Statistics show that someone dies in an alcohol-related motor vehicle crash every 32 minutes, and someone is non-fatally injured every two minutes. Last year, more than one million people were injured in alcohol-related traffic crashes. Drunk driving accidents are responsible for almost a third of all traffic-related deaths in the United States.

Florida residents should be aware that there is a significant number of alcohol related accidents and deaths on our roadways. In 2006, of all traffic fatalities, 29% involved a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher, with 959 fatalities. Attorney Joe McIntyre does not represent defendants charged with drunk driving, DUI or UBAL (unlawful blood alcohol). He only represents the injury victims of those accidents.

Often drunk drivers are repeat offenders and may cause death and/or injury to themselves and to other drivers, passengers and pedestrians. These drunk driving accidents can be complicated, especially when proving liability. In some cases, not only is the convicted driver liable, but bars, clubs and restaurants may also be held liable. Florida’s law relating to serving alcohol and drunk driving may allow the victim of drunk driving negligence to pursue the facility that served the alcohol. This law applies if a liquor-licensed facility served a minor or if they served an individual who was clearly intoxicated or who they knew was addicted to alcohol.

Many bars, restaurants and hotels purchase liability insurance to cover them if they are ever charged with negligence from an accident involving a customer or patron they served. This is one of the most important reasons that you need a drunk driving attorney in Florida. They can help you understand these details so you can collect the compensation the law allows.

In some situations, the host of a party could be considered liable if they allow a guest to continue drinking alcohol after it is clear they are intoxicated. For these reasons, one should always consider the potentially dire consequences of drinking and driving or allowing others to do so.

In Florida, drunk driving cases may include a criminal and a civil component. The criminal component is overseen by an Assistant State Attorney when criminal charges are made against the drunk driver. A civil case is allowed to proceed independently of the criminal case.

If you have been the victim of a drunk driver, you may be able to receive compensation for the damages or injuries you have suffered. You may be eligible if you are the passenger in the drunk driver’s car, in an affected vehicle, or a pedestrian injured in an accident. In order to ensure you are properly exploring your options in a drunk driving incident, contact Attorney Joe McIntyre for his insight and recommendation.