Drunk driving crashes are tragic because they don’t have to happen. Families are left grieving all because someone chose to drive while impaired. These senseless decisions can shatter lives in an instant.
Communities work hard to stop impaired driving, but it still harms thousands of people each year. Victims of DUI drivers in Florida deserve to know their legal options. A Pembroke Pines DUI accident victim lawyer can offer the support you need during this difficult time.
At The Schiller Kessler Group, we’ve spent over 30 years helping injury victims. If you’ve been hurt in any type of accident, including a collision with a reckless driver, our Pembroke Pines car accident lawyer is here to stand by your side.
Drunk Driving Defined
In Florida, drunk driving means operating or controlling a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. Commercial drivers can face DUI charges with a BAC of 0.04%, and drivers under 21 with a BAC of just 0.02%.
Drunk drivers who cause accidents resulting in serious injury or death may face severe legal consequences. Victims harmed in these accidents have the right to seek justice and hold those drivers accountable. Our Pembroke Pines personal injury lawyers are here to guide you every step of the way.
We can provide the legal support you need to pursue fair outcomes after a DUI-related accident. We are committed to standing by your side and protecting your rights.
More people choose The Schiller Kessler Group because they know that we’re a cut above other personal injury law firms.
How a Pembroke Pines DUI Accident Victim Lawyer Proves Liability
Our lawyers gather key evidence to establish fault when a drunk driver causes harm. This evidence often mirrors what is used in criminal cases, including:
- Failed field sobriety tests
- BAC results from breathalyzer or blood tests
- Witness testimony about intoxication or erratic driving
- Dashcam or body-cam footage from law enforcement
- Driver statements made at the scene
A DUI conviction or guilty plea strengthens your civil claim, but it is not required to hold the driver responsible. Even if the driver avoids criminal penalties, you still have the right to pursue a civil case and seek justice for the harm caused.
No matter what time of day it is, you can contact The Schiller Kessler Group to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
Florida’s Approach to Drunk Driving
Florida takes strong measures to hold drunk drivers accountable and protect victims. Blood alcohol testing is mandatory for drivers involved in serious injury crashes, whether they survive or not. Repeat offenders face felony DUI charges to help keep them off the road.
Ignition interlock devices are required for certain offenders, including many first-timers, to prevent further impaired driving. These devices stop vehicles from starting if the driver has been drinking.
Florida also enforces zero tolerance for drivers under 21. A BAC of 0.02% or higher leads to an automatic six-month license suspension, making it clear that even one drink can result in serious consequences for young drivers.
Florida’s Dram Shop Law
Florida’s Dram Shop law offers DUI victims a way to hold businesses accountable when they contribute to alcohol-related accidents. Victims may seek damages from bars, clubs, or other establishments that served the intoxicated driver involved in the crash.
This applies when alcohol is sold to someone under the legal drinking age or to a person with a known history of addiction. These cases offer victims an additional way to hold others accountable.
While the statute is limited, it provides an important opportunity to pursue justice beyond the driver’s actions. A DUI accident victim lawyer in Pembroke Pines can offer the legal guidance needed to explore all available options.
Filing a Claim Against a Drunk Driver in Florida
If you or a loved one were harmed in a drunk driving accident, Florida law allows you to file a claim against the driver and any other responsible parties. To recover damages, it must be proven that the defendant’s actions directly caused your injuries.
In Florida, DUI charges apply not only to alcohol impairment but also to drugs, whether legal or illegal. The law holds drivers accountable for operating a vehicle under the influence of any substance that compromises their ability to drive safely.
Most motor vehicle accident claims are based on negligence. This means a driver failed to act with reasonable care, creating dangerous circumstances that caused harm to others.
Injuries in Drunk Driving Accidents
Collisions involving drunk drivers can cause serious harm, ranging from minor bruises to life-changing injuries. Some victims may experience whiplash, while others endure severe burns or multiple fractures.
Common injuries we see in these cases include:
- Broken bones
- Chest contusions
- Spinal cord injury
- Cuts, bruises, and lacerations
- Traumatic brain injury
These injuries often bring significant medical expenses, and recovery may require long-term care or physical therapy to restore mobility. A personal injury claim can help cover these costs, allowing you to focus on healing and rebuilding your life.
Wrongful Death Claims in DUI Accidents
In Florida, a wrongful death claim offers surviving family members a legal way to seek justice after losing a loved one to an impaired driver’s reckless actions. This process allows families to hold the responsible party accountable for the harm caused.
Filing a wrongful death claim requires showing that the driver’s negligence directly led to the fatal crash, often involving proof that the driver was impaired by alcohol or drugs. Surviving spouses, children, parents, or other dependents are typically eligible to pursue these claims.
Consulting with an attorney familiar with DUI-related wrongful death cases is an important step. Our Pembroke Pines DUI accident victim attorneys can help guide you through the process with care and attention, focusing on protecting your rights during this difficult time.
Protecting the Rights of DUI Accident Victims in Pembroke Pines
Built on compassion and integrity, we’ll never treat your case like just a number. We care about the communities we serve and are here to support your recovery. A Pembroke Pines DUI accident lawyer can help you seek justice and hold the responsible party accountable.
At The Schiller Kessler Group, we know how difficult this time can be. We‘ve successfully helped secure compensation for over 30,000 Florida injury victims, and we are ready to fight for your rights, too.
You don’t have to go through this alone. Our attorneys are here to provide the guidance and care you need, standing by your side every step of the way.
Injured? Call The Aggressive Attorneys Today
