South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog

According to Governor Rick Scott, December is "National Drunk and Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Month." During this time, local and state officers are on our roadways in search of intoxicated drivers through the holiday season. The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) and thousands of other local law enforcement departments are also pushing the national "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign, according to WCTV. The campaign began last week and is running through January 2nd, and is aimed at helping to decrease the risks of drunk driving car accidents in Boynton Beach and elsewhere throughout the state.

Drug-impaired and alcohol-impaired accidents are some of the deadliest ones, especially during the last part of every year and through the holidays. In 2010, nearly 40 percent of car accidents during the New Year's and Christmas holiday periods were alcohol-related.

Our Boynton Beach drunk driving car accident lawyers understand that FHP Reserve and Auxiliary troopers also will be patrolling our roadways throughout the rest of the year. With the holiday season, residents and visitors venture out to gather with family and friends to celebrate the holidays. Many of these gatherings involve alcohol, and all too often drivers hop behind the wheel of a motor vehicle after drinking.

"Safety is our focus year round at DOT. But this holiday season, we're stepping up our efforts to get drunk drivers off our roads and reminding Americans 'drive sober, or get pulled over,' " said USDOT Secretary Ray LaHood. "We're making gains in our fight against drunk driving, but we cannot and will not let up."

FHP is asking drivers to practice the following safety tips to avoid a drunk-driving accident:

-Plan head. If you're going to go out drinking, make sure that you have a sober driver who can get you home safely.

-Designated driver doesn't mean someone who is "less drunk" than you. It's someone who has had nothing to drink.

-If you've been drinking and you don't have a sober driver, call a friend or family member to help get your home, call a cab, use mass transit or stay at a hotel or friend's home.

-If you think you've spotted someone on our roadways who is drunk, dial *FHP (*347) to help to get them off the road. You can also use this number to request assistance if your car has broken down.

"Impaired driving continues to be a priority for law enforcement in the state, and the Florida Highway Patrol will be intensifying enforcement during the holidays," said FHP Director, Col. David Brierton. "Our goal is to create the safest possible driving environment by modifying driver behavior - and helping drivers make better decisions."

We ask all drivers to be cautious at the wheel and to be patient with the heightened volume of traffic. Practice responsible driving habits and ring in the near year injury free.

Continue reading "FHP Joins National Campaign to Reduce Risks of Drunk-Driving Car Accidents in Boynton Beach and Elsewhere through Holidays" »

More than 6.000 teenagers are killed because of alcohol-related car accidents in Hollywood, Florida, and elsewhere every year. The consumption of alcohol contributes to more fatalities among this age group than all illegal drugs combined.

To help reduce the risks of these types of accidents, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is teaming up with the National Football League (NFL) in an attempt to urge teenagers to pledge to never drink and drive and to never ride with a driver who has been drinking. To reward those who are responsible and those who take the pledge, MADD and the NFL are offering official NFL prizes. All you have to do is visit MADD’s Power of You(th) Facebook page, sign the pledge and invite your friends to do the same. Children and other young people between the age of 12 and 21 are eligible to win.

Our Hollywood teen car accident attorneys understand that car accidents are the number one cause of death for teens in the United States. Many of these accidents can be prevented by talking to our young drivers and discussing the consequences of irresponsible behavior behind the wheel. As a matter of fact, drivers who are 16-years-old have the highest accident rate of any age group of drivers. They're three times more likely to get into an accident than any other group. Frequently discussing the dangers that drivers face on our roadways and the proper way to handle them can help our young drivers to navigate more safely behind the wheel.

In 2008, nearly 2,750 teens died in car accidents on U.S. roadways. These accidents cost the country nearly $35 billion for property damage, medical costs and other various costs, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

Of these fatalities, more than 30 percent were killed in a traffic accidents in which they had been intoxicated, about a quarter of them were considered legally drunk.

Why are teens at such high risks for fatal accidents?

-They are more likely to underestimate roadway dangers than older drivers.

-They're more likely to exceed the speed limit.

-They're more likely to follow the vehicle in front of them too closely, or tailgate.

-When passengers are present in the vehicle, drivers are likely to increase their display of risky behavior behind the wheel.

-Teens have the lowest rate of seat belt use.

In a recent survey, nearly a third of all surveyed teens admitted to riding with a driver who had been drinking alcohol within the last 30 days. A tenth of those who were surveyed admitted to drinking alcohol at least once in the last 30 days.

Although teenagers may not be able to drink legally in the U.S., it doesn't mean they're not going to. Remember to talk to the young drivers in your life about the dangers, risks and consequences of both driving drunk and riding with an intoxicated driver.

