The Miami Herald recently reported the arrest of a Fort Lauderdale man accused of causing the death of a Miami Heat dancer in a DUI accident last September.
Our drunk driving accident attorneys in Fort Lauderdale understand the pain and anguish a victim’s family endures in the wake of a fatal drunk driving accident. Too often, these crashes claim the lives of innocent victims who had the misfortune of being in the way of a driver who climbed behind the wheel after having too much to drink.
Drunk driving accidents in Miami, West Palm Beach and elsewhere in the state are a daily occurrence. In fact, Broward Palm Beach New Times reports that accidents involving drunk drivers kill and average of 3 people a day in Florida.
From 2005 to 2009, over 5,700 Florida residents died in alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes. During that same time period, Broward County averaged 70 fatalities per year in drunk driving accidents. This was second only to Miami-Dade County which averaged 80 alcohol-related deaths during that time period.
According to the Sun Sentinel, the man recently charged for the death of the dancer was alleged to have a blood alcohol content of 3 times the legal limit at the time of the crash. His blood level measured at .24 in the first blood sample taken within 90 minutes of the crash according to police. He confessed to officers that he was at the mall where he had consumed two vodka drinks, authorities report. Contradicting his story, surveillance cameras from local businesses show that he and a friend were seen getting drinks approximately 6 different times from bars at 2 mall locations. The victim, riding a Suzuki sport motorcycle was struck by a Mercedes-Benz on East Sunrise Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale. The victim was thrown more than 100 feet and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The distraught family, after finding out the man charged was released on bond the following day, wants to see justice served according to Bradenton. Believing in the system is the only hope they have to keep drunk drivers off the streets. This tragedy has changed the lives of several but sending a message to not drink and drive can prevent other families from enduring another senseless tragedy.
If you or a loved one has been in a drunk driving accident in Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach or the surrounding areas, contact the personal injury lawyers at Freeman, Mallard, Sharp & Gonzalez. Call for a free and confidential appointment to discuss your rights at 1-800-529-2368.