These Florida Cities See the Most Drinking and Driving Deaths

Orlando FL

15 February, 2021

12:13 PM

Description

Drinking and driving is a reckless decision that puts drivers and everyone else on the road at risk. It often causes serious accidents that result in significant injury and can prove to be fatal. Although DUI deaths have declined across the Sunshine State in recent years, many studies show that the threat remains. The significance of the threat will vary based upon where you live. 1. Sarasota Sarasota is home to the most drinking and driving deaths per capita annually in Florida, according to research by insurance company Value Penguin. The city sees more than 12 DUI deaths per 100,000 residents, a rate that grew by 73% over a three-year period. 2. Lakeland The DUI death rate in the next deadliest city for drinking and driving, Lakeland, is about half the rate than for Sarasota. At 6.5 fatalities per 100,000 people, the per-capita rate here is much lower due to its higher population. 3. Jacksonville Jacksonville has an average of 5.2 deaths per 100,000 people. However, being the most populous city in Florida, it has the most DUI deaths overall, at 138 over the three-year period between 2016-2019. 4. St. Petersburg With 4.6 DUI deaths per 100,000 residents, St. Petersburg is the most dangerous for DUIs in the Tampa-St. Petersburg metropolitan area, with a higher death rate than average than most large Florida cities. 5. Pensacola Pensacola was the fifth most dangerous city for DUI deaths, but at 4.5 deaths per 100,000 people, it is only a third of the amount of Sarasota, despite having a similar population. Largest Increases Value Penguin also reviewed the 515 deaths in Florida resulting from drinking and driving accidents in 2017. Researchers found that Lakeland saw the largest increase in drunk driving deaths over the three-year period ending in 2017, which is a 171% jump. Lauderhill (150%) and Sanford (100%) also saw huge increases during the same period. Largest Decreases Largo (-92%) and Plantation (-91%) saw the largest decreases in DUI fatalities. Additionally, Fort Myers fell from the top of the most deadly cities list to the Number 10 spot, thanks to a 69% decline in DUI deaths over the same period of time. Overall, across the state DUI deaths were down 6%. Legal Rights for People Injured in DUI Accidents Anyone injured in a DUI or other type of car accident in Florida has the right to seek compensation from those responsible for the crash. In the tragic situation in which a person is killed in a crash, his or her loved ones have the right to seek similar compensation for wrongful death. The compensation typically available in these cases includes money for medical expenses, missed wages, and reductions in earning capacity. Additional damages are often available for pain, suffering, and emotional distress. Why You Should Hire An Attorney Car crash cases can raise a number of complicated legal issues. That is one reason why it is essential to have a seasoned personal injury attorney in your corner. While it may seem cost-effective to attempt to handle your legal issues on your own, it is important to keep in mind that, without proper legal guidance, you may ultimately be leaving money on the table to which you would be entitled for your injuries and accident-related losses. You should also keep in mind that not all injuries reveal themselves at the time of the accident. In fact, some injuries may not arise until weeks later. That said, do not jump on the first quick settlement offered by the insurance company, particularly if you are thinking that it will not fully cover your needs. Consider your future and get the just compensation you deserve.