Continue reading "MADD and the NFL Team Up to Prevent Drunk Driving-Related Teen Car Accidents in Hollywood and Elsewhere" »

A St. Lucie car accident landed a man with charges of manslaughter after a laundry list of previous drunk driving convictions, according to the TC Palm. The accident happened on King's Highway just south of St. Lucie Boulevard and took the life of a 63-year-old woman, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The man has been in the St. Lucie County jail after he was charged with leaving the scene of an accident with property damage. According to Sheriff Deputies, the man was driving his car and hit a number of mailboxes on Godwin Road and Orange Avenue before slamming his car head-on into the vehicle of that 68-year-old woman. According to most recent reports, he remains in jail on a $1 million bond.

Our St. Lucie car accident attorneys understand that drunk driving accidents occur more frequently during the holidays than during any other time of the year. Thanksgiving is no different. Motorists are asked to be careful on our roadways and to please drink responsibly. Drunk driving-related car accidents are completely preventable with a little bit of common sense and responsibility. If you think you've spotted a drunk driver on out roadways during the Thanksgiving holiday or any other day of the year, you're urged to call *FHP and report the information. Your call could save a life.

Most people think that New Year's Eve is the number one night for drunk driving accident, but those people would be wrong. New Year's Eve comes in second after Thanksgiving, according to Life Tips.

We all know that Thanksgiving is time to spend with friends and family, but all too often people think this time spent is best spent drinking. At this year's Thanksgiving celebration consider giving thanks to friends, family, good health and making sure that everyone makes it home safely.

We're not saying you aren't allowed to drink over the holiday. We're just asking that you do so responsibly. That's why Budweiser and the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety will be pushing their "Tow to Go" program through Thanksgiving and the rest of the holiday season. The program launched back in 1998 and has since then taken nearly 14,000 drunk drivers off of our roadways.

Everyone's allowed to participate in the program and you can use it to have your vehicle towed home from a restaurant or bar for free if you've had too much to drink. All you have to do is call 1-800-AAA-HELP (4357). The program is offered to drivers in Florida, West and Middle Tennessee as well as Georgia.

“The busiest time for the Tow to Go program is during the upcoming holiday season when more than 70 percent of the call volume is received,” said Joanna Newton, Tow to Go program manager, The Auto Club Group.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, there were more than 12,000 citations issued and nearly 4,000 motorists assisted over the 2010 Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Officers made more than 120 arrests during this time and busted roughly 5,000 drivers for speeding. Another 1,500 were cited for not wearing a seat belt. More than 20 motorists died.

From our Firm to your family, have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving. Celebrate responsibly.

Continue reading "Drunk Driving Car Accidents in St. Lucie Expected to Spike During Thanksgiving Weekend" »

Serving alcohol at drive-thru restaurants could increase the risk of DUI accidents in Fort Lauderdale. Yet Sonic Drive-In has been playing around with the idea of offering three types of bottles draft beer and 10 varieties of wine to their menu for customers who eat on the patio.

The Sonic in Homestead was recently approved by City Council members to be the first of the chain’s 3,500 restaurants to offer alcoholic beverages. The restaurant is located at 2425 NE Eighth St. in Homestead.

Our Miami personal injury attorneys understand that battling drunk drivers is tough enough as it is. Add drive-thru alcohol availability and the risk increases. A number of fast food chains have experimented with the idea in previous years, but this is the first to do so in our area.

“They’re trying so much to stay in business and find new things for customers,” said Richard Turner, a spokesman for the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “What’s amazing about the American consumer is their needs are always changing.”

Restaurants that will serve alcohol will only provide it to customers who are eating on the patio.

“For consumers, it’s basically about having it your way — even if it’s having a beer with your burger,” states Ron Paul, president at Technomic, a restaurant consulting firm.

In Florida, it’s illegal to have an open alcoholic beverage in a car, even if it’s parked, according to The Miami Herald.

“We think it's irresponsible to have someone drive up and we hand a beer out the window,” said Johnny Winton, one of the franchise owners. “That doesn’t make sense at all. We’re trying to have a family-friendly atmosphere out on that patio.”

Nearly 11,000 people were killed in traffic accidents that involved an impaired driver in 2009 alone. These accidents made up more than 30 percent of the total traffic accidents in the United States. Innocent motorists are oftentimes killed in these preventable accidents. During that year, more than 200 children age 14 and younger were killed in these accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. However, those ages 21- to 24-years-old had the highest percentage of drivers involved in fatal drunk driving accidents. Florida witnessed nearly 1,000 traffic fatalities in 2009 because of traffic accidents that involved an intoxicated driver.

