A collision with an impaired driver can shatter your life in an instant. Whether you were traveling along the busy stretch of NE 163rd Street, navigating Biscayne Boulevard, or heading home to one of North Miami Beach's residential neighborhoods, the reckless choice to drive under the influence puts everyone on our roads at risk. At Altman Law Firm, lead attorney Jeffrey S. Altman provides compassionate, dedicated representation to individuals and families dealing with the aftermath of alcohol-related crashes. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll of these preventable events, and we are here to help you seek the accountability you deserve. Please note that exploring our website or reaching out for information does not establish an attorney-client relationship.
North Miami Beach is a vibrant community, but its busy thoroughfares—including Miami Gardens Drive, Dixie Highway, and the corridors leading toward the beaches—frequently experience heavy traffic, particularly during weekend nights and holidays. When drivers choose to operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, their slowed reaction times and impaired judgment often lead to high-speed, catastrophic collisions. From rear-end collisions at major intersections to devastating head-on crashes, these incidents cause severe injuries that require extensive medical care. Our firm thoroughly investigates the circumstances of your crash, gathering crucial law enforcement reports, sobriety test results, and witness statements to build a strong foundation for your claim.
In Florida, liability for an alcohol-related accident may extend beyond the drunk driver. Under Florida Statute Section 768.125, commonly known as the dram shop law, an establishment that sells or furnishes alcoholic beverages may be held liable for resulting damages under specific, limited circumstances. This applies if the establishment willfully and unlawfully serves alcohol to a person under the legal drinking age, or knowingly serves a person habitually addicted to alcohol. Investigating a potential dram shop claim requires a meticulous review of bar receipts, surveillance footage, and witness testimony. Altman Law Firm works diligently to identify all potentially liable parties to ensure comprehensive legal recourse for our clients.
Florida operates under a modified comparative negligence system. This means that if you are found partially at fault for the accident, your financial recovery will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. Crucially, under recent legislative updates, if a claimant is determined to be more than 50% at fault for the incident, they are barred from recovering any damages whatsoever. Because insurance companies frequently attempt to shift blame to accident victims to minimize their payouts, having a dedicated legal advocate is essential. We focus on demonstrating the full extent of the impaired driver's negligence to protect your right to fair compensation.
In Florida, the statute of limitations for most personal injury lawsuits based on negligence, including drunk driving accidents, is generally two years from the date of the accident. If the accident unfortunately resulted in a fatality, a wrongful death claim must also typically be filed within two years of the date of death. Because gathering evidence and identifying liable parties takes time, it is advisable to consult with a legal professional as soon as possible to ensure your rights are preserved.
Yes, under Florida's dram shop law (Florida Statute Section 768.125), an establishment can be held liable if they willfully and unlawfully served alcohol to a minor under age 21, or knowingly served a person who is habitually addicted to alcohol. If the establishment's actions meet these specific criteria and that individual subsequently causes an accident, the venue may share financial responsibility for the resulting injuries.
Victims of alcohol-related accidents may seek compensatory damages, which are divided into economic and non-economic categories. Economic damages cover tangible financial losses such as medical bills, rehabilitation expenses, and lost wages. Non-economic damages address subjective losses like pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life. In cases involving gross negligence, punitive damages may also be pursued, subject to court approval.
If the impaired driver lacks adequate insurance coverage, you may be able to seek compensation through your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM) coverage, if you have elected this option on your auto policy. Additionally, we can explore alternative avenues of recovery, such as Florida's dram shop laws if a commercial establishment unlawfully served the driver, or look into the driver's personal assets. We review all available insurance policies to help identify potential recovery avenues.
If you or a loved one has been injured by an impaired driver in North Miami Beach, contact Altman Law Firm today to schedule a free, confidential consultation with Jeffrey S. Altman. Please note that contacting our firm or reviewing this website does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Call (305) 373-3730.