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May 14, 2012

A recent study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicates that despite tougher criminal penalties and increased awareness through publicity campaigns, impaired driving remains a serious threat to safety on our country’s roadways.

James O. Cunningham and other Orlando drunk driving accident lawyers were distressed and continue to be concerned by the study’s findings, which include the following impaired driving statistics:

  • Drivers impaired by alcohol and/or drugs cause auto accidents that kill at least 25,000 people in the U.S. every year.
  • More than 700,000 people are injured each year in accidents caused by drunk and drug-impaired drivers.
  • More than half of all fatal auto accidents in the U.S. involve an impaired driver.
  • On average, drivers convicted of Driving Under the Influence have a blood-alcohol content of 0.2 percent, more than twice the legal limit of 0.08 percent.
  • Drivers with blood-alcohol content as low as 0.01 percent (the equivalent of having one alcoholic beverage with a meal) are at a higher risk for causing an accident.

As previously mentioned, alcohol consumption is not the only threat to road safety in this country. Drug use is also a serious problem and an increasingly common contributing factor in auto accidents. To illustrate the scope of the problem, consider the following drugged driving statistics:

  • In 2007, the NHTSA found that more than 16 percent of drivers on weekend nights tested positive for illegal and/or prescription medication.
  • Among fatally injured drivers, 18 percent tested positive for at least one illegal or prescription drug.
  • According to the NHTSA’s 2009 survey, at least 10.5 million people admitted to driving under the influence of illicit drugs during the previous year.
  • That same survey found that 12 percent admitted to driving while under the influence of alcohol during the previous year.
  • Age appears to be a factor in drivers driving under the influence of drugs. In 2009, around 6.3 percent of drivers aged 16 or 17 admitted to driving under the influence of drugs. Among adults aged 21 to 25, that percentage increased significantly to 24.8 percent.

Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is the very definition of negligence. James O. Cunningham is an Orlando personal injury attorney who works hard for people injured by impaired drivers and helps them receive the fair and just compensation they deserve. If you have been hurt by an impaired driver and are looking for effective legal representation with a proven record of success, call Mr. Cunningham today at 888-425-2004 to schedule your free consultation.

James O. Cunningham

Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.

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We have 15 convenient office locations around Central Florida to better serve our auto accident clients.

15 Florida Locations

Orange County:
Orlando, FL

500 Delaney Avenue #404
Orlando, FL 32801
Phone: 407-425-2000

Seminole County:
Lake Mary, FL

300 International Parkway #100
Lake Mary, FL 32746
Phone: 407-487-4408

Osceola County:
Kissimmee, FL

17 S. Orlando Ave.
Kissimmee, FL 34741
Phone: 407-966-4408

Volusia County:
Daytona Beach, FL

1301 Beville Rd., Suite 8
Daytona Beach, FL 32119
Phone: 386-243-4994

Volusia County:
DeBary, FL

465 Summerhaven Drive, Suite C
DeBary, FL 32713
Phone: 386-320-3911

Volusia County:
Deland, FL

120 South Woodland Blvd.
Deland, FL 32720
Phone: 386-206-1264

Citrus County:
Inverness, FL

110 North Apopka Ave.
Inverness, FL 34453
Phone: 352-205-4341

Polk County:
Lakeland, FL

1102 S. Florida Ave., Suite 104
Lakeland, FL 33803
Phone: 863-968-7551

Polk County:
Winter Haven, FL

325 Avenue A, N.W.
Winter Haven, FL 33881
Phone: 863-968-7173

Hillsborough County:
Tampa, FL

100 S. Edison St. Suite D
Tampa, FL 33606
Phone: 813-355-9772

Marion-Sumter Counties:
The Villages, FL

3420 U.S. Hwy. 27/441
Fruitland Park, FL 34731
Phone: 352-419-0825

Lake County:
Mt. Dora, FL

Mt. Dora, FL
Phone: 352-436-4696

Lake County:
Clermont, FL

3721 S Hwy 27, Suite A
Clermont, FL 34711
Phone: 352-503-4674

Brevard County:
Titusville, FL

506 S. Palm Ave.
Titusville, FL 32780
Phone: 321-222-7300

Brevard County:
Cocoa, FL

96 Willard Street, Suite 206
Cocoa, FL 32922
Phone: 321-757-1373

Client Reviews

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  • I was involved in a motor vehicle accident where the other driver ran a red light and my car was a total loss. I was referred to James Cunningham due to the fact that our attorney’s have been very impressed with James Cunningham’s work. This fact turned out to be very true… A Personal Injury Client
  • My car accident case was handled by Mr Cunningham and I was very pleased with how everything was done. He handles his own cases and his staff is top notch. He got me a very nice settlement without going to court. Derek
  • We contacted Jim Cunningham to help guide us through the "maize" of possible outcomes in settling with insurance companies, medical bills, and even police investigation with the accident. David
  • Cunningham worked hard was professional, supportive, diligent and always maintained contact. I am very satisfied with the service that him and his team provided. Mr Cunningham is a lawyer that will work for you. Dezhaun
  • I consulted with several attorneys, but as soon as I met James Cunningham, I knew he was the right attorney for me. He immediately expressed concern for my well-being, and his compassionate, professional manner put me at ease. Diane