Pensacola Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Injured by a Drunk Motorist in Pensacola, FL?

If you or a loved one has been involved in a drunk driving accident in Pensacola, Florida, you understand the serious consequences that can arise from such a tragedy. Alcohol-impaired driving leads to devastating accidents that can result in serious injuries, property damage, and even death. At Crawford Law, we are committed to representing individuals who have been affected by drunk driving accidents, helping them seek justice and compensation. Our Pensacola drunk driving accident lawyer team is here to guide you through the complex legal process, fighting for your entitled award or settlement.

Call (850) 220-2098 or fill out our online contact form today to schedule a free consultation.

What is Considered Drunk Driving in Florida?

In Florida, drunk driving is defined as operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. This level of impairment makes it illegal for individuals to drive on public roads, as alcohol significantly impairs motor skills, decision-making, and reaction times. It's important to note that drivers can be arrested and charged with DUI (driving under the influence) even if their BAC is lower than 0.08%, especially if there is evidence that alcohol has impaired their ability to drive safely.

Florida law also makes it illegal to operate a vehicle while under the influence of drugs, whether they are prescription, over-the-counter, or illegal substances. In cases where a person is found driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, they can face severe legal consequences, including fines, license suspension, and even jail time.

However, the impact of drunk driving is not limited to criminal penalties. Victims of drunk driving accidents have the right to pursue civil action against the at-fault driver to recover compensation for their injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, pain, suffering, and other damages.

How Does Alcohol Affect Your Driving Abilities?

Alcohol impairs several critical skills needed to operate a vehicle safely. Even small amounts of alcohol can have a significant impact on a driver's ability to make sound decisions and react quickly to changing situations on the road. Below are some of the ways alcohol affects driving abilities:

• Reduced Reaction Time: Alcohol slows down the brain’s response to stimuli. This delay in reaction time can make it difficult for a driver to respond quickly to hazards or changes in traffic conditions.
• Impaired Judgment: Alcohol affects a person’s ability to make sound decisions. A drunk driver may engage in risky behavior such as speeding, tailgating, or running red lights without considering the consequences.
• Decreased Coordination: Alcohol impairs motor skills, making it difficult for a driver to steer, brake, or accelerate properly. Coordination problems can lead to erratic movements on the road, increasing the risk of an accident.
• Blurred Vision: Alcohol impairs a driver’s ability to focus and see clearly, which can lead to an inability to detect obstacles, pedestrians, or other vehicles in time to avoid a collision.
• Drowsiness and Fatigue: Alcohol can induce feelings of drowsiness and fatigue, making it harder for drivers to stay alert behind the wheel. This increases the likelihood of falling asleep at the wheel or losing focus while driving.

Given these effects, it’s clear that even small amounts of alcohol can drastically increase the chances of causing an accident.

Proving Liability in a Drunk Driving Accident

Proving liability in a drunk driving accident can be complex, but it is crucial to establishing a case for compensation. If you've been injured in a drunk driving accident, it is important to understand the process and how liability is determined.

1. Establishing the Drunk Driver’s Impairment: The first step in proving liability is demonstrating that the other driver was under the influence at the time of the accident. This can typically be established through police reports, Breathalyzer tests, or other chemical tests administered by law enforcement officers at the scene.
2. Witness Testimonies: Eyewitnesses who observed the accident or the driver’s behavior prior to the collision can provide valuable testimony that helps establish the driver’s impairment and erratic behavior.
3. Accident Reconstruction: Expert witnesses can analyze the scene of the accident, vehicle damage, and other evidence to reconstruct the events leading up to the crash. This can help demonstrate the drunk driver’s negligence and the role alcohol played in causing the collision.
4. Medical Records and Evidence: Medical documentation is essential in establishing the severity of your injuries and showing that the accident was directly caused by the other driver’s actions.

An experienced Pensacola drunk driving accident lawyer can help collect and present the necessary evidence to prove that the drunk driver is liable for the accident and your resulting damages.

Florida Dram Shop Laws

In addition to holding drunk drivers accountable, Florida law also provides for the potential liability of bars, restaurants, and other establishments that serve alcohol to visibly intoxicated individuals or minors. Under Florida’s dram shop laws, a person or business that knowingly serves alcohol to someone who is intoxicated or underage and that person subsequently causes a drunk driving accident, may be held liable for the damages.

If you were injured in a drunk driving accident and believe the at-fault driver was overserved alcohol at a bar or restaurant, it may be possible to pursue a claim against the establishment. Proving liability in dram shop cases can be complex, but a skilled Pensacola drunk driving accident lawyer can investigate the facts, gather witness statements, and hold responsible parties accountable for their actions.

Contact us today at (850) 220-2098 to request a free case evaluation.