In the state of Florida, 685 people were killed on the state’s roadways in 2015 in accidents that involved intoxicated drivers, according to the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles. There were nearly 41,000 DUI arrests in the state and over 26,000 convictions for crime during the same time period.
DUI accidents are a significant portion of all car accidents in the state of Florida in any given year.
Possible Florida DUI Legislation
The Florida Legislature is considering legislation that will require the installation of an ignition interlock device in the automobiles of people who have more than one conviction for driving under the influence. The device essentially is an in-vehicle breathalyzer. A person must blow into the device and have his or her blood alcohol level analyzed before the vehicle can be started.
Current Law in Florida
Florida’s current law does require the use of an ignition interlock device in some first-time DUI cases. If the person convicted of a first time DUI had a blood alcohol content level of .15 or higher, installation of the device will be ordered by the court.
Keep in mind that .15 is nearly twice the legal limit.
The Florida Legislature first required the installation of the ignition interlock device in this type of case beginning in 2014, according to MADD.
Saving Lives
The primary purpose behind expanding the use of the ignition interlock device is to save lives by reducing the number of people who drive drunk. With the change in the law, the only group of people who will not be required to install the device in their automobiles will be individuals convicted of a first time DUI who had a blood alcohol level of between .08 and .014. There is some talk in the Legislature of adjusting the blood alcohol level downward to a point below .015 to qualify for the device installation.
Offender Statistics
There were 113,076 first time DUI offenders in Florida in 2015, according to the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles. There were 11,681 fifth time offenders in the state that same year. In addition, there were thousands of people charged with their second, third and fourth DUIs during that time period.
Drunk Driving Accident Injuries
A person injured in a DUI-related car accident may be entitled to compensation for an array of different types if injuries and losses. These include medical expenses, pain and suffering and lost wages. Compensation may be appropriate not only for current losses but for losses that reasonably be expected to be incurred in the future. A qualified, experienced Florida DUI lawyer is in the best position to protect a person’s interests in the aftermath of a driving under the influence accident.
Legal Representation in a DUI Personal Injury Case
A person involved in a car accident caused by a drunk driver may suffer serious injuries. An individual in that position must take proactive steps in order to protect his or her rights and interests. This includes retaining the services of an experienced Tampa DUI attorney.
Meeting with a Florida DUI attorney will allow an injured person to discuss his or her case. The meeting will include a discussion of strategies to ensure that a person obtains appropriate compensation for injuries sustained.
Don’t risk it. Seek legal help today if you’ve been injured in a DUI accident.