Serving the Greater Orlando, Central Florida area, our car accident lawyers have successfully represented many throughout the state. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Florida ranked second in the nation in traffic fatalities in 2005. In one third of the 3,543 auto accidents in which people were killed, high alcohol consumption was determined to be a factor in the collision. At McElyea, Santos & Barnard, P.A., our personal injury lawyers aggressively pursue claims against drunk drivers who are responsible for serious injuries and death. These preventable tragedies are unlawful and cause immense pain and suffering for victims and their families. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving a drunk driver, our car accident lawyers will file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf. We will fight for fair compensation and help you hold negligent drivers responsible for their actions.
An unacceptable 16,885 people were killed and an estimated 254,000 injured nationwide in alcohol-related accidents in 2005. Every 31 minutes someone in this country is killed in an alcohol-related motor vehicle accident. Someone is injured every two minutes.
At McElyea, Santos & Barnard, P.A. — serving Orlando and Central Florida — our car accident lawyers help victims and their families obtain the compensation they deserve. We pride ourselves on working aggressively to make sure that reckless drivers are held liable for their actions. If you have lost a family member in a drunk-driving accident, we will file and prepare a strong wrongful death claim on your behalf.
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, a truck accident, or a motor vehicle accident in which alcohol use contributed to your injury, contact our Orlando, Central Florida car accident lawyers and schedule a consultation. We will evaluate your claim free of charge and determine if you have a case.
All 50 states have laws making it illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 g/dL or higher. Florida has enhanced penalties for DUI convictions with BAC levels of .20 or greater.
"Driving while intoxicated" (DWI) and "driving under the influence" (DUI) refer not only to drinking and driving. DWI and DUI can also mean that a driver was operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of an illegal drug, such as cocaine or marijuana, or even over-the-counter drugs and prescription medications that warn against use while driving. Alcohol and drugs have been shown to impair the performance of the complex mental and motor functions that are essential for the safe operation of a motor vehicle.
Those who drive under the influence are automatically considered negligent and responsible for any damages and injuries they cause during their impairment. A criminal offense, drunk driving is punishable by fines, jail time, and loss of license. Additionally, perpetrators are liable for compensating anyone who is injured by their negligent actions. Contact the Orlando, Central Florida car accident lawyers at McElyea, Santos & Barnard, P.A., for more information about your potential lawsuit.
In some cases, the bar or establishment that provided the alcohol can also be held liable for accident-related injuries. Dram shop liability refers to the body of law governing the legal responsibility of taverns, liquor stores, and other commercial establishments that serve alcoholic beverages. Generally, dram shop laws define as liable establishments selling alcohol to visibly intoxicated individuals or minors who subsequently cause death or injury to other parties.
If a drunk driver has victimized you or your family, the experienced team of drunk-driving accident attorneys at McElyea, Santos & Barnard, P.A., can protect your rights as a victim and fight for fair compensation. Serving all of Central Florida, our Orlando car accident lawyers are prepared to act immediately to preserve crucial evidence. We will then thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident. We boast an impressive track record of verdicts and settlements and are ready to put our knowledge and experience to work for you. Contact our personal injury attorneys today.
Contact our Orlando, Central Florida car accident lawyers if you have been seriously injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver.
McElyea, Santos & Barnard, P.A.