Florida Auto Accident Lawyers
Fighting for Victims of Intoxicated Drivers

When people hear about DUI in Florida, most assume that such a situation involves alcohol.  While this is certainly a reasonable assumption, the fact remains that many people in the state are also harmed in accidents as a result of a driver ingesting some other form of intoxicant that leads to disaster.  If you have been harmed by such a driver, you need to seek the immediate help of experienced Florida auto accident lawyers.  In the meantime, below is an overview of this issue.

Florida Drug-Caused Auto Accident Statistics

The term ‘drugs’ can encompass many different substances in regards to accidents caused.  Examples include marijuana, cocaine, LSD, methamphetamines and a host of other intoxicants.  While all of these substances affect people differently, the common thread that exists is that each of them severely impairs anyone’s ability to drive a vehicle safely.  Below are the statistics regarding Florida auto accidents where drugs were listed as a factor.

2007

• Florida drug-related accidents – 1,252
• Florida drug-related injuries – 952
• Florida drug-related fatalities – 202

2008

• Florida drug-related accidents – 1,161
• Florida drug-related injuries – 819
• Florida drug-related fatalities – 136

While these numbers pale in comparison to alcohol-related Florida auto accidents , they still represent a high number of people who are harmed as a result of this issue.  Approximately 100 of these crashes occur every month and three people are killed every week in these types of collisions.

How a Florida Auto Accident Lawyer Can Help

If you or someone you love has been harmed by a driver who was under the influence of drugs, you would likely have a strong claim against that party if you file a Florida personal injury lawsuit .  Basically, if a person is intoxicated at the time of an accident, he or she is generally considered negligent merely by getting behind the wheel of a vehicle.

In addition, that person could be facing a criminal prosecution, but that does not obviate your ability to bring a civil claim in an effort to recover damages that are designed to compensate you for your losses.  Such damages could be awarded for property damage, medical costs, lost income and pain and suffering among other forms of damages depending on the facts of the situation.

If this all sounds familiar, you need to contact the Florida auto accident lawyers at Bernstein & Maryanoff today to schedule a free initial consultation.