Florida DUI Statistics + Tips for DUI Accident Victims
If you have been involved in a DUI accident, you are not alone. Many states across the country, including Florida, experience thousands of DUI accidents each year. DUI accident victims may face unique challenges when seeking compensation for their losses or injuries. Take a closer look at Florida DUI statistics and provide some useful tips for DUI accident victims looking to secure maximum financial restitution for their losses.
Florida Laws About Impaired Driving
The consequences for driving under the influence (DUI) can be extremely serious and can range from a suspension or revocation of your driver’s license to hefty fines, jail time, and even permanent damage to your criminal record.
According to Florida law, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle in the state of Florida with a blood alcohol content (BAC) level above 0.08%. If you are under 21 years of age, any amount of alcohol in your system can be grounds for a DUI conviction.
DUI penalties in Florida can be very severe, and it is important to know your rights if you have been involved in a DUI accident. If you or a loved one were involved in a DUI accident, you could have grounds for a car accident lawsuit or even a wrongful death case.
Florida DUI Statistics
While deaths associated with DUIs have gone down in Florida, the total number of accidents has increased. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), in 2021, there were 5,111 alcohol-confirmed crashes reported on Florida’s roads. The FLHSMV also reported 369 fatal alcohol-confirmed crashes and thousands of injuries from DUI accidents. In 2018, there were more than 32,000 DUI arrests in the state of Florida and 814 deaths.
Florida Cities With The Most DUIs
Are you wondering which Florida cities have the most DUI arrests? In 2021, these Florida cities topped the list:
- Sarasota
- Lakeland
- Jacksonville
- St. Petersburg
- Pensacola
Common Car Accident Injuries From Alcohol-Related Crashes
Car accident injuries from DUI accidents can range from minor to severe. Common car accident injuries associated with impaired driving include whiplash, broken bones, head and neck trauma, spinal cord injuries, internal organ damage, and even wrongful death. Even if you don't think you have any serious injuries after being hit by a drunk driver, it's highly recommended that you visit a healthcare professional right away to be evaluated.
Impacts of Impaired Driving in Florida
The consequences of DUI accidents can be devastating to those involved. Victims and their families may face financial burdens due to medical expenses, lost wages, or the cost of repairing damaged property. Expenses are even higher when dealing with alcohol-impaired driving fatalities. Drunk driving accident victims may also suffer emotional trauma as a result of the accident, including driving anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder.
Tips for Taking Legal Action as a DUI Accident Victim
If you have been involved in a DUI accident in Florida, you may be able to pursue legal action against the driver who was impaired at the time of the accident. It is important to seek out professional advice to understand your rights and build a strong case.
It is also important to act quickly, as there are certain deadlines that must be met in order for victims of DUI accidents in Florida to pursue legal action. Consulting an experienced attorney can help you understand the process and make sure all applicable deadlines are met. After an accident, injured parties have four years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit, and two years after that to pursue any appeals.
Don't Be A Statistic
Education on the consequences of impaired driving is important to prevent future incidents from occurring. Fatal traffic accidents and crashes involving an unlawful blood alcohol level are completely avoidable.
If you are hosting events where alcohol will be served, it may be beneficial to provide information on the risks of driving under the influence and encourage friends to plan ahead for transportation if they intend to drink. Even offering to get someone an Uber or Lyft could save lives by preventing impaired drivers from getting behind the wheel. This would help you and your loved ones stay safe after consuming any alcoholic beverages.
Stay Safe on the Road with a Florida DUI Attorney
By understanding Florida’s DUI laws, familiarizing yourself with the state’s DUI statistics, and taking steps to pursue legal action, you can protect your rights as a victim of a DUI accident in the state of Florida.
If you or a loved one have been involved in a drunk driving accident, contact a DUI lawyer as soon as possible for advice and assistance. At Lowman Law Firm, our Hernando County car accident attorneys can help guide you through the process of filing an injury claim and make sure that your rights are protected.
