Dealing with the aftermath of a crash caused by an impaired driver can turn your life upside down in seconds. At Altman Law Firm, we understand the immense physical, emotional, and financial toll these preventable incidents take on victims and their families throughout Lee County. Lead attorney Jeffrey S. Altman and our legal team are dedicated to helping you navigate the complexities of seeking accountability through the civil justice system.
Roads in Lee County, from busy stretches of I-75 to local thoroughfares near Fort Myers and Cape Coral, see far too many incidents involving impaired drivers. When someone chooses to get behind the wheel after drinking, they put everyone else at risk. Beyond pursuing a claim directly against the intoxicated driver, Florida law sometimes allows victims to seek compensation from establishments that unlawfully served alcohol to an already intoxicated person or a minor. This is known as dram shop liability.
Navigating a personal injury or wrongful death claim requires a clear understanding of state statutes. Under Florida law, there is a specific statute of limitations that limits the timeframe within which you can file a lawsuit. Waiting too long can permanently bar you from recovering compensation. Furthermore, Florida follows modified comparative negligence rules, meaning insurance adjusters may try to shift a portion of the blame onto you. Having knowledgeable legal representation ensures your rights are protected against these tactics.
Building a strong civil case following an alcohol-related crash involves thorough investigation, gathering police reports, obtaining toxicology results, and working with reconstruction experts when necessary. We handle communications with insurance companies, medical providers, and opposing counsel so you can focus entirely on your recovery. While financial compensation cannot undo the trauma of an accident, it can help alleviate the burden of medical bills, lost wages, and other related expenses.
First, ensure your safety and call 911 to report the crash and request medical assistance. If you are able, document the scene with photos and gather contact information from witnesses. It is crucial that law enforcement is notified so an official accident report can be filed, noting any suspicions of impairment.
Under Florida dram shop laws, a licensed vendor may be held liable if they knowingly served alcohol to a person under the legal drinking age or to a person who was habitually addicted to alcohol. Determining liability requires a careful investigation into the establishment's practices leading up to the crash.
Florida has strict statutes of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims arising from motor vehicle collisions. Because these deadlines can change based on the circumstances of the case, it is important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to preserve your rights.
Florida applies a modified comparative negligence standard. If you are found to be partially at fault for an accident, your potential recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are found to be more than 50 percent at fault, you may be barred from recovering damages entirely.
Contact Altman Law Firm today to discuss your Lee County accident case with a dedicated legal professional. Call (305) 373-3730.