Alafaya Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
While most people know that drunk driving is illegal, many remain unaware of the potential civil liability that comes with the decision to drink and drive. Basically, in addition to facing criminal charges for driving under the influence (DUI), drunk drivers can be held personally liable for the injuries that their actions cause to others. If, for example, a drunk driver collided with another vehicle, causing the occupant to suffer multiple injuries, the at-fault motorist could be required to compensate the victim for medical bills and lost wages.
Unfortunately, many of those accused of drunk driving attempt to avoid liability by raising questions about the legitimacy of Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) tests. In these cases, it is critical for injured parties to retain an experienced Alafaya drunk driving accident lawyer who can help ensure that the at-fault driver is held responsible for his or her actions.
Drunk Driving Leads to Severe Injuries
Unfortunately, when it comes to drunk driving accidents, it is not uncommon for the injuries sustained to be quite serious, which is largely attributed to the fact that drunk drivers are rarely aware of the impending crash until it is too late to swerve out of the way or slow down. For this reason, drunk driving accidents often occur at high speeds, resulting in severe impacts and devastating blunt force injuries.
In these situations, recovering compensation from the at-fault party could make all the difference in an accident victim’s ability to pay for medical treatment, making it especially important for injured parties to provide the judge or jury with strong proof of the other driver’s intoxication. Access to the police report created after the accident, as well as the driver’s BAC test results, eyewitness statements, and an expert opinion’s testimony can all play a crucial role in proving that the other driver’s intoxication resulted in a person’s injuries.
Florida’s Dram Shop Liability Law
When the evidence of a driver’s intoxication is incontrovertible, it is not uncommon for his or her insurer to reach out to the injured party in an attempt to settle the claim. If, however, the settlement offer is too low and the limits of the victim’s own policy have been exceeded, the injured party could attempt to recover compensation directly from the at-fault driver by filing a claim against him or her in court. In some cases, it is even possible to hold other individuals and establishments partly liable for an accident caused by a drunk driver. Florida’s Dram Shop Law, for instance, allows those who have been injured in drunk driving accidents to seek compensation from the establishment that served the inebriated driver if it:
- Willfully sold or furnished alcoholic beverages to someone who was not of lawful drinking age; or
- Knowingly served alcohol to a person who was habitually addicted to alcohol.
For help determining whether someone besides a drunk driver could be held partially liable for your own accident-related injuries, please reach out to our legal team today.
Schedule a Free Consultation
If you were injured by a drunk driver in Florida, please call 407-381-4529 to discuss your case with one of the experienced and compassionate Alafaya drunk driving accident lawyers at Israoui Law.
