Being involved in a car accident can be frustrating, even in the best of circumstances. But knowing that the crash could have easily been prevented had someone decided not to drink and drive is downright maddening. You shouldn’t have to pay for someone else’s careless decisions, and our Fort Lauderdale DUI accident lawyers can fight so you don’t have to.
Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers has over 22 years of combined experience in personal injury law. We are members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and have recovered over $30 million for our Florida clients. Call (954) 361-3997 or contact us today to discuss your options for recovering compensation after a DUI accident in Fort Lauderdale, FL, that wasn’t your fault.
How Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a DUI Crash in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers focuses exclusively on personal injury cases. We know how the law works and will use our extensive experience and resources to help you every step of the way. Our Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyers can help by:
- Cooperating with police, helping identify the at-fault driver if they committed a hit and run, and gathering evidence to prove fault in your case
- Exploring all your legal options for financial recovery, including under dram shop or dangerous instrumentality claims
- Working with your medical providers to understand the full extent of your injuries
- Managing communications with insurance companies and other parties on your behalf
- Monitoring case deadlines and managing your legal claims
- Preparing a demand for maximum compensation and negotiating with insurance companies
Call us today for a free consultation to learn more about how our DUI accident lawyers in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, can help.
How Common Is Driving Under the Influence in Florida?
According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, 8,197 motor vehicle accidents involved alcohol use in the state in 2023. This included 227 fatal accidents and 260 accidents that caused incapacitating injuries. According to the Florida Crash Dashboard, Broward County experienced 227 impaired driving alcohol-only crashes in 2023, including five fatal crashes. Altogether, 8 crashes resulted in 6 fatalities in 2023 that involved drugs.
Florida’s DUI Laws
According to Florida law, a person can be charged with the criminal offense of driving under the influence (DUI) if they are driving are under actual physical control of a vehicle and:
- Have a blood or breath alcohol level of 0.08% or more
- Are under the influence of alcohol, any chemical substance specified by the law, or any controlled substance when it affects the extent that their normal faculties are impaired.
Therefore, under this law, a person can be charged with DUI even if they are not physically driving and even if their BAC is below 0.08%.
DUI Accidents and Florida’s “No-Fault” Car Insurance Rules
Florida drivers must carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance coverage, which accident victims must normally turn to for compensation because of the state’s “no-fault” system. However, this insurance might not be enough to cover all of your losses, and it can’t compensate for things like pain and suffering.
There are exceptions to the state’s “no-fault” system, such as if you suffer a serious injury or if your losses exceed your policy limits. DUI accident cases may also constitute an exception to these rules. This means you may be able to file a claim and/or lawsuit against the at-fault driver for full compensation (more on this below).
What Financial Compensation Can I Recover After a DUI Crash?
Florida vehicle accident victims can seek compensation for their economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include financial losses like medical bills and lost wages. Non-economic damages compensate for intangible losses such as pain and suffering. Punitive damages can also be awarded to punish the drunk driver.
How To Prove Fault in a Drunk Driving Accident
Even though a drunk driver may have caused the crash, you will still need evidence to show it was their fault, such as:
- Accident reports citing the driver for DUI
- Red light, surveillance, or dashboard camera footage
- Accident scene photos
- Event data recorders
- Witness statements
- Receipts
An experienced car accident lawyer in Fort Lauderdale can help gather strong evidence to prove liability.
Can I Recover Compensation If I’m Found Partly at Fault for the Accident?
Even if the other driver is primarily found at fault for the accident, that does not necessarily mean you won’t be assigned some degree of fault. As long as you aren’t more than 50% at fault for the accident, you can still seek compensation under Florida’s modified comparative negligence law.
However, your damages are reduced by your degree of fault. So, if you’re found 10% at fault, your damages are reduced by 10%.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Florida?
Florida has a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury lawsuits. If you don’t file your lawsuit within this timeframe, you can lose your right to recover compensation. Protect your rights by contacting an experienced lawyer today, as there are exceptions that can adjust the time limit for some cases.
Contact Our Fort Lauderdale DUI Accident Attorneys for a Free Case Review
Were you injured in a DUI accident? If so, Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers can help. We’ve recovered over $30 million for accident victims, and now we’re ready to get to work for you. Contact our Fort Lauderdale DUI accident attorneys today for a free consultation.
