Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog

Coming up for the Memorial Day holiday weekend is the much anticipated Fort Lauderdale's 3rd Annual Great American Beach Party.

This year's big event will be held on the 26th of May from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. It's going to be a long day of friends, family, music, food, contests, food and booze. What we're trying to avoid during this time is the booze and the driving. This year's event will be taking place on Fort Lauderdale Beach at Las Olas Boulevard and A1A. It's a free event and everyone's invited. We're asking everyone to be cautious during this time and to designate a driver if drinking in on the agenda. During the Memorial Day holiday weekend, risks for car accidents skyrocket. It's one of the most dangerous times on our roadways and we typically see a significant increase in the number of alcohol-related accidents in Fort Lauderdale and the nearby areas during this time.

Our Fort Lauderdale car accident attorneys have recently been discussing the risks of car accidents on our roadways during this 3-day weekend. We told you that the National Safety Council (NSC) predicted that more than 400 people were going to die in car accidents across the nation during this time. It was also predicted that another 50,000 people were going to be injured in auto accidents during this time. It's important for party goers, especially the drinkers, to be cautious through the Memorial Day weekend. Traffic flow on our roadways will increase significantly during this time and we need to adjust our driving habits to compensate for it.

The Fort Lauderdale Beach American Beach Party Lineup:

-Music from The Jake and Elwood Blues Review, Landsharks and headliners from Orlando, Noreena Downey, Across the Universe and Swahili.

-Sand castle building contests, balloons tosses, Twister contests, limbo, hula-hoop contests, face painting, beach water slides, etc. for the kids.

-Vintage cars and an auto show.

-An art show, featuring many popular local chalk artists.

-An exclusive preview of "American Grafitti," presented by the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival.

It's going to be a wild event and experts predict thousands in attendance. Many will be eating and drinking all day. We're just asking those drinkers to make sure that they have a safe and sober ride home. Make sure you designate a sober driver, take a taxi or use other public transportation. If you can't find a sober ride home, then you're urged to stay at a buddy's house or to get a hotel room for the night. This time of the year, the Memorial Day weekend especially, brings out a bunch of intoxicated drivers. Don't become a statistic and plan out your party events before heading out to this year's event!

Continue reading "Accidents in Fort Lauderdale Likely during Great American Beach Party" »

Cinco de Mayo is a popular holiday here in South Florida and if you've been here in the past you know this big day can get wild. It's a big day and a big night out for residents in the area, especially for young adults. During this time of the year we need to focus on preventing alcohol-related car accidents in Davie and elsewhere.

Many party goers may think Cinco de Mayo is a time to pass around the tequila, and for many it is, but it's also an important time to focus on safe and responsible driving. For that reason, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and our Davie accident lawyers are working to help all residents and South Florida visitors to plan for a safe holiday.

MADD is offering you with a few safety tips to help you stay out of a drunk driving car accident. Review the following and share these tips with friends and family members to help make this the safest Cinco de Mayo yet!

If you're planning on drinking during Cinco de Mayo:

-Make sure you designate a sober driver before heading out for the evening. This isn't something that should be planned once you're already out. Decide before leaving your home.

-Make sure you have something in your stomach before you start your festivities. Try enjoying you favorite Mexican foods to get in the mood and to help to keep yourself from over drinking.

-If you find yourself without a sober driver, call a friend or a family member to come pick you up.

-If you can't get a hold of anyone to come get you, call a cab, take the bus, stay at a friend's house or get a hotel room. If you've been drinking, you should never get behind the wheel. Find your alternatives!

-If someone you know or love has been drinking and is reaching for their keys, intervene. You don't want to let anyone you know get behind the wheel while intoxicated. Do your job to help save lives, step in and speak up.

If you think you spot a drunk driver on our roadways:

-Stay away from the vehicle. You don't want to jeopardize your own safety.

-Try to jot down the license plate number, the year, make and model of the vehicle as well as a description of the driver. Don't get too close to try to get this information.

-Make sure to take note of the location and the direction of the vehicle.

-Call your local authorities to report this information.

Your call can help to save lives during this year's event.

For more information on what's going on around you for this year's Cinco de Mayo, visit SouthFlorida.com for all of the planned events. While planning for your big night, don't forget to plan out a safe and sober way to get home. Planning is the key to a safe holiday! Fiesta!

Continue reading "Drunk Driving Car Accidents in Davie and Elsewhere Likely during Cinco de Mayo" »

The U.S. Senate recently passed "Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century" (MAP-21) to help make our roadways a little bit safer for everyone. MAP-21 includes the ROADS SAFE Act and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) couldn't be happier about it. The organization recently released an announcement expressing its gratitude with the Senate for the funds that will now be used to help develop certain in-vehicle advanced technologies aimed at preventing drunk driving accidents.

MADD is excited because the in-car technologies can help to detect drunk drivers before they get behind the wheel and increase the risks for fatal accidents in Fellsmere and elsewhere.

Through MAP-21, a total of nearly $15 million will be offered to researchers over the span of 2 years to help them to develop the Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety (DADSS) system. Federal transportation officials are hoping that the completion of these projects will help to save tens of thousands of lives every year. Both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Automotive Coalition for Traffic Safety will be working on advancing this technology.

Our Fellsmere drunk driving car accident lawyers understand that there were nearly 11,000 people who were killed in the United States in 2009 because of alcohol-related auto accidents. That is nearly 11,000 people who didn't have to die, considering these kinds of accidents are completely preventable. Still, alcohol continues to be a contributor in one out of every three traffic-related fatalities, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In addition to the ones who were killed in these alcohol-related traffic accidents, nearly 1.5 million were also busted by law enforcement officials for driving drunk in 2009. To make matters even worse, more than 1,300 of the fatalities that our country witnessed in these kinds of accidents were children under the age of 14.

“The safety provisions included in MAP-21 could truly set in motion the elimination of drunk driving and save tens of thousands of lives each year,” said MADD's National President Jan Withers.

Included in the MAP-21 program are updates to our country's highway safety programs, including an incentive program that will be used to urge states to adopt tougher ignition interlock sentences for all drunk driving offenders. In states that already have these kinds of laws, drunk driving-related fatalities have decreased by more than 50 percent, proving that passing these kinds of laws is an effective way to reduce the risks.

Lastly, the new program will help to fund the high-visibility crackdown efforts of Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over and Click it or Ticket and Drive Sober, both programs that have been proven effective in helping to prevent alcohol-related traffic accidents.

Continue reading "MAP-21 to Help Reduce Risks of Drunk Driving Car Accidents in Fellsmere and Elsewhere" »

St. Patrick's Day is Saturday and we know of a lot of locals who will be hitting the town in celebration of that wild Irish holiday. As most of you know, St. Patrick's Day is known for its green beer, pots-o-gold and lucky little leprechauns. While the lucky leprechauns and the pots-o-gold may not be contributing to drunk-driving auto accidents in Palm City and elsewhere, the green beer surely is.

To help to fight the dangers associated with green beer and drunk drivers, the Florida Highway Patrol is out in full force since Saturday and will continue it's campaign through St. Patty's Day, combing our roadways for unsafe drivers. In addition to drunk drivers, FHP troopers are looking for drivers who aren't buckled up, drivers who speed and drivers who engage in reckless driving. All of these efforts are a part of the state's Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).

Our Palm City injury attorneys understand that drunk drivers plague our roadways year round. Unfortunately, we see a lot more of them during holiday weekends and especially near St. Patrick's Day. We're asking all drivers not to rely on the luck of the Irish and rely on their own responsibility and preparations to keep them safe and out of drunk-driving accidents during this year's Irish festivities.

"Having a designated driver and planning ahead will make your trip safer,” said FHP Director Col. David Brierton.

Brierton adds that he and the rest of his troopers are exercising a zero-tolerance policy over this holiday campaign and for the rest of the year as well. Residents are warned -- do not drink and drive!

Florida's roadways witnessed close to 18,000 alcohol-related accidents in 2010. These accidents produced about 800 fatalities and another 12,000 injuries. These are all injuries and deaths that could have been avoided, considering alcohol-related accidents are 100 percent preventable.

For this year's St. Patrick's Day, the FHP is asking everyone to refrain from drinking and driving -- no matter what! If you're planning on drinking, make sure you've designated a sober driver before you even leave the house. Keep an eye on friends and family members, too. Make sure that no one close to you is going to endanger their own life by getting behind the wheel after drinking. Remember, intoxicated drivers should call a taxi, ride a bus, call a loved one for a ride or stay where they are. Whatever you do, make sure that neither you nor your friends or family members drive after drinking, regardless of how little that has been consumed. Every ounce of alcohol affects the brain's ability to function.

Continue reading "Drunk Driving Crackdown to Help Prevent Florida Car Accidents through St. Patrick's Day" »

Spring Break serves up some of the highest risks for teen drunk driving car accidents in Hallandale Beach and elsewhere throughout the state. Fortunately, Florida law enforcement officers are ready to combat the problem and are fighting to stop teenagers before they consume alcohol and get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle.

According to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, officials with the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco made nearly 50 underage arrests in Fort Lauderdale, more than 10 in Fort Myers, more than 30 in Miami, more than 90 in Daytona Beach and nearly 1,700 in Panama City during last year's initiative in March. Well, they're at it again, all in an effort to help keep our roadways safer and possibly to save some lives.

Our Hallandale Beach drunk driving car accident lawyers understand that officials throughout the state are stepping up their enforcement efforts through this year's Spring Break. Officials will also be targeting Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Gainesville, Tallahassee and Pensacola. Don't worry parents. We'll see officers focusing their efforts in our area, too.

Experts predict that Broward County businesses can expect somewhere around 12,000 college-age tourists this Spring Break, which consists of an eight-week season that kicked off on the 24th of February, according to the Sun Sentinel.

Most parents think that their underage students won't be able to get their hands on alcohol. Unfortunately, that's not the case. According to a study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 40 percent of surveyed teens said that they had consumed some amount of alcohol within the last 30 days. Nearly a quarter of them admitted to binge drinking during the same time. Another 10 percent admitted to drinking and then driving and another 30 percent admitted to riding with a driver who had consumed alcohol. All of the individuals surveyed were in fact under the age of 21.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that there were nearly 100 drivers between the ages of 15- and 20-years-old who died in car accidents in which they had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .01 or higher, meaning that they were under the influence of alcohol when the accident happened. Thirty percent of these young drivers were legally drunk when the accident happened.

We recently discussed the dangers of distracted driving through Spring Break. Drinking and driving is just as important. Parents need to sit down with the young drivers in their lives before school is let out for the break. Make sure that you have rules set in your household, rules that push safe and responsible driving habits.

Continue reading "Drunk Driving Car Accidents in Hallandale More Likely through Spring Break" »

A recent car accident in Pompano Beach killed a woman from Miami and critically injured two others.

According to CBS Miami, the accident happened just before 1:00 a.m. on W Atlantic Boulevard. One driver has been charged with two counts of DUI with serious bodily injury, DUI manslaughter, driving with a suspended license and DUI causing property damage. The man is currently in custody at the BSO Main Jail in Ft. Lauderdale

Broward Sheriff's Office investigators say that a 37-year-old man was driving east on W Atlantic Boulevard in an SUV when he slammed into the side of a passenger car. The victim's vehicle was driven by a 22-year-old from Miami. Reports indicate that the young driver was getting off of the northbound ramp from Interstate 95 heading onto Atlantic Boulevard when she was t-boned. There were two other passengers in the passenger car. They were transported to North Broward Medical Center and were listed in critical condition. The young driver was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.

Driving along the Interstate can be scary. Getting on and off of it can be just as frightening. Add intoxicated drivers into those scenarios and it just got a whole lot worse. Our Pompano Beach car accident attorneys travel the same local roadways as you and your family and we too witness the dangerous drivers. It's important to keep safety as a top priority behind the wheel and to exercise your best defensive driving habits to help avoid potentially fatal accidents.

Intoxicated drivers can be some of the most threatening, taking the lives of thousands of innocent people every year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about a quarter of all drivers who were involved in fatal passenger car accidents were legally drunk at the time of the accident, meaning they had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher.

In 2009, there were more than 1,500 passenger vehicles involved in fatal car accidents in the state of Florida. Of the cars involved in these accidents, nearly 890 were passenger cars, 270 were pickup trucks, nearly 290 were SUVs and more than 90 were vans.

Many of these accidents occurred on our state's busy roadways, like our South Florida interstates and highways. According to The National Safety Commission, Florida's Interstate 95 is the most dangerous road in the county. Statistics reveal that accidents along this roadway are likely to involve tourists and people who aren't familiar in the area. Remember that tourists make Florida their vacation destination year round, meaning risks for these accidents are always high.

Interstate 95 is the longest north-south Interstate Highway in the country. It passes through 15 states. It connects Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North and South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. Some area of the road carries at least 250,000 vehicles each day. Not knowing where and when to merge on these roadways can be dangerous for all motorists. Not knowing your exit and what to do upon exiting is another problem on these roadways. Remember there are speeding limits on the interstate, as well as on the roadways leading to and exiting I-95. Be cautious and be one step ahead of your car. Know where you're going before heading out to avoid any confusion at the wheel.

Continue reading "Intoxicated Driver Kills 1, Injures 2 in Pompano Beach Car Accident near I-95 Off Ramp" »

A proposed bill being mulled by federal lawmakers, which seeks to reduce the number of drunk driving car accidents in Sunrise and throughout the country, would increase penalties for first-time DUI offenders.

States would receive cash incentives to apply harsher drunk driving laws.

It's part of a transportation law that would allow the federal government to grant an estimated $500 million annually for improved highway safety measures.

Our Sunrise car accident attorneys now understand that about 5 percent of that money, or about $25 million - would go to states that impose ignition interlock technology for first-time drunk drivers.

There is a great deal of debate surrounding the issue, with proponents saying drunk drivers pose serious road hazards that need to be addressed. Critics, meanwhile, argue that the $25 million won't even get the initiatives off the ground, and will cost states more money than they'll be receiving in grants.

According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the average offender drives under the influence about 80 times before they are arrested. Further, more than a third of Americans will be involved in a DUI crash at some point in their lives and every 50 minutes, someone dies in the U.S. due to an alcohol-related car accident. And every minute of every day, someone is injured in a crash where alcohol was a factor.

According to the Capitol Hill Publishing Corp., a draft of the bill is being debated by the federal House of Representatives' Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

The interlock devices are a technology that requires a driver to blow into a tube that calculates their blood alcohol level. It's similar to the Breathalyzer machine employed by countless law enforcement agencies throughout the country. The difference is, it fits into individual vehicles, and if the blood alcohol content is higher than 0.08 - the legal limit - the vehicle won't even start.

Florida is one of 15 states that already have this technology, and its use is outlined under Section 316.193. Under this law, first-time offenders can be required to use the interlock technology if a judge orders it, or if the offender blows a 0.15 or higher or is involved in a crash. After the second offense, the device can be required for up to a year. Subsequent offenses can have drivers using the technology for up to 5 years.
Because Florida already uses this technology, it would be eligible for the federal cash.

But the American Beverage Institute is arguing against the measure, saying it amounts to "bribing" states that are in desperate need of money. The ABI does, however, support the use of interlock devices for repeat offenders or those who blow a high blood alcohol level.

In the meantime, here are a few tips to follow if you happen to encounter a drunk driver in Sunrise or elsewhere in Florida:

-Stay as far away from the vehicle as you can.
-Don't try to pass or signal the drunk driver to pull over. That could cause you to crash.
-Take note of the vehicle's make, model and color, as well as the license plate number. But don't risk your own safety to do so.
-Pull over and call 911. Give the dispatcher the location of the car, as well as the name of any cross streets and some indication of which way the car is traveling.

Continue reading "Lawmakers Seek Tougher Penalties for Drunk Drivers in Sunrise, Nation" »

Last month, former NBA point guard Kenny Anderson got into a car accident in Broward County and walked away with a legal mess. Anderson has been charged for leaving the scene of an accident after he drove his Escalade into several trees. Officers in Broward County say that the former NBA super star will not be charged with drunk driving even though officers report that he had clearly been drinking when they found him at his home shortly after the accident. According to United Press International, Anderson admitted to drinking at a bar before the accident happened.

Anderson says that the accident happened because a tire blew out on his vehicle, which caused him to lose control of it. According to investigators, all four tires had been blown out and the rims on the vehicle were bent as well. Anderson is now a high school basketball coach in the state.

This is the second entry of a 6-part blog regarding simple New Year's resolutions that can easily be adopted by all to make Florida roadways a safer place.

Our Broward County drunk-driving accident attorneys understand that there were nearly 11,000 people in the United States who lost their lives because of alcohol-related traffic accidents in 2009. These types of accidents account for about a third of all fatal crashes. As we kickoff the New Year, we're asking all residents to make a New Year's resolution that can save lives: to never drink and drive. Drunk-driving car accidents are completely preventable, so we're asking you to make a resolution to help make our roadways safer for everyone.

To help you keep your New Year's resolution, the Broward Sheriff's Office is pushing its DUI Unit, including its DUI/Breath Alcohol Testing (BAT), DUI Task Force and BAT Video. All three of these components work together to help enforce drunk-driving laws. The unit also allows officers to process DUI offenders on scene and help raise awareness about drinking or boating while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The Task Force conducts a number of sobriety checkpoints, which are used to detect, to investigate and to apprehend those who are believed to be drinking and driving. The Task Force isn't just on the roadways either. They've teamed up with Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) to help share informational presentations with the community.

The Broward Sheriff's Office is proud to use BAT video as well to help crackdown on these dangerous drivers. This technology helps to prosecute alleged offenders by providing courts with videotaped evidence of the drunk-driving incident.

Lastly, the sheriff's office offers assistance to help our state's young drivers to learn about the dangers of drunk driving. The city conducts a number of Field Officer Training and public displays, Teenage Drinking and Driving Awareness programs, displays of the "BAT-mobile" and DUI Saturation Patrols.

Floridians are asked to make the New Year's resolution to stay sober behind the wheel. Drunk driving is dangerous, can be deadly and can turn into a legal headache. Don't drink and drive and help to save lives in 2012! Happy New Year!

Continue reading "New Year's Resolutions: Sheriff's Office Combing for Drunk Drivers in Broward County" »

With the holidays quickly approaching, the number of drunk driving car accidents in Greenacres is expected to increase. To help to reduce the number of fatal accidents, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is launching the fifth anniversary of its Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving. With this year's campaign, MADD released a report that ranks each state on its efforts to stop drunk drivers before causing a fatal accident.

Our Greenacres drunk driving accident attorneys understand that we see a significant spike in the number of alcohol-related traffic crashes every December. During this time, officers throughout the state head out in search of these irresponsible drivers in an effort to get them off the roads. MADD is trying to stop the intoxicated before they even get behind the wheel of a vehicle.

In MADD's new report, each state was ranked out of five stars for its efforts in stopping drunk-driving accidents. The United States reached an overall three out of five stars. The state of Florida received four out of five stars. We were recognized for reporting a decrease in the number of drunk driving-related deaths since 2006. The report credits our state's high-visibility law enforcement efforts for the reduction. We were also applauded for our use of ignition interlock devices for some of our convicted drunk drivers. The report suggests that we require all convicted drunk drivers to use ignition interlock devices, not just repeat offenders. Lastly, the report pointed out that the breathalyzer refusal rate in Florida is about 40 percent, highlighting the need for no-refusal enforcement activities.

"While we have made great strides over the last 30 years, drunk driving is still the deadliest epidemic on America's roads, killing approximately 11,000 people every year,” added U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

States were ranked on the following criteria:

-Ignition interlock devices and who is required to use them.

-The number of sobriety checkpoints conducted.

-The states' penalties for driving drunk with a child in the vehicle.

-"No-refusal" activities for those who are suspected of drunk driving.

-The practice of Administrative License Revocation for drunk-driving offenders.

Every year, drunk-driving accidents cost the United States over $130 billion. Of these costs, about $60 billion went to various monetary costs while more than $70 billion went to quality-of-life losses. Employers cover most of the bill, forking out nearly $11 million for car accidents happening on work trips as well as accidents that happen outside of work involving those who are both employees and benefit-eligible dependents. The feds cover nearly $5 million while local and state government dish out another $3 million.

Drunk-driving accidents are 100 percent preventable. We ask all residents to have a safe and happy holiday season and to never get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol.

Continue reading "MADD's 5th Anniversary Campaign to Reduce Risks of Holiday Drunk-Driving Accidents in Greenacres, Nation" »

I think we probably all fear a collision with a drunk driver at some point, especially around holiday weekends or peak travel times like Winter Break, Spring Break or Labor Day. Drunk driving accidents in Fort Pierce, Pompano Beach, Davie, Oakland Park and elsewhere are often deadly, leaving family members mourning and searching for answers as to why a senseless act had to take their loved one away. Broward County car accident attorneys can help repair some of the broken pieces of a family unit by seeking restitution for damages caused by the accident.

The recent release of the 2010 Florida Crash Statistics Report by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) puts the fear we all have of drunk drivers into a harsh reality. Drivers under the influence caused 794 alcohol-related fatalities and 106 drug-related fatalities in traffic crashes for 2010. Some would glorify the fact that alcohol-related deaths in car accidents were down almost 21 percent from 2009. But considering more than two people on average die every day from a drunk driver, it isn't something Florida motorists can be proud of. In fact, more than 32 percent of the 2,444 fatalities in traffic accidents in 2010 were caused by a drunk driver, and another 4 percent were caused by a drugged driver. Last year there was an average of almost 50 alcohol-related crashes in Florida every day, and another 3 to 4 percent were drug-related crashes daily.

The college-age group appears to be the worst when it comes to alcohol-related car crashes. According to the 2010 report, 20 to 24 year olds who drove under the influence had the highest crash rate per 10,000 licensed drivers at 17.78. They were also involved in the highest rate of fatal crashes per 10,000 licensed drivers, at 79. The next highest rate for both crash involvement and fatal crashes was for the 25- to 29-year-old group, which reported rates of 13.80 and .71, respectively. Drivers over the age of 70 reported the lowest alcohol-related fatal crash rates per 10,000 licensed drivers at no more than .08 for any group over 70.

As parents, we need to teach our children about the risks of driving impaired, whether it is related to drugs or alcohol, as well as set a good example for them. A researcher at the University of Florida recently published the results of a study regarding teens and the potential to drive under the influence based on previous parental behavior in the journal Accident Analysis & Prevention. Results of the study indicate that 6 percent of adolescent children are likely to drive under the influence by age 21 when witnessing the behavior from parents, compared to only 2 percent who don't witness a parent driving under the influence. Approximately 10,000 adolescents were analyzed and found that teens who have friends and parents who consume alcohol are even more at risk (11 percent more likely) of driving under the influence in their 20s than teens who aren't around peers who drink or whose parents consume alcohol at home. Researchers suggest that to break the bad habit before it starts, teens need to have the dangers of driving under the influence instilled in them by age 15 to make a positive impact on their behavior.

Adolescents who learn that it is apparently OK to drink and drive because they've seen their parents do it, likely may be more apt to drive when they shouldn't. These learned behaviors can have a tremendous impact on Florida crash statistics. Over the years, there will be thousands of innocent victims involved in an alcohol-related or drug-related accident.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a drunk-driving accident in Miami, Hallandale Beach, Pembroke Pines, Delray Beach or anywhere in South Florida, contact Freeman, Mallard, Sharp & Gonzalez, LLC. For a free initial consultation with an experienced attorney call 1-800-561-7777.

More Blog Entries:

Drunk Driving Accidents Expected to Increase with Alcohol-Serving Fast Food Chains, South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog, July 14, 2011.

Victim Awarded More than $15 Million after Fort Lauderdale Drunk Driving Accident, Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog, July 13, 2011.

Prom Night a Danger for Teens Involved in Drunk Driving Accidents in Fort Lauderdale, Port St. Lucie, Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog, April 25, 2011.

A young Fort Lauderdale man sustained skull fractures, frontal lobe brain damage and facial fractures as a result of a Fort Lauderdale drunk driving accident and was recently awarded $15 million by a jury of his peers.

The man was a sober passenger in his friend's vehicle. It was the impact from drunk driver's vehicle that rear-ended their stopped vehicle that caused the injuries. The 22-year-old man was the back-seat passenger of a car that was rear-ended by a speeding car as it was stopped for a raised drawbridge.

The careless driver was reportedly under the influence of alcohol at the time accident. Investigators revealed that the driver had a .21 blood alcohol content level, according to DigitalJournal.com. The legal limit in Florida is .08

Our West Palm Beach drunk driving accident attorneys understand that many innocent motorists are injured every year because of the irresponsible and dangerous driving habits of intoxicated drivers. The innocent Fort Lauderdale passenger had corrective surgery to repair the fractures. He spent weeks in intensive care. Once he was released from the hospital, he developed a seizure disorder that cannot be controlled by medication. These seizures have altered his life in nearly every way.

Brain experts concluded that this degree of brain damage, and the location of the damage in the frontal lobe, negatively affects his decision-making processes and affects his short-term memory.

During trial, the jury found that the accident victim would no longer be able to work and awarded him with $2.7 million for past and future lost wages. He was also awarded $6.7 million for past and future medical care and another $6 million for past and future pain and suffering.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is now targeting these careless drivers in an attempt to stop them from hurting any more innocent motorists. For this reason, alcohol-impaired drivers have been placed on their "most wanted" list. This is a list that increase awareness of, and support for, action to for government to adopt safety steps that can help prevent these types of deadly accidents.

The Administration estimates that someone is killed in a drunk driving accident every 48 minutes. Nearly 11,000 people were killed in these accidents in 2009 alone. Accidents that involve an intoxicated driver have not decreased in the last 10 years.

The NTSB suggests that states follow these tips to help put a stop to drunk drivers:

-Conduct frequent sobriety checkpoints.

-Enforce administrative license revocation for those who fail or refuse to take a sobriety test.

-Limit plea bargaining and diversion programs. Keep sentences strong and strict.

-Expand jail alternatives to include dedicated jail/treatment facilities, home detention with electronic monitoring and intensive supervision probation.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly 1,000 people were killed in Florida in 2009 because of car accidents that involved an intoxicated driver. A number of these deaths could have been prevented with more stringent enforcement efforts and more severe punishments.

Continue reading "Victim Awarded More than $15 Million after Fort Lauderdale Drunk Driving Accident" »

As part of National Safety Month, the National Safety Council (NSC) designates an entire week to raise awareness about teen car accidents in Fort Lauderdale and elsewhere.

We are now celebrating this Safe Teen Driving Week.

Every day, there are nearly 20 accidents involving drivers between the ages of 15 and 20. It is estimated that two out of every three people killed in an accident involving a teen driver is someone other than the teen driver. This includes the passengers in the teen's vehicle, occupants of other vehicles, motorcyclist and pedestrians. Still, car accidents are the leading cause of death for this age group.

Our Fort Lauderdale car accident attorneys understand that teen drivers face more risks on our roadways than older, more experienced drivers. Our teens face an even greater danger during the summer months. With school out and summer vacation plans in effect, teens will be hitting our roadways in full force. Typically, we see more deaths of teens in motor-vehicle accidents during during these upcoming months.

In 2008, there were more than 208 million licensed drivers in the United States. Drivers ages 16 to 19 made up nearly 6.5 percent -- 13.3 million -- of the total. The number of teen drivers increased more than 5 percent from 1999.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 2,500 teen drivers were killed in motor-vehicle accidents in the United States. Another 196,000 of these drivers were injured in accidents.

In 2009, more than 30 percent of young drivers killed in motor-vehicle accidents reportedly had a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher.

Throughout 2009, almost 400 people in Florida died as a result of motor-vehicle accidents involving a teen driver.

In an effort to help better prepare our teens for the roadway, the NSC is promoting Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) systems. This system breaks down the learning process for a teen driver into three steps. First is a learner's permit. This allows a teen to drive only when they're supervised by a fully licensed driver. The second level is an intermediate, or provisional, license. This license would allow unsupervised driving under specific restrictions, including nighttime, and a limit on the number of passengers. The third and final step is a full license.

Parents are also encouraged to get their teen enrolled in a driver education program. These courses play a vital role in preparing a teen for the dangers of the roadway. However, it should not be seen as the end of the learning process. In an attempt to develop safe driving skills in our young drivers, we should provide them with opportunities to improve through gradual exposure to increasingly challenging driving tasks. We hope that our teens will become safer drivers as they gain more and more driving experience.

Some states require that teens complete a driver education before they receive full driving privileges. Many safety advocates disagree with this approach. Research concludes that a significant number of hours of driving experience is the best way to reduce crash risks. Advocated believe that parent involvement and GDL play critical roles in developing skills.

Parents play a large role in the safety of their teen on our roadways. Be sure to speak with your young driver about the dangers of irresponsible driving and the possible consequences that could result. Everyone is urged to join Teen Safe Driving Week to help keep our teens safe on the road.

An instructional guide, Teen Driver: A Family Guide to Teen Driver Safety, helps parents manage their teen’s journey from beginner to fully licensed driver. The guide also provides a written parent/teen driving agreement to help define driving restrictions, rules and consequences.

Continue reading "Teen Safe Driving Week Aims to Reduce Fatal Teen Car Crashes in Fort Lauderdale and Elsewhere" »

Mothers Against Drunk Driving is urging parents to talk to their teens about drinking and driving before Prom night arrives.

The U.S. Senate recently declared April 21st as Power Talk 21 day, a day dedicated nationally to parents discussing with teens about the dangers of alcohol, making smart choices and leading healthy lifestyles. MADD, in conjunction with the national event, has created the 'Power of Parents, It's Your Influence' program to help parents who have a difficult time talking to their kids about the dangers of alcohol and the high risk of causing a drunk driving accident in Miami when driving under the influence.

St. Lucie car accident attorneys know that April, May, and June are the three deadliest months for teen drivers when it comes to alcohol-related crashes. In fact, a third of drunk driving fatalities involving teens nationwide each year occur during these three months.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports the following statistics related to teens and alcohol:

-Nationally, almost 3 million people are dependent or abuse alcohol between the ages of 12-20.

-It is estimated that 3 out of 4 high school students have admitted to alcohol consumption.

-6 out of 10 juniors and seniors admit to consuming their first alcoholic drink by the age of 16.

-60 percent of teen deaths in car crashes are alcohol-related.

-Teenage boys with a blood alcohol level of .05 are 18 times more likely to get in a single vehicle crash than a boy who hasn't had any alcohol; girls are 54 times more likely under the same circumstances.

-An average of 8 teens die every day in drunk driving accidents.

-Admittedly, 6 out of 10 high school juniors and seniors have ridden in a car with an intoxicated teen driver behind the wheel.

Florida school systems try to do their part as they bring awareness to students about the dangers of drinking and driving on prom night. CBS Miami recently reported that Miami Beach Convention Center played host to the 12th annual Cheat the Reaper Teen Anti-DUI program. An estimated 1,000 high school students from Miami Beach and Miami Northwestern watched a simulated DUI crash presentation put together by school administrators, students, teachers and partners within the community. The mock DUI crash allowed students to witness first-hand the dangers and consequences of driving under the influence. It also reminds them of their signed oath made not to drink on prom night at the time they purchase their prom ticket.

The simulated prom night tragedy includes a staged accident, police response followed by an investigation, a sobriety test and an arrest of the teen driver. Fire and emergency rescuers were there to remove victims from the car and take them to the local hospital once they are stabilized. If this doesn't send enough of a message, the point is driven home when funeral home directors transport victims in a hearse to a mock funeral.

South Florida police offers the following advice to parents for prom night:

-Set a curfew for your teen and know their exact plans for prom night.

-Arrange for a limo service but know the companies alcohol policy prior to the night of service.

-Assure your teen to call you if they find themselves in an unsafe predicament.

-For peace of mind, wait up for your teen until they return safely home.

Continue reading "Prom night a danger for teens involved in drunk driving accidents in Fort Lauderdale, Port St. Lucie" »

A 67-year-old man pleaded guilty to DUI manslaughter stemming from a 2008 crash, reports the Sun Sentinel.

Our West Palm Beach personal injury lawyers know the senseless tragedy that comes at the hands of drunk drivers. We frequently represent victims whose lives have been changed forever as a result of a drunk driving accident in South Florida.

The Boynton Beach man's guilty plea also included six other charges that came from the horrific wrong-way crash on Interstate 95 back in 2008. He faces at least four years in prison; sentencing will be later this summer.

Witness reported seeing the 67-year-old driver traveling southbound on I-95 in the Boca Raton area. For no apparent reason he stopped, made a u-turn and proceeded to drive northbound in the southbound lane.

As his vehicle headed toward southbound traffic many vehicles had to swerve out of his way. Sadly, a pickup that had to swerve to avoid a head on collision slid off the right shoulder and rolled over several times.

Police reported that 3 of the 5 truck passengers were thrown from the vehicle, killing one and injuring two others.

Oblivious to his actions, the driver continued traveling northbound in the southbound lane and eventually crashed his Jaguar head on into a large SUV. Police reported that his blood alcohol content (BAC) was nearly double the legal limit, which in Florida is .08.

In 2008 when this accident occurred, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 11,773 people died in alcohol impaired driving crashes.

The 2009 statistics from the NHTSA shows a 7.4% decrease in fatalities from alcohol impaired driving accidents. Though it is an improvement it still meant that almost 11,000 people lost their lives to impaired drivers.

Florida's alcohol related traffic fatalities have gotten worse since 2008, fatalities having a BAC=.08+ went from 29% in 2008 to 30% in 2009 and fatalities having a BAC=.15+ went from 20% in 2008 to 21% in 2009. Overall 35% of Florida's alcohol-related traffic fatalities have some amount of alcohol in their system which indicates a steady increase since 2006.

Continue reading "Elderly Man Faces DUI Manslaughter Charges in Fatal Car Accident Near West Palm Beach" »

Spring Break week in Florida is known for parties and good times for teens and college students all over the country. Florida motorists may have noticed the roadways have become more crowded this week as Spring Break season is in full swing. The next few weeks will bring a higher risk for drunk driving accidents in Fort Lauderdale, Miami and elsewhere, as well as other alcohol-related accidents throughout the state.

Our personal injury lawyers in Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach know that March and April typically rank near the top in fatalities reported during the calendar year in Florida. In a previous drunk driving blog posted on our South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog we reported that 21% of Florida drunk driving crashes in 2009 involved a drunk driver with a blood alcohol content of .15 or higher. The month of March reported the second highest number of alcohol-related crashes.

Drunk driving and alcohol-related accidents is one topic we are focusing on in our Spring Break 2011 series. Other related topics touched on in the series are teen driving accidents, distracted driving and injuries related to premise liability.

Many young adults have a habit of binge drinking during Spring Break. Alcohol-related incidents are already being reported for Spring Break 2011. The Palm Beach Post reported recently about the death of a Georgia Southern student vacationing in Florida for Spring Break with 15 other students. His friends had reported they were partying the night before when they found him the next morning. He was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. A separate incident reported by My Fox Tampa Bay involved a teen from Tampa who was home for Spring Break from the University of Florida when she was found dead following a night of drinking.

As the incidents are mounting, the Florida Highway Patrol wants to remind young students to drink responsibly. First Coast News reports that Florida Law Enforcement officials will be on high alert as they take to the streets and beaches the next few weeks. Underage drinking will not be tolerated and violators under 21 with a BAC of .02 or higher will have their license suspended for 6 months automatically.

Drivers refusing to take a test for blood alcohol will have their license revoked for 12 months on a first time offense, and 18 months for a second offense.

Teenagers are prohibited from consuming alcohol. Students who are of age to drink need to remember to be responsible since drinking on public beaches and driving under the influence is against the law. The consequences for breaking the law may be life-changing.

Continue reading "Spring Break accident in Fort Lauderdale commonly caused by drunk driving" »

New technology, the Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety (DADSS), is in the development stage at a Massachusetts lab, which could prevent drivers that are impaired by alcohol from ever operating a vehicle.

Our Fort Lauderdale car accident attorneys find this news encouraging as states continue to fight the carnage caused by drunk drivers on our roads.

On hand at QinetiQ lab for the product demonstration were U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, National Highway Traffic Safety Administrator (NHTSA) David Strickland, Shane Karr vice president for Federal Government Affairs at the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, and Laura Dean Mooney, national president of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).

Two systems of DADSS are currently being tested. One which determines a driver's blood alcohol concentration by their breath and the other by a touch based approach. Both systems would prevent the driver from operating their vehicle if the BAC measured is .08 or higher.

The NHTSA reported in 2009 there were 10,839 fatalities nationally due to drivers with a BAC of .08 or more. In Florida there were 770 people killed from intoxicated drivers who had a BAC .08 or greater. A total of 527 deaths were from drivers with a BAC of .15 or more.

"Drunk driving continues to be a national tragedy that needlessly claims the lives of thousands of people on our highways each year," said Secretary LaHood. "We need to put an end to it."

MADD President Laura Dean-Mooney, widowed when her husband was killed by a drunk driver said, "Auto makers have stepped up to help turn cars into the cure. This project has made substantial progress and this technology could one day be an important step in our efforts to eliminate drunk driving."

The 5-year, $10 million plan is a joint effort between the NHTSA and the Automotive Coalition for Traffic Safety (ACTS), which is an industry group on behalf of the world’s auto makers.

"What we're doing is developing technology that won't interfere with sober drivers, will require virtually no maintenance or upkeep and will have such precision that it only stops a driver when their blood alcohol content is .08 BAC or higher, which is the illegal limit for drunk driving in every state," said Shane Karr. "Now that we have actual prototypes, a tremendous feat in of itself, we'll be working to identify the gaps in performance between these prototypes and the precise standards we've identified as true technology requirements. This will point the way forward for the next phase of research."

Strickland called the technology the "new frontier" but said it should not replace the common sense of a driver who decides not to get behind the wheel after having too much to drink.

Continue reading "Technology aimed at preventing drunk driving car accidents in Fort Lauderdale, West Palm" »

Drunk driving remains one of the leading causes of traffic accidents across the United States so the crackdown on driving under the influence is warranted, especially this time of the year.

Before you take your first drink at your New Year's Eve party this weekend, have a plan in place on how you are getting home. Our Fort Pierce car accident attorneys would all agree, it’s a bad move to drink and drive this weekend with enhanced patrolling and increased check points.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration using the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) reported that in 2009, there were a total of 156 fatalities from crashes involving a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or higher on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

Florida, ranked third among all states in fatalities, reported a total of 17 on these two holidays alone when blood alcohol was tested and recorded over the legal limit.

