Discovering that your life has been disrupted by a drunk driver is incredibly frustrating. At Altman Law Firm, we represent individuals and families throughout Miami-Dade County who have been harmed in alcohol-related crashes. Led by attorney Jeffrey S. Altman, our firm is committed to helping victims navigate the complex aftermath of these preventable collisions, from dealing with insurance companies to pursuing legal action against negligent parties.
Under Florida law, a person injured by a drunk driver may have grounds to seek compensation not just from the motorist, but potentially from the establishment that served them. Florida Statute Section 768.125 outlines our state's dram shop laws. While these laws are relatively restrictive, liability may apply if a vendor knowingly serves alcohol to a person habitually addicted to it or to a minor. Navigating these multi-party claims requires a thorough investigation into where the driver was drinking prior to getting behind the wheel on busy local corridors like the Palmetto Expressway or US-1.
Florida operates under a modified comparative negligence system. This means that if you are found partially at fault for an accident, your recovery can be reduced by your percentage of fault, and you are barred from recovery if you are more than 50% responsible. Additionally, Florida's personal injury protection (PIP) insurance system requires drivers to carry no-fault coverage, but serious injuries often quickly exceed these limits. When an alcohol-related crash results in severe harm, we help victims seek damages beyond PIP limits to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
From the bustling nightlife of South Beach and Brickell to the residential streets of Coral Gables and Kendall, alcohol-related accidents can happen anywhere. These crashes often occur late at night or during holiday weekends on major routes like Interstate 95 and the Don Shula Expressway. At Altman Law Firm, we understand the local dynamics of Miami-Dade County, including how local law enforcement documents DUI arrests and how cases proceed through the Miami-Dade County Civil Court. We work diligently to gather police reports, breathalyzer results, and witness statements to build a strong foundation for your claim.
In Florida, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits, including those stemming from alcohol-related accidents, is generally two years from the date of the crash. If the accident unfortunately resulted in a wrongful death, the timeline is also typically two years from the date of passing. It is crucial to consult with an attorney promptly to ensure your rights are protected and evidence is preserved.
Yes, under specific circumstances defined by Florida's dram shop statute. A licensed establishment may be held liable if they willfully and unlawfully sell or furnish alcohol to a minor, or if they knowingly serve a person habitually addicted to alcohol. Proving these elements requires detailed evidence, such as bar receipts, witness testimonies, and social media records.
A civil personal injury claim is completely separate from any criminal DUI charges the driver may face. While a criminal conviction can serve as strong evidence of negligence in your civil case, you do not have to wait for the criminal trial to conclude before initiating your civil claim. We monitor the criminal proceedings closely to gather relevant evidence for your civil case.
Victims of drunk driving accidents may be eligible to recover economic damages, such as medical expenses and lost wages, as well as non-economic damages like pain and suffering. In some cases involving egregious conduct, punitive damages may also be pursued to punish the negligent driver, though this requires meeting specific legal standards under Florida law.
No, your initial consultation is a confidential opportunity for us to discuss the details of your accident and evaluate your options. An attorney-client relationship is only established once we both sign a formal, written representation agreement.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a drunk driver in Miami-Dade County, contact Jeffrey S. Altman today to schedule a free, confidential consultation to discuss your legal options. Call (305) 373-3730.