unexpected expenses so that you can begin to heal.
A drunk driving accident claim is a civil action, whereas a DUI case is a criminal one. Civil actions go through civil court, as opposed to criminal court, and allow the people who bring these claims (known as “plaintiffs”) to seek financial restitution for certain losses, or “damages,” they have sustained.
Common damages in drunk driving accident claims include:
Criminal DUI cases and civil drunk driving accident claims can proceed simultaneously. Additionally, the outcome of one case does not necessarily affect the outcome of the other, though a criminal DUI conviction can serve as strong evidence in a civil lawsuit.
In some cases, it may be possible to bring a lawsuit against an establishment or vendor that provided a drunk driver with alcohol before the crash, either in addition to or in place of filing a claim against the drunk driver.
Under Florida’s “dram shop” laws, an establishment or vendor can be held liable for injuries and damages caused by an intoxicated individual if:
Additionally, an establishment or vendor can only be held liable if the alcohol provided was meant for immediate consumption. This means that places like bars, taverns, restaurants, and certain venues could potentially be liable, whereas places like grocery stores or liquor stores cannot. And, unlike some states, Florida does not have a “social host” law, meaning you cannot hold a social host (i.e., someone who throws a party or has people over to their home) liable for injuries or damages caused by an intoxicated individual, even if the social host provided that individual with alcohol.
Drunk driving accident claims tend to fall outside Florida’s no-fault laws, as most drunk driving accident victims sustain catastrophic injuries that meet the state’s “serious injury” threshold. In other words, these cases are usually much more complex than standard car accident claims. It is very important that you work with an experienced attorney who can help you present evidence, negotiate with the insurance company, and seek fair compensation for all of your damages.
At the Law Office of J.J. Talbott, our Pensacola drunk driving accident attorneys have decades of combined experience and have recovered more than $100 million in compensation. We treat every client like a member of our family and every case as though it is our only one. When you hire our firm, you do not pay any upfront or out-of-pocket legal expenses. Instead, we only get paid if we recover a settlement or verdict on your behalf.
Contact our firm today at (850) 437-9600 to learn how we can help you with your case.
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Get in touch with our experienced legal team today. Whether you’re facing a legal issue or simply need professional advice, we’re here to listen, guide, and fight for your rights.
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