Earlier this month in central Florida, two pedestrians were killed and another two were injured when a pick-up truck swerved off the road and ran into the group of four as they were walking on the side of the road. After colliding with the group of pedestrians, the truck driver briefly came to a stop before backing back out onto the road and continuing on. The driver shortly thereafter ran into a cement pole. According to a report by the local NBC affiliate, the accident occurred on January 4, 2014, around eight in the morning.
Two of the pedestrians were pronounced dead at the scene. Another pedestrian was taken to the hospital with critical injuries, and the final pedestrian was taken in with serious injuries. All pedestrians involved were over 60 years old. The driver of the truck that hit them was admitted to the hospital in critical condition. At the time of the article, Florida State Troopers were unsure precisely how the accident occurred, and it was still under investigation. However, given the facts, it might be a possibility that the pick-up truck driver was intoxicated at the time of the accident.
Driving Under the Influence Laws in Florida
In Florida, as in every state in the nation, it is illegal to drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Indeed, drunk or impaired driving is one of the leading causes of fatal traffic accidents across the Unites States. Here in Florida, the legal limit for driving is a breath- or blood-alcohol content (BAC) of .08. Drivers who operate their vehicle with a BAC of .08 or greater are breaking the law and can be held criminally liable for their actions.
In addition to being held criminally liable, drunk drivers in Florida can also be held civilly liable to the victims of any accident the drunk driver caused. For example, if a drunk driver causes serious injury or death, the family of the victim may be able to hold that driver civilly responsible for their loss. In their pursuit for justice, a victim’s family members will be able to point to any criminal DUI citation as evidence that the other driver was negligently operating their vehicle, and perhaps be able to receive monetary compensation to help off-set the cost of medical treatment for the injuries incurred.
What To Do if You Have Been Involved in a Florida Auto Accident
If you or a loved one has recently been involved in a Florida auto accident, and you suspect that the accident was due to another driver’s negligent or drunk driving, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. To find out more about the personal injury laws in Florida, contact an experienced Ocala personal injury attorney today to discuss the facts of your case. Here at the Dean law Firm, representing injured Floridians is a family affair that we take very seriously. Through our years of collective practice, we have the dedication and experience to ensure that you are provided the quality representation that you deserve. Click here, or call 352-387-8700 to speak with a dedicated personal injury attorney at the Dean Law Firm today.