5-Time DUI Driver Convicted for Fatal St. Cloud Accident

Orlando Auto Accident Lawyer — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:33:45 +0000

An egregious case of drunk driving in St. Cloud, FL, shows a need for aggressive prosecution for repeat offenders in DUI/DWI situations. The Florida driver was sentenced to 11 years in prison after a fifth DUI violation resulted in a fatality. This case draws the attention of those who know how devastating DUI behaviors can be for those who are sharing the road with drunk or impaired drivers.

The facts of the case include the death of a 2-year-old, where the driver with a history of driving while intoxicated was found to be at fault. The circumstances surrounding the case, as reported by local media, paint a dark picture of recently sentenced 52-year-old man, a former Miami-Dade County worker. Local police reported the defendant initially denied being at fault in the accident. Evidence from his vehicle, including alcohol containers and mood-altering drugs, showed a pattern of addiction. A lack of concern for other parties in the accident, as well as continued addictive behaviors, add to the extreme nature of the case against the driver, who appeared extremely intoxicated in the wake of the accident.

Cases like these reveal the real dangers of allowing multiple DUI drivers to stay on the road. Public safety advocates often argue that quicker intervention could have saved lives, where this case seems to be a compelling example. Advocacy groups are vigilant in promoting license suspension and other practical results for DUI/DWI situations, but inevitably, some cases go unresolved until a repeat incident causes extreme grief and hardship to an innocent family.

Central Florida auto accident attorney firms understand the importance of dealing with DUI/DWI related injuries and fatalities on the civil side of the law. The Law Offices of James O. Cunningham has fought for victims of auto accidents in the Orlando area for over three decades. This skilled Orlando auto accident lawyer team is attentive to the issues facing drivers, including the extreme risks of an accident caused by a drunk driver.

Those who have been injury victims in an accident involving alcohol or other intoxicants or who have lost a family member due to a DUI/DWI can work with this Orlando auto accident attorney to pursue a civil case against a drunk driver who caused injury on the road. Using detailed research and knowledge of Florida statutes, Cunningham delivers the legal representation to families that they need to resolve these cases involving suffering and loss. Call 888-425-2004 to get help from our lawyer team or use the online contact form to take the first step in obtaining compensation in a DUI/DWI related case in the Orlando area or around Central Florida.

MADD and Florida Personal Injury Lawyers Push New DUI Law

Orlando Auto Accident Lawyer — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 22:29:27 +0000

Tired of the number of drunk drivers on Florida’s streets and highways, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and many Florida personal injury attorneys are rallying support for a proposed piece of legislation which would target drunk drivers. The legislation would require that ignition interlock devices be installed in the vehicles of all first-time convicted drunk drivers. This is very encouraging and certainly a step in the right direction. However, drunk driving statistics indicate that on average, a drunk driver while drink and drive 87 times before they are arrested for DUI.

Ignition interlock devices require that the driver blow into them before the car will start to determine their blood-alcohol content. If the BAC is above a certain level, the car will not start. These devices have been proven to reduce drunk driving, drunk driving accidents and drunk driving injuries and deaths. If lawmakers pass the bill, Florida would be the 13th state in the country to have ignition interlock laws in place.

The bill, SB 924, introduced by Senator Stephen R. Wise, (R-Jacksonville) requires that this device would be used for a specific period of time after the first time a driver is convicted for operating their vehicle under the influence of alcohol. The law would require a court to order a convicted drunk driver not to operate a motor vehicle of any kind unless that vehicle has a functioning ignition interlock device installed.

Even after tougher laws have been passed with increased criminal penalties and huge media campaigns about the dangers and possible consequences of drunk driving, people still drink and get behind the wheel. In 2008, 875 people lost their lives in auto accidents caused by drunk drivers on Florida streets and highways. If that isn’t sobering enough, there 108,853 Floridians with three or more DUI convictions and of that number, 13,540 have five or more convictions for driving under the influence.

Florida residents are urged to contact their lawmakers and insist passage of SB 924 to make Florida’s roads safer for everyone. People who choose to drink and get behind the wheel are guilty of the most negligent behavior. They know that what they are doing is illegal, dangerous and puts other people at significant and unnecessary risk, yet they drink and drive anyway.

If you or someone you care for has been hurt or killed by a drunk driver, Orlando drunk driving accident attorney James O. Cunningham may be able to help. He has been representing drunk driving accident victims and their families since 1977. He will use his considerable experience to make the best possible recovery on your behalf. Orlando drunk driving accident lawyer James O. Cunningham is a passionate defender of victims’ rights and offers free consultations. To schedule your free consultation with Central Florida drunk driving accident attorney James O. Cunningham, call one of his law offices throughout Central Florida today.

Orlando Auto Accident Lawyers » Drunk Driving Accident

5-Time DUI Driver Convicted for Fatal St. Cloud Accident

MADD and Florida Personal Injury Lawyers Push New DUI Law