Earlier this month, US Transportation Secretary, Ray LaHood, offered a new strategy to help minimize drunk driving this holiday season. The NHTSA proposes a No Refusal strategy that numerous states are using to cut down drinking and driving. The premise is that judges will remain on call to issue warrants immediately when police officials call and need a blood test due to the fact that the DUI suspect refused a breathalyzer test. Florida drivers refuse breathalyzer tests 40% of the time which is third behind New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Florida is one of a handful of states utilizing the "No Refusal" plan in hopes of getting more drunk drivers off the streets quicker to keep the roadways safer for everyone else.

If you are hosting a New Year's Eve party – don't play a role in irresponsible behavior. The following are things you can do to make sure your guests get home safely:

-Have a key box at the door that keys get dropped into when guest arrives.

-Have plenty of soda and water available all evening located throughout the house so it's available to everyone at all times.

-Refrain from playing games that involve excessive alcohol consumption.

-Prepare for guests to stay over by having plenty of bedding available to make up beds or sleeping areas in each room if needed.

-If someone is showing signs of intoxication, do not allow them to leave unless they are being driven home.

Continue reading "No-refusal strategy aims to reduce drunk driving car accidents from Fort Pierce to Fort Lauderdale" »

Making a choice to drive under the influence is something that happens on a daily basis across the United States. Our Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyers are well aware that the costs outweigh the rewards when it comes to making these decisions to drive under the influence.

Please be responsible over the holidays and reduce the risk for you and your family, as well as other motorists on the road.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported 11,773 fatalities in 2008 involving a driver having a Blood Alcohol Content of .08 or higher. This equated to 32% of the total fatalities for the year in the U.S. Though down substantially, last year the NHTSA reported 9,211 fatalities with the same .08 or higher BAC. In 2009, Florida reported 743 fatalities caused by a driver involved in the accident having a BAC of .08 or higher.

In 2008, there were 1,347 children (ages 14 and younger) who lost their lives in traffic crashes nationwide. Sadly, 99 children were killed because the driver of the vehicle they were in was driving drunk (BAC .08 or higher). Another 34 children were killed because a drunk driver hit them while walking or riding their bike.

The NHTSA found that a fatal alcohol impaired crash is four times more likely to happen at night then during the day. A driver who is alcohol impaired is two times more likely to be in a fatal crash on the weekend than during the week. The worst age group for drivers having fatal alcohol crashes is 21 to 24. A BAC of .16 was most the common level for drunk drivers in fatal crashes but 57% had a BAC of .15 or higher.

In Florida for 2008 there were 2,978 traffic fatalities.

-29% had a driver with a BAC of .08 or higher.

-20% had a driver with a BAC of .15 or higher.

Mother’s Against Drunk Driving ranks Florida as the 18th safest state. Let’s try to improve on that by following these simple tips:

-If you are going to drink appoint a sober driver.

-If you drink too much and one can come and get you, stay the night or call a cab.

-If you see someone else is drunk, take their keys.

Continue reading "Holidays increase risk of drunk driving accidents in Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach" »

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is announcing a drunk driving crackdown that runs through the Halloween weekend.

As our West Palm Beach accident attorneys reported recently on our South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog, pedestrian accidents, fall accidents and dog-bite injuries are also a common Halloween danger. But the primary focus of the Florida Highway Patrol will be taking drunks off the road.

The "Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest" campaign runs Oct. 25-31.

“There is not a Halloween costume clever enough to hide an impaired driver who has made the poor decision to get behind the wheel,” said FHP Director, Colonel John Czernis. “Whether you’ve had one too many or way too many it is just not worth the risk. Remember, Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving. Our troopers will be vigilant in their efforts to remove impaired drivers from our roadways.”

The state reports that 1,004 of the 2,563 fatal crashes last year were alcohol related, giving Florida one of the highest rates of drunk driving crashes in the nation.

The Patrol offers the following safety tips for a safe Halloween on the roads:

-Plan a way home in advance.

-Designate a sober driver.

-If impaired, use a taxi, call someone for a ride, or use public transportation.

-Call 8FHP (*347) to report a drunk driver on the road.

Continue reading "Authorities crack down on impaired drivers to reduce South Florida car accidents this Halloween" »

Former Yankees star Jim Leyritz is set to stand trial this week in a Broward County courtroom on charges in connection with a fatal Fort Lauderdale drunk driving accident.

The family of the victim has already collected a wrongful death settlement from Leyritz, despite the fact that the former major league player is reportedly broke and that the victim was determined to also be legally drunk at the time of the accident. Florida's comparative negligence system permits a victim to collect damages even if he or she is partly at-fault in the accident. Victims who feel they do not have a case because of their own actions should always consult a Fort Lauderdale injury lawyer to discuss their case.

Leyritz is accused of running a red light while driving drunk three years ago. The resulting accident killed a 30-year-old Plantation mother of two who was on her way home from her job as a bartender. The former ball player had been out celebrating his 44th birthday prior to the December 2007 accident. He faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted.

In settling the wrongful death lawsuit, his insurance company agreed to pay the $250,000 policy limits and Leyritz will pay the family $1,000 a month for 100 months. He played 11 seasons in the major leagues and helped the Yankees beat the Atlanta Braves in the 1996 World Series. But more recently he has been forced to apply for support from a charity funded by current players that assists former players in need.

The Palm Beach Post reports that the judge has ruled inadmissible evidence that the victim was drunk, not wearing her seat belt and was receiving text messages at the time of the accident.

Continue reading "Former Yankee faces drunk driving trial in connection with fatal Fort Lauderdale car accident" »