Drunk Driving Car Accident Lawyer In Coral Gables, FL
Drunk driving accidents are a leading cause of death and injury in the United States. Though most motorists are assumed to know the risks associated with getting behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, there are still many people who continue to break the law by doing exactly that.
Alcohol lowers your inhibitions and slows your response times making for a deadly combination, especially for someone who is behind the wheel. The drunk driver can pass out or fall asleep and lose control of their vehicle. Drunk drivers are also more likely to disobey traffic rules and drive more dangerously and aggressively.
Statistics from the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles show that over 5,000 crashes occurred in 2017 alone that were related to alcohol abuse. These accidents resulted in almost 400 deaths and roughly 2,000 injuries.
If you’ve sustained injuries caused by a drunk driver, contact our drunk driving car accident lawyers in Coral Gables, Florida at 305-928-2909 to schedule a free consultation. Depending on the unique circumstances surrounding your case, you may be able to recover damages. We make sure to exhaust all legal avenues open to you to ensure you get the justice you deserve under driving under the influence (DUI) laws.
Drunk Driving Car Accident Injuries
Drunk driving injuries can leave families and victims drained both financially as well as emotionally. Injuries often sustained in drunk driving accidents include:
- Head injuries
- Paralysis
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Broken bones
- Soft tissue damage
Damages for Drunk Driving Under Florida Law
If you can prove a motorist was driving while intoxicated or was negligent when an accident occurred, you may recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses and other related costs
- Punitive damages
- Lost income
- Mental anguish
- Property damage
- Lost earning capacity
These costs can quickly add up, leaving you overwhelmed. That is why it is important to seek a fair settlement for the injuries you’ve suffered at the hands of a negligent third-party. If you aren’t sure how much your claim is worth, get in touch with our team of experienced personal injury attorneys for legal guidance. We will help you calculate the full cost of your injuries, including the cost of present and future medical treatment, lost income, and property damage to help you pursue a fair compensation amount.
How Much Can You Recover After Being Hit By a Drunk Driver?
The value of your claim will depend on many factors, such as the evidence gathered by the police from the accident scene and the extent of damages that the accident caused. Other factors include:
- The outcome of criminal charges, if any, that were filed against the drunk driver
- Amount of insurance coverage available by all parties involved
- The terms and conditions of all relevant insurance policies
- Evidence of liquor liability laws that were violated
- Medical reports and doctor testimony on the extent of injuries sustained
Contact our drunk driving car accident lawyers for an explanation of how these factors will apply to your specific case.
Florida Drunk Driving Accident Law
Under Florida law, drunk driving that results in serious bodily injury is treated as a third-degree felony with a five-year jail term. Motorists found with a blood alcohol level of more than 0.08% are considered to be above the legal limit. Intoxicated drivers may also be subject to civil liability if they cause severe injuries or death to others on the road.
Moreover, drunk drivers may be subjected to additional civil liability laws under Florida Statutes 768.762 for punitive damages if they cause serious injuries such as closed head or traumatic brain injuries.
The civil justice and criminal systems operate separately in Florida, but they can also overlap. Criminal court judges can impose restitution if drunk driving is proven under Florida Statute 775.089. This would be payable to the accident victim, but:
- Criminal courts do not perform analysis of damages the way a personal injury lawyer does for civil proceedings.
- Insurance companies aren’t party to this order. It would only be applicable to the convicted person.
It’s important for drunk driving accident victims to speak with experienced car accident attorneys to fully understand their legal options. We’re committed to pursuing justice for you while you focus on the healing process so make sure to call us right away if you’ve been involved in a DUI-related accident.
Contact Our Drunk Driving Car Accident Lawyers in Coral Gables for Legal Advice
Victims injured due to drunk driving accident deserve justice; there is no excuse for someone that has been drinking to get behind the wheel. If your injuries were caused by a drunk driver, call us at 305-928-2909 to file for the injury and damages compensation you deserve.