DUI-Related Car Accidents

Nearly half of all traffic accident fatalities are alcohol related. That’s an alarming number when you take into account that it is generally the passengers of the vehicle the drunk driver hit who suffer the most serious injuries. Our Orlando drunk driving accident attorney understands the legal and medical ramifications of a serious, alcohol related accident and represents the victims who have suffered at the hands of someone else’s carelessness and negligence.

Government anti-drunk-driving laws have changed the legally intoxicated BAC (blood alcohol content) level from 0.10 to 0.08. The intoxicated driver loses their license (temporarily), faces fines and the possibility of incarceration. However, the offense is still considered only a misdemeanor, which in many cases will only temporarily deter the offender from repeating the offense at a later date.

Drug-Related Car Accidents

Alcohol is not the only substance that can impair normal sensory perception and lead to a charge of driving under the influence (DUI.) Both prescription and illegal drugs can lead to an auto accident caused by DUI. Many drugs can severely affect the skills necessary to drive.

You should not have to pay for the damage caused by a negligent, impaired driver. Michael Barszcz, M.D., J.D. is an experienced Orlando drunk and drugged accident attorney who is committed to recovering compensation for victims injured in drug-related auto accidents in Orlando and throughout the state of Florida.

Impacts of Drunk or Drugged Driving

Some of the drugs commonly found in impaired drivers who have injured or killed others in auto accidents include:

• Marijuana and other hallucinogens
• Prescription drugs
• Cocaine
• Amphetamines
• Opiates
• Benzodiazepines (depressants used to treat insomnia and anxiety)

Alcohol and both legal and illegal drugs can profoundly affect your mental state. Many prescription medications warn against operating heavy machinery for a certain amount of time after taking the medication. Fatigue and dizziness caused by drugs and alcohol can easily lead to a devastating accident and common car accident injuries.

Holding Irresponsible Drivers Accountable

Impaired drivers not only compromise their own safety, but they are also risking the safety of their passengers and other motorists with whom they share the road. In Florida, if a driver is involved in an accident that causes serious bodily injury, a chemical test to detect the presence of drugs and alcohol is required. Responding police officers are empowered to gather a blood sample from the driver, if necessary.

Drivers convicted of DUI that led to serious injury or wrongful death can face a number of criminal consequences. If you were injured in an auto accident, a criminal conviction cannot provide financial compensation for your injuries. However, our Orlando car accident lawyer will work to seek damages that can include:

• Lost income
• Medical expenses
• Physical rehab expenses
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering

We encourage you to reach out to our team and learn how we may be able to help you. Call us today at (407) 606-6022!