A collision with an impaired driver can disrupt your life in an instant. At Altman Law Firm, we represent individuals and families in Hialeah who have suffered serious injuries due to drunk driving and alcohol-related accidents. Led by attorney Jeffrey S. Altman, our firm is dedicated to helping victims navigate the complex aftermath of these preventable crashes, seeking the accountability and financial recovery they deserve.
In Florida, holding a drunk driver accountable is often only one part of a complex legal puzzle. Under Florida Statutes Section 768.125, third parties such as bars, restaurants, or taverns may also share liability under very specific circumstances, such as unlawfully serving alcohol to a minor or knowingly serving a person habitually addicted to alcohol. Whether your accident occurred near West 49th Street or along the Palmetto Expressway, our firm thoroughly investigates the circumstances surrounding the crash to identify all potentially liable parties, ensuring your rights are protected under Florida's premises and civil liability statutes.
Florida operates under a modified comparative negligence system. This means that if you are found partially at fault for an accident, your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, in alcohol-related crashes, the driver's impairment is often the overwhelming cause of the collision. We work diligently to compile evidence, including police reports, breathalyzer results, and witness statements, to establish a clear picture of negligence. Our goal is to present a compelling case that accurately reflects the impact of the impaired driver's actions on your life.
Hialeah is one of Miami-Dade County's busiest hubs, with heavy traffic flowing daily along Okeechobee Road, Red Road, and the Gratigny Parkway. When an alcohol-related crash occurs on these crowded thoroughfares, the physical and emotional toll can be overwhelming. Altman Law Firm provides compassionate, personalized representation for local residents. We handle the stressful legal details, from communicating with insurance companies to filing claims in the Miami-Dade County court system, so you can focus on your physical recovery.
In Florida, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit, including those arising from alcohol-related accidents, is generally two years from the date of the crash. If the accident resulted in a tragic loss of life, a wrongful death claim must also be filed within two years. Because gathering evidence quickly is critical in drunk driving cases, it is advisable to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your rights are preserved.
Yes. The criminal case against the drunk driver is entirely separate from a civil personal injury claim. While the state prosecutes the driver to punish the criminal offense, a civil claim is your avenue to seek financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The outcome of the criminal case can sometimes serve as strong evidence in your civil claim, but you do not have to wait for the criminal trial to conclude before initiating civil action.
Victims of drunk driving accidents may be eligible to recover both economic and non-economic damages. This can include compensation for current and future medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost income, loss of earning capacity, and physical pain and suffering. In certain egregious cases involving drunk driving, punitive damages may also be pursued to punish the defendant's reckless conduct, subject to Florida's statutory guidelines.
Under Florida's motor vehicle laws, drivers are required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, which covers a portion of medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who caused the accident. However, because alcohol-related collisions often result in severe injuries, PIP coverage is rarely sufficient. If your injuries meet the state's injury threshold, meaning they are permanent or involve significant scarring or loss of bodily function, you have the right to step outside the no-fault system and file a claim directly against the negligent driver.
If you or a loved one has been injured by an impaired driver in Hialeah, contact Altman Law Firm today to discuss your legal options during a free, confidential consultation. Call (305) 373-3730.