At Kaiser Romanello Accident & Injury Attorneys, we’ve seen the heartbreak of drunk driving crashes up close. Families torn apart. Lives cut short. Futures stolen—all because someone made a choice to get behind the wheel impaired. A recent opinion piece in the Sarasota Herald-Tribune drives this home: preventable drunk driving accidents claim hundreds of lives each year in Florida alone. It’s a sobering reminder that this isn’t just a statistic—it’s a public health crisis we can stop.

The numbers hit hard. In 2022, Florida lost 1,122 people to alcohol- and drug-related crashes. That’s over three deaths every single day. Our state ranks second among Southern states for drunk driving fatalities—a grim badge we don’t want. From Miami to Tampa, Fort Lauderdale to Sarasota, these crashes leave behind grieving families, empty chairs at dinner tables, and questions about why this keeps happening. The Herald-Tribune calls it a “preventable tragedy,” and we agree. Every one of those losses could’ve been avoided with better choices and stronger action.

The Human Cost of a Single Decision

Behind each number is a story. A parent who won’t see their child grow up. A spouse left to pick up the pieces. A friend gone too soon. Drunk driving doesn’t just injure—it destroys. Victims often face life-altering injuries like traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, or spinal damage. Survivors might spend months in medical care, racking up bills they can’t pay. Lost wages pile on when they can’t work. For those who don’t make it, families are left with funeral costs and a void that never fills.

The ripple effect is brutal. Kids lose role models. Communities mourn. And too often, the responsible parties walk away—or worse, their insurance companies shrug it off. We’ve seen insurers try to lowball settlements, arguing the crash “wasn’t that bad” or the victim somehow shared blame. It’s unfair, and it’s why we fight so hard as personal injury attorneys. You shouldn’t have to battle for justice alone after a drunk driving crash turns your life upside down.

Why Aren’t We Doing More?

The Herald-Tribune points to a tough truth: current measures aren’t cutting it. Laws exist. Police patrol. Yet, 1,122 deaths in one year scream that we’re falling short. Florida’s tourism and busy roads play a role—more drivers mean more chances for mistakes. But it’s not just volume. Enforcement gaps, weak awareness campaigns, and easy access to alcohol fuel this epidemic. Larry Coggins from Mothers Against Drunk Driving nailed it: “DUI is a public health epidemic.” So why do we treat it like background noise?

Nationwide, the NHTSA says 13, 524 people died in alcohol-impaired crashes in 2022—one every 39 minutes. That’s not a fluke; it’s a pattern. Florida’s share of that toll shows we’re not immune. At Kaiser Romanello, we believe it’s time for change—stricter penalties, better education, and real accountability. But until that happens, victims and families need someone in their corner. That’s where we come in.

How Kaiser Romanello Stands Up for You

If you or a loved one suffered because of a drunk driver, you’re not just a case to us—you’re family. Our personal injury lawyers know Florida law inside out. We’ve handled countless brain injury cases, wrongful death claims, and accident lawsuits tied to impaired driving. Start with a free consultation. Tell us what happened. We’ll dig into the details—crash reports, witness accounts, medical records—and build a case that holds the driver accountable.

No upfront fees weigh you down. We work on a contingency basis—you don’t pay unless we win. Insurance companies might drag their feet or deny claims outright. We don’t back down. From negotiating fair compensation for medical bills and lost wages to fighting for pain and suffering, we’re with you every step. Our track record proves it: we’ve secured justice for clients across Florida, from Sarasota to Tampa.

Act Now—Don’t Let Time Slip Away

Drunk driving crashes are preventable, but the damage they cause is real. You don’t have to face it alone. Florida’s statute of limitations gives you two years from the crash to file a claim—miss it, and your rights could vanish. Evidence fades fast. Witnesses forget. Don’t wait until it’s too late contact us for an experienced drunk driving lawyer today.

Call Kaiser Romanello Accident & Injury Attorneys at 844-877-8679 today for your free case review. We’ll listen, explain your options, and fight for the justice you deserve. Time’s ticking—don’t let a drunk driver’s choice rob you twice. Reach out now and let us help you start healing.