For the time being, drivers are asked to practice safe driving habits and to remain sober behind the wheel, regardless of who've serving your dinner.

Continue reading "Drunk Driving Accidents Expected to Increase with Alcohol-Serving Fast Food Chains" »

With the excitement of the Heat participating in the NBA playoffs and baseball season in full swing, it is probably a good time to remind motorists to drink responsibly at the game in an effort to avoid a drunk driving accident in Miami or elsewhere in South Florida.

Our personal injury lawyers in Fort Lauderdale enjoy a good game as well as the next person. But we also understand that far too many fans try to drive home while intoxicated. Affording the hefty price of beer at stadiums and arenas is one thing. Don't think for a second you can afford to drink and drive and risk the chance of killing someone in a drunk driving accident.

Earlier this year, the University of Minnesota completed a study on fans at sporting events and the amount of alcohol that was in their system as they left the stadium. Bloomberg Businessweek reported that the study found that 1 in 12 fans who were tested were legally drunk. The study used two different sports venues, though did not announce which ones. They tested the blood alcohol concentration of a total 382 willing participants following a total of 16 professional football or baseball games. Of those tested, 8 percent of fans were found over the legal limit when given the breathalyzer test. In addition, the fans who tailgated prior to the game were 14 times more likely to leave the game intoxicated than fans who didn't tailgate before the game. One in four tailgaters responded that they had at least 5 alcoholic drinks while hanging out before the game. The study found that older fans over the age of 35 were 9 times less likely to be drunk than someone who was under 35.

An interesting note about the respondents, only an average of 20 fans volunteered after each game and the majority of participants were male. A small percentage of respondents, only 14 percent were age 51 or over while 55 percent were between the ages of 21 and 35.

I am sure everyone has attended a sporting event at least once with an annoying fan who is wasted beyond belief. The alarming thing about this particular study is that sports venues are filled with tens of thousands of fans. If 8 percent of fans who leave the arena are intoxicated and they try to drive home at the same time, the odds are pretty good that someone will be involved in a drunk driving accident.

Unfortunately, CF News 13 reports that it isn't only drunk drivers we need to be concerned about. Alcohol-related incidents like vandalism and assault occur quite frequently inside the stadium when fans have had too much to drink.

The article suggests that fans should do the following to avoid becoming a statistic:

-In Florida, heat can lead to dehydration so drink water in between each alcoholic beverage.

-Be sure to eat plenty of food while you drink. Not only does it fill you up but it keeps you hydrated and slows your ability to drink more.

-If you drink, know your limit and cut yourself off well before you reach it. If you have had too much to drink, ask a responsible party to drive you home or sit with you in the parking lot long after the game has ended.

Continue reading "Sporting Events a High Risk for Drunk Driving Accidents in Fort Lauderdale, Miami" »

The Miami Herald recently reported the arrest of a Fort Lauderdale man accused of causing the death of a Miami Heat dancer in a DUI accident last September.

Our drunk driving accident attorneys in Fort Lauderdale understand the pain and anguish a victim's family endures in the wake of a fatal drunk driving accident. Too often, these crashes claim the lives of innocent victims who had the misfortune of being in the way of a driver who climbed behind the wheel after having too much to drink.

Drunk driving accidents in Miami, West Palm Beach and elsewhere in the state are a daily occurrence. In fact, Broward Palm Beach New Times reports that accidents involving drunk drivers kill and average of 3 people a day in Florida.

From 2005 to 2009, over 5,700 Florida residents died in alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes. During that same time period, Broward County averaged 70 fatalities per year in drunk driving accidents. This was second only to Miami-Dade County which averaged 80 alcohol-related deaths during that time period.

According to the Sun Sentinel, the man recently charged for the death of the dancer was alleged to have a blood alcohol content of 3 times the legal limit at the time of the crash. His blood level measured at .24 in the first blood sample taken within 90 minutes of the crash according to police. He confessed to officers that he was at the mall where he had consumed two vodka drinks, authorities report. Contradicting his story, surveillance cameras from local businesses show that he and a friend were seen getting drinks approximately 6 different times from bars at 2 mall locations. The victim, riding a Suzuki sport motorcycle was struck by a Mercedes-Benz on East Sunrise Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale. The victim was thrown more than 100 feet and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The distraught family, after finding out the man charged was released on bond the following day, wants to see justice served according to Bradenton. Believing in the system is the only hope they have to keep drunk drivers off the streets. This tragedy has changed the lives of several but sending a message to not drink and drive can prevent other families from enduring another senseless tragedy.

