DUI-Related Wrongful Death In Florida: FAQs

wrongful death

Drunk driving remains an epidemic across the United States. Each day, people drive under the influence of alcohol almost 300,000 times, but remarkably fewer than 4,000 are actually arrested. Sadly, every two minutes in this country, a person is injured or worse due to an intoxicated driving car accidents.

If someone in your family has been tragically killed in a drunk driving-related crash, you should contact an experienced wrongful death attorney and find out what steps you should be taking in the days, weeks, and even months that follow this horrific event.

Here are some frequently asked questions that should hopefully help you better understand drunk driving and wrongful death situations:

  • Is Florida a no-fault state? — Yes, Florida is a no-fault state when it comes to various automobile accidents. This law requires an insurance policy to include PIP (personal injury protection) insurance coverage.
  • Does this fall under criminal or civil law? — Wrongful death law falls under the classification of civil law, also know as a tort law. There are, however, varying standards that can be used in different cases and legal situations.
  • How often do intoxication-related accidents happen in Florida? — According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), an average of 117,000 crashes occur each year in Florida that are attributed to a driver operating the vehicle with a blood-alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. Those accidents result in more than 1,200 fatalities and 50,000 injuries annually across Florida. Additionally, of those 117,000 crashes, 111,500 of them involved drivers who had a BAC of 0.10% or higher.
  • How much do these accidents cost Florida taxpayers? — These unfortunate DUI-related car crashes cost Florida taxpayers an estimated $11 billion — including $6.6 billion due to loss of life.
  • What types of damages can a family who lost a loved one recover? — The types of damages a victim’s family can recover can vary and every case is different, which is why it’s imperative to consult with an attorney immediately following a drunk driving-related death.

If you want to learn more about these difficult legal proceedings or would like to speak with a Tampa attorney about your case, contact Herron Law right away.

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