• 15
  • July
    2011

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 33,808 people died in traffic crashes in 2009 in the United States. An estimated 10,839 people lost their lives as a result of drunk drivers with an illegal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or greater. For Florida, the state reported 770 drunk driving accident fatalities for 2009, in addition to over 53,000 driving under the influence (DUI) and nearly 38,000 liquor law violation arrests. For the Sunshine State, alcohol impaired driving has presented serious public safety issues, as demonstrated in the recent arrest of an Ocala man.

On the night of June 3, 2011, witnesses on County Road 312 and State Road 40, noticed a Ford truck driving carelessly. The vehicle drove off the road and into oncoming traffic several times. The Ford eventually collided with a Jeep, rear-ended one SUV and then rammed a truck before driving off. Eyewitnesses were able to notify Florida Highway Patrol and offer a license plate number. Soon thereafter, a bloody Keith D. Kirchoffer, the driver of the Ford, was found at his home.

After refusing the sobriety test, the Ocala resident was arrested and tested. His BACs were confirmed to be .212 and .211. Florida's legal limit is.08. Authorities charged Kirchoffer with several offenses, including his third DUI, leaving the scene of an accident with property damage and leaving the scene of an accident with injuries. As a result of Kirchoffer's reckless driving, several people, including two small children, were hurt. While all are expected to recover from their injuries, each was transported and treated at a local hospital.

On average, someone is killed every 50 minutes or injured every minute by a drunk driver. Experts determined that the cost of the financial impact of drunk driving on taxpayers and on federal and state governments was approximately $51 billion each year.

In Florida, drunk and other impaired driver accident victims can seek recovery for their pain and suffering. Injured persons or their loved ones may also be entitled to damages for lost wages, medical expenses and even burial expenses. In some cases, parties can obtain punitive damages where gross and flagrant reckless disregard or a lack of care of the driver can be proven.

Drunk driving is a serious public safety and health issue, and the problem is on the rise. For victims of drunk drivers, it is important to know that you have rights and are entitled to compensation for the damages you have sustained. Speak to a personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options and help you protect your rights.


Source: Man Rammed Three Vehicles in DUI Incident