A sudden collision with an impaired driver can disrupt your life in an instant. Along the busy corridors of Pompano Beach, from Federal Highway to Atlantic Boulevard, alcohol-related crashes cause devastating injuries and profound emotional trauma. At Altman Law Firm, we understand the immense challenges you face after a drunk driving accident. Led by Jeffrey S. Altman, our firm provides compassionate legal representation to victims and families in Broward County, helping them navigate the complex path to recovery and accountability.
Pompano Beach is a vibrant coastal community, but its busy roads like Interstate 95, Dixie Highway, and the scenic A1A also see a significant share of negligent driving. When motorists choose to get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol at local bars, beachside grills, or private gatherings, they jeopardize everyone on the road. These collisions often happen at high speeds and without braking, resulting in severe injuries such as traumatic brain trauma, spinal damage, and broken bones. We look closely at the circumstances surrounding your crash to build a strong foundation for your claim.
In Florida, legal responsibility for an alcohol-related crash may extend beyond the intoxicated driver. Under Florida Statute Section 768.125, also known as the dram shop law, an establishment that sells or furnishes alcohol can sometimes be held liable. This applies if they willfully and unlawfully serve alcohol to a minor under the legal drinking age, or knowingly serve a person habitually addicