Table of Contents
Table of Contents
When someone makes the decision to drink and drive, they pose a serious threat to all other motorists and pedestrians on the road. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is more than mere carelessness – it is a criminal act that is, at the very least, reckless. When a drunk driver causes a car accident, the legal situation is somewhat different than it is for that of a careless driver.
Because Florida law states that a drunk driver must be held responsible for his or her actions, the victim—or the victim’s family in the case of a fatal car accident—has the right to seek punitive damages as well as compensatory damages from the responsible driver or their insurance company. This may include compensation for medical bills and lost earnings, as well as pain and suffering. Were you injured by a drunk driver? You have rights! Contact the Miami drunk driving accident lawyers at Freidin Brown, P.A. to learn more.
Who is Responsible for a Drunk Driving Accident?
While, of course, a majority of the blame for a drunk driving accident lies with the intoxicated driver, they may not be the only one who is liable under the law. According to Florida’s dram shop law, anyone who willfully and unlawfully provides alcohol to a minor or knowingly provides alcohol to someone who is “habitually addicted,” can also be held accountable for a DUI-related accident.
Under Florida’s dram shop law, other liable parties may include:
- Bartenders and servers
- Bar or restaurant owners
- Night club owners or employees
- Security staff at bars or clubs
If you can establish that an employee or manager at a bar, restaurant, night club, or other drinking establishment knowingly served alcohol to a minor under the age of 21 or an adult patron who was habitually addicted to alcohol, and that person subsequently caused a drunk driving accident, you may be able to seek damages from that party in addition to the intoxicated driver.
Harmed in a Car Accident? Get Legal Help in Miami Now!
With Freidin Brown, P.A., You Get 100+ Years of Experience on Your Side
At Freidin Brown, P.A., we are proud to advocate for the rights of drunk driving accident victims. Our Miami car accident lawyers have more than 100 years of courtroom experience and have worked on both the plaintiff and defense side of personal injury law. Our firm is AV-Rated by Martindale-Hubbell®, and we have a long track record of achieving fair settlements and jury verdicts.
- Our legal team has litigated more than 300 jury trials
- We have won millions of dollars on behalf of our clients
- Two of our lawyers are Board Certified Civil Trial Experts
- You won’t pay any legal fees unless we win your case
Helping Victims Seek Justice for Miami Drunk Driving Accidents
DUI accident victims and their families deserve personal attention from lawyers who will take every possible step to obtain compensation. In addition to representing victims in insurance settlement negotiations and civil lawsuits, our Miami drunk driving accident lawyers help clients understand the criminal proceedings against the driver and represent their interests in criminal court. Give us a call today to request your FREE, no-obligation consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drunk Driving Claims
Our firm can answer FAQs about drunk driving cases in Florida, including:
How do punitive damages work in Miami drunk driving accident lawsuits?
Unlike typical car accident cases, Florida law allows victims of drunk driving crashes to pursue punitive damages, which punish the driver for reckless or intentional misconduct. These damages are awarded in addition to medical bills, lost wages, and other compensatory damages. Our Miami drunk driving accident attorneys at Freidin Brown, P.A., have the courtroom experience to make a strong case for punitive damages when appropriate.
What role does Florida’s dram shop law play in Miami DUI accident claims?
Florida’s dram shop law is narrow, but it allows victims to hold bars, restaurants, or clubs liable if they knowingly serve alcohol to a minor or a person known to be habitually addicted. If evidence shows an establishment contributed to the crash, a Miami drunk driving accident lawyer from Freidin Brown, P.A. can pursue claims against both the driver and the business.
How soon should I contact a Miami DUI accident lawyer after the crash?
It’s best to contact an attorney immediately after a drunk driving accident. Key evidence, like bar receipts, surveillance footage, or police bodycam video, can disappear quickly. By hiring Freidin Brown, P.A. right away, our Miami drunk driving accident attorneys can send preservation letters, gather witness testimony, and coordinate with investigators to strengthen your case.
Can family members of DUI accident victims recover compensation in Miami?
Yes. If a loved one was killed in a Miami drunk driving accident, surviving family members may file a wrongful death claim under Florida law. This allows recovery for funeral costs, loss of companionship, loss of financial support, and survivors’ emotional suffering. At Freidin Brown, P.A., our Miami drunk driving accident lawyers can advise grieving families regarding such critical cases.
Freidin Brown, P.A.
Address: 2 S Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33131, United States
Phone: (888) 677-7764
Opening Hours: Call Us 24/7 for a FREE Consultation