A concerned motorist witnessed an SUV, with minors in the vehicle, sideswiping a tractor-trailer and reported the incident to authorities.  The police later arrested the drunk driver. Following the accident, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) condemned drunk driving again in a press release.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FHSMV) reported that in 2017 there were 5,125 alcohol-related car crashes in Florida.

FHSMV says that, under Florida law, driving under the influence of alcoholic beverages, chemical substances, or controlled substances is one offense that is proven by unlawful blood alcohol or breath alcohol level of .08 or above. The penalties upon conviction are the same regardless of the manner in which the offense is proven.

When a driver is convicted of DUI, Florida Statute 316.193 (4) applies. The statute says a convicted DUI offender, who at the time of the offense was accompanied in the vehicle by a person under the age of 18 years, faces up to nine months in jail and a fine of up to $2,000 for the first offense.

“DUIs are 100 percent preventable, and jeopardizing the lives of others, including minors, is unconscionable,” said Fort Myers DUI Accident Attorney Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. “If you or a loved one is injured in an accident because of the negligence of a drunk driver, please contact our experienced team. We represent people involved in numerous types of personal injury and wrongful death accidents throughout the state of Florida. All of our clients have unique personal injury cases. Our firm provides personal contact and communication along with aggressive representation. We are available when you need us, 24/7, and there are no costs or attorney fees unless we make a monetary recovery for you.”

Fort Myers DUI Accident Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll-free at 1.888.477.4839, or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and Collier County 239.793.7748.