Jacksonville Drunk Driving Accident Attorney

It is considered to be driving under the influence should a driver be operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration over 0.08%. Not every driver will need to hit this number, however, for them to be considered impaired by alcohol. In fact, depending on the weight of the person and their tolerance for alcohol, they could have a much lower BAC and still be considerable impaired. To keep things simple, however, this is the definition that is used by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to determine what constitutes alcohol impairment.

Overview of Alcohol-Related Crashes

According to the NHTSA, in 2009 there were over 10,000 people who suffered a wrongful death because of a car accident that involved an alcohol-impaired driver. Of all of the traffic fatalities of that year, this accounted for almost an entire third. This averaged to about one alcohol-related crash fatalities every hour for the entire year. This is a harrowing statistic and a mere reminder of the huge hazard that drunk driving plays in car crashes even to this day.

Regardless of the efforts made by legislators and social movements, drunk driving has not been eliminated. Drunk drivers still get on the road (four times more likely to get behind the wheel at night) and they still not only endanger themselves, but every other driver around them - creating a serious hazard that cannot be overlooked or underestimated.

There are many actions that are being taken to put an end to this hazard. One of the biggest deterrents is believed to be the criminal penalties that are involved. Should a driver be involved in a DUI-related car accident, they will be slapped with criminal charges that are nothing to take lightly. From monetary fines to incarceration, the criminal penalties of a drunk driving accident will be something that the defendant will carry with them for the rest of their life. What, however, happens to the victim?

Jacksonville Lawyer Protecting Drunk Driving Victims

If you have recently been injured in an accident involving a driver impaired by alcohol, then you are likely already aware of the pain and suffering that this type of accident can involve - and while you might support the driver facing criminal penalties, it might not seem like enough. It is for this reason, that you are most likely eligible to seek a civil case. In this case, you will be looking to deal with the accident independently of the criminal proceedings.

The main difference between the criminal case and the civil case? In the criminal case, the main purpose of the court will be to determine whether or not the defendant is guilty and to determine the level of punishment should it be deemed that they are guilty. This differs from a civil case where the main goal will be the look at the damages incurred by the victim and to decide on the best manner of recourse.

It is for this reason that it is so important that you seek the representation of a knowledgeable Jacksonville personal injury attorney if you have been recently injured in an accident caused by drunk driving. By working with a lawyer, you will be able to evaluate your case and seek compensation to cover everything from medical bills to future lost wages and even non-tangible damages such as pain and suffering or the loss of enjoyment of life.

Injured in a DUI accident? Call us today!

At Ellerin | Hutchinson, we have proven over the years that we are not deterred by complex cases. We recognize what is on the line with these types of situations and we are prepared to do everything possible to help our clients fight for the full financial compensation that they truly deserve. Should you choose to work with our firm, you will be able to be confident knowing that we will be by your side every step of the way to guide you through the complex personal injury process.

While so many firms are content to provide their clients with apathetic legal guidance, we will never be satisfied with this. Instead, we will take the time to get to know your case - providing tailored responses to some of the most complex of cases. With an unwavering dedication to our clients, you will be able to rest easier knowing that we will go the distance for our clients - doing everything that we can to help.

If you have been injured in a drunk driving accident, it is in your best interests to contact Ellerin | Hutchinson as soon as possible.