Continue reading "Man charged in Fort Lauderdale drunk driving accident that claimed life of Miami Heat dancer" »

As students in cold-weather climates begin to make their plans for Spring Break, Florida motorists are reminded, it's that time of year again. Florida remains a hot spot for spring break itineraries which can only mean there will start to be an influx of young tourists on roadways the next few months.

As we continue on with our series of topics related to driver safety from President's day through Spring Break, we focus on drunk driving. Other related topics are speeding, aggressive driving, distracted driving, teen and elderly driving.

Drunk driving is a dangerous behavior year around, but especially this time of year when you have so many students descending upon South Florida. Our Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers hold their breath this time of year as they see the frequency of South Florida drunk driving accidents rise.

In 2009, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that drunk driving claimed the lives of more than 10,000 motorists. Nationally, 32% of traffic fatalities for the year were alcohol related.

Florida was over the national average, reporting 904 fatalities, or 35%, where at least one driver tested with a .01 BAC level. Alarmingly, 21% of fatalities occurred in Florida when the driver tested at a level of .15 or higher which is almost double the legal limit.

The Fatality Analysis Reporting System used by the NHTSA reported March as the second most dangerous month when it comes to crashes involving alcohol.

Spring Breakers are reminded of the following safety tips that can keep Florida roadways safer:

-Know your limit. Too much alcohol consumption can only lead to bad things so know when you have enough.

-Designate a driver if you plan to bar hop with a car. Law enforcement is on high alert during the months of February-April and getting caught driving under the influence has serious consequences. Not to mention the dangers.

-Refrain from engaging in dangerous situations in a car, bar, or bedroom where alcohol is involved.

-Recognize the symptoms of alcohol poisoning. Seek medical attention immediately if symptoms are detected.

-Never accept a drink from someone you don't know.

Continue reading "Spring Break dangerous time for drunk driving car accidents in Fort Lauderdale " »

We all know that drinking and driving is a lethal combination. It should not be a shock to anyone to know that drinking while using drugs, legal or not, is just as dangerous. It’s a fact that driving under the influence substantially increases the chances of a car accident in St. Lucie or Fort Lauderdale.

A report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration illustrates the risks associated with using drugs and driving. The data representing 2005 to 2009 showed a gradual increase in drivers testing positive for drugs after a fatal crash. In 2005 the positive test results were 13%, the next year 15%, in 2007 it was 16% and the last two years it was 18%.

The NHTSA wants it to be clear that drugs connected to the driver did not mean that the drugs were the cause of the accident or that the driver was impaired. Drug types that were found included illegal, physician prescribed and over the counter. Examples included stimulants, inhalants, depressants and steroids.

What would help the drug testing effort is to establish a consistent practice at the state level. Set standards for which drugs should be tested for and what level for each drug would be considered an impaired amount.

Our bodies react to drugs in all kinds of different ways. Some make us tired, slow our reactions and decrease our concentration level. Opposing drugs make us super hyper and cause us to over react to a situation. None of these behaviors are favorable when mixed with driving. Friends Drive Sober documented some interesting facts on the effects of drugs and driving:

-Taking 10mg of Valium is equal to driving with a BAC of .10.

-You should wait at least 10 hours after taking an antidepressant before you drive.

-A lot of over the counter antihistamines, decongestants and allergy medications slow concentration, decrease reaction time and cause drowsiness.

As a result, law enforcement in 46 states (over 6,000 officers) has been trained on the recognition of symptoms of a driver impaired by drugs. Before risking getting pulled over, or worse, let's all be careful when taking any kind of medication. Check the label and ask your doctor of its effects on the ability to operate a motor vehicle.

Continue reading "Drug effects can result in car accidents in St. Lucie, Fort Lauderdale" »

Authorities are set to put an increased emphasis on the risks associated with driving while under the influence of drugs, as we enter the holiday season.

Our St. Lucie personal injury lawyers and wrongful death attorneys frequently post about the dangers of drinking and driving. What gets less attention, is the risk of driving while under the influence of drugs, whether prescription medication, illegal narcotics or over-the-counter medicine. Motorists will be at increased risk of car accidents in Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and elsewhere in South Florida through the remainder of the holiday season.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reports an 11 percent increase in drug-related crashes last year and a 19 percent increase in resulting injuries.

Those statistics agree with what the federal government is seeing on a national level, where the number of drivers to test positive for drugs after a fatal accident has increased from 13 percent to 18 percent in the last five years.

