Ocala Injury Lawyers Blog
Earlier last year, a drunk driver killed two 21-year-old best friends in a head-on collision on the Sawgrass Expressway. Back at the time of the accident, the tragic story made national news because the driver had tweeted “2 drunk 2 care” just moments before she collided head-on with the girls’ car.
According to one national news report, the woman recently plead guilty to two counts of DUI manslaughter and was sentenced to 24 years in prison by a Florida judge. At the conclusion of her sentence, she will be on probation for another six years and will never be allowed to drive again.
Evidence showed that at the time of the accident the drunk driver had consumed two “fish-bowl sized” cocktails at a restaurant with friends. She then got into her car and tweeted “2 drunk 2 care” before getting on the highway and causing the fatal accident. When asked about the tweet, the woman explained that it was not in reference to her drunk driving, but was referring to a fight she was having with her boyfriend at the time.
Regardless, at the time of the fatal accident, her blood-alcohol content was twice the legal limit of .08.
Drunk Driving in Florida
This story received more media attention than the average drunk driving accident due to the seemingly callous demeanor of the driver shortly before the accident. However, the truth is that the authorities in Florida take any fatal drunk driving accident very seriously. Many times, those responsible are convicted for DUI manslaughter or other criminal offenses and are given lengthy prison sentences.
In addition to jail time, a drunk driver may also find themselves liable to the victims themselves through a personal injury action. A personal injury action may be brought by any injured victim or the family member of someone who was killed in a fatal car accident. If successful, the claim may allow the victim to obtain the compensation necessary to reimburse them for their losses, such as medical expenses and lost wages.
In addition, most personal injury verdicts and settlements allow for the victim’s future damages to be calculated as well. These may include any decrease in earning capacity, future medical bills, loss of the enjoyment of life, and so forth. On top of that, an injured party may be able to seek compensation for their pain and suffering. However, each case is different. If you have any questions about a DUI accident you have been involved in, you should speak to a dedicated Florida personal injury attorney directly.
Have You Been Involved in a Florida DUI Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been involved in a Florida DUI accident, you may be entitled to monetary damages based on the drunk driver’s decision to get behind the wheel after drinking. However, prior to recovering, you will likely be forced to deal with insurance companies who will likely be less than sympathetic to you and what you have gone through. To learn more about what must be proven in these cases, and to speak to a dedicated Florida personal injury about your case, call 352-387-8700 to set up a free consultation today.
More Blog Posts:
Tragic Florida Van Accident Claims 8 Lives, Injures 10 Others, Ocala Injury Lawyers Blog, published April 3, 2015.
Florida’s “2 Drunk 2 Care” Driver Pleads Guilty to DUI Manslaughter in Fatal Crash, Ocala Injury Lawyers Blog, published March 3, 2015.