The state of Florida has laws concerning driving under the influence. In all cities, including Miami, the limit for a legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level is 0.08 percent. Anybody caught driving with a BAC above 0.08 percent faces being charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI).
However, this does not stop a number of people from drinking and driving.
If you were involved in a car accident with somebody who was driving while intoxicated, you need a Miami DWI accident lawyer to represent you and demonstrate that the other person was responsible due to his or her intoxication.
Facts About Drunk Driving
In many ways, the statistics of drunk driving are alarming and illustrate just how rampant a problem driving while intoxicated really is:
- There are more than 300,000 cases of drunk driving per day.
- Approximately 3,200 people are arrested for drunk driving per day.
- Twenty-seven people die in the United States every day due to drunk driving.
Drunk drivers tend to have fewer inhibitions and poorer judgment than drivers who are sober. Intoxicated drivers fail to obey the speed limit, ignore posted warning signs, and are often oblivious to any pedestrians and traffic around them.
In essence, drunk drivers are dangers not only to themselves, but also to everyone around them.
Risks of Drunk Driving
Good judgment is not a virtue exhibited by many drunk drivers. Drunk driving is an act of gross negligence.
For example, drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol may not realize they are weaving or swerving into oncoming traffic. Their impaired reaction times may not even allow them to see a pedestrian crossing the road until it is too late.
In most DWI car accident injury cases, it is readily apparent who was responsible for the accident. A Miami DWI accident lawyer can assist you in readying your case by gathering the evidence needed to prove the drunk driver’s negligence. This includes copies of the accident report and any medical records or breathalyzer tests showing the drunk driver’s BAC at the time of the accident.
Comparative Negligence and Drunk Driving
Like many states, Florida has adopted comparative negligence laws for evaluating fault in car accident cases. The judge’s decision will depend on how much blame is assigned to each involved party.
While you only need a majority of fault to be assigned to the drunk driver, any fault assigned to you will reduce your settlement amount proportionally. This emphasizes just how important a Miami DWI accident lawyer is to maximize the value of your claim, as an attorney can minimize your fault by fully demonstrating the other driver’s.
Speak with a Car Crash Lawyer in Miami
Being injured by a drunk driver can be one of the most infuriating experiences of a lifetime. Through no fault of your own, one person’s act of recklessness and poor judgment can change your life forever.
Hold the responsible party accountable by calling a Lavent Law Personal Injury Lawyer. Miami DWI accident lawyer at (305) 257-9464, and begin the process that may help bring some closure to an unfortunate event.