More than half of the 34 fatal accidents at New Year's last year involved a driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs. An additional 28 motorists were killed in Florida car accidents over the four-day Christmas holiday. Nationwide, 3,952 of the 21,798 drivers fatally injured last year tested positive for drugs. However, fewer than 14,000 were even tested, making the positive rate 18 percent for those drivers who were tested.

"Every driver on the road has a personal responsibility to operate his or her vehicle with full and uncompromised attention on the driving task," said NHTSA Administrator David Strickland. "Today’s report provides a warning signal that too many Americans are driving after having taken drugs, not realizing the potential for putting themselves and others on the highway at risk."

The government notes that not everyone with drugs in their system was driving impaired. Unlike alcohol, drugs can remain in the system for days or even weeks after being ingested. And it's not just illegal narcotics the government is worried about, prescription drugs and over-the-counter medication can also lead to driver impairment.

"While it’s clear that science and state policies regarding drugs and driving are evolving, one fact is indisputable. If you are taking any drugs that might impair your ability to drive safely, then you need to put common sense and caution to the forefront, and give your keys to someone else. It doesn’t matter if its drugs or alcohol, if you’re impaired, don’t drive," Administrator Strickland warned.

Continue reading "Authorities cracking down on Fort Lauderdale car accidents caused by drivers under the influence of drugs" »

The drunk driving manslaughter trial of former Yankee star Jim Leyritz -- which ended last week in a not-guilty verdict in a Broward County courtroom -- illustrates the difference between criminal and civil liability.

A victim may seek damages for injuries stemming from a drunk driving accident in Fort Lauderdale, regardless of whether the defendant is ever convicted of a crime. In this case, a wrongful death settlement was reached for the $250,000 policy limits and Leyritz has agreed to pay the widow and the couple's son $1,000 a month for 100 months beginning next year.

Leyritz, a former pro baseball player, was acquitted this week of DUI manslaughter charges, which could have sent him to prison for 15 years. He was found guilty of first-offense DUI, which carries a maximum penalty of 6 months in jail. This case is an important reminder that a driver does not have to be found criminally negligent to be held civilly responsible.

In fact, an at-fault driver does not have to be identified at all. In cases where a hit-and-run accident causes injury, or when an at-fault driver is an uninsured or underinsured motorist, an experienced attorney may be able to help you collect damages from your own insurance carrier.

The 46-year-old was accused of running a red light while out celebrating his 44th birthday with friends. The accident, which occurred three days after Christmas 2007, killed the 30-year-old mother as she was on her way home from her job as a bartender.

Nor did the alleged negligence of the victim in this case prevent her family from reaching a wrongful death settlement. Defense lawyers argued she was drunker than Leyritz, may have been speeding and was receiving text messages and phone calls in the moments before the accident.

Those seriously injured in a traffic accident should always consult a Fort Lauderdale injury lawyer to discuss their rights. Too often, a victim fails to take the steps necessary to protect his or her rights in the wake of a serious or fatal accident.

Continue reading "Leyritz case illustrates difference in civil and criminal liability for Fort Lauderdale drunk driving accidents" »

The tragic deaths of four members of an Orlando family in a Florida drunk driving accident is a stark reminder of how far Florida has to go in preventing the senseless tragedies that frequently occur when someone climbs behind the wheel after having too much to drink.

CNN reports that a father and three sons were killed last Saturday night, while enjoying a guy's night out at the movies in St. Petersburg. The entire family had rented a cottage. Wives and children are left behind to pick up the pieces.

All four men -- ages 51, 28, 24 and 19 -- were killed by an accused drunk driver who allegedly ran a red light.

Our Palm Beach injury lawyers and St. Lucie car accident attorneys are dedicated to fighting for the rights of motorists who have been injured or killed in traffic accidents caused by drunk drivers.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles recently trumpeted the decline in drunk driving accidents last year: Deaths dropped to 1,004 from 1,169. Yet drunk driving accidents were still responsible for nearly half of the state's 2,563 traffic fatalities.

More than 20,000 drunk driving accidents occurred in Florida last year, injuring more than 14,000 motorists. That is more than 54 drunk driving crashes every single day.

When national statistics are released in the coming weeks, Florida is likely to remain one of the most dangerous states in the nation for drunk driving accidents. To add insult to injury, the legislature recently passed a law allowing a motorist convicted of four or more DUIs to regain the right to drive. Previously, such habitual offenders faced lifetime loss of their driving privileges.

Nearly one-third of all accidents in the state occur between Palm Beach and Miami, putting this area at extreme risk for serious and fatal drunk driving accidents.

Continue reading "South Florida drunk driving accidents continue to cause needless tragedy" »