Sometimes car accidents are unavoidable. Road conditions aren’t always ideal, unexpected hazards arise, and even cars and their parts can malfunction. Accidents aren’t always the fault of another driver. However, when someone deliberately decides to drink and drive, it’s a much different story. They know that it’s a bad decision, and they know its potential consequences. Florida doesn’t take drinking and driving lightly, and neither should you. If you or a loved one were injured in a drunk driving accident, you have rights. An experienced Miami drunk driving car accident lawyer can help you navigate your way through this challenging period of life.
First and foremost, drunk driving is illegal. It is clearly addressed in Florida’s laws. Drivers behind the wheel with a blood alcohol content (BAC) level of 0.08 or higher are driving under the influence by legal definition. In fact, drivers with a lesser BAC who are experiencing a significant impairment the keeps them from driving safely can also be cited. A first conviction can come with a fine of between $500-$2000 and six months in jail. Suppose it wasn’t the driver’s first offense, or their BAC was even higher than 0.15. In that case, additional penalties will apply, such as community service and license suspension.
While those who drink and drive should face legal consequences, they, unfortunately, do not help their victims. Whether there is a criminal case pending or not, a seasoned Miami drunk driving car accident attorney can help you pursue justice and compensation for your injuries. Keep in mind that although criminal cases are kept entirely separate from personal injury civil cases, the outcome of a criminal case can sometimes influence the outcome of the civil case.
While you don’t need to worry about the deadlines and timeframes associated with drunk driving criminal charges, you should be aware of the Florida personal injury statute of limitations. This deadline gives those injured in an accident four years from the date of their injury to file a legal case. If they don’t do so within that time frame, they lose their rights to do so at all.
Even though Floridians know how dangerous drunk driving can be and that it’s against the law, many still get behind the wheel after having too many drinks. Those who aren’t convinced should consider these sobering statistics:
Impaired driving can cause many different types of crashes. While all have the potential to cause severe and fatal injuries, some are more likely to than others.
No matter what type of accident a drunk driver caused you to be involved in, you have rights and options that a Miami drunk driving car accident lawyer can help you protect. Your attorney can investigate the factors involved in your accident and hold the liable party accountable for the damages you incurred.
At the Iscoe Law Firm, we’ve seen firsthand the devastating and traumatic results of the decision to drink and drive. If you are experiencing the aftermath of such an accident, we are here for you. We offer complimentary case consultations with a Miami drunk driving car accident lawyer to everyone suffering injuries after a wreck with an impaired driver. To schedule your personalized, confidential consultation, contact us at 800-800-6500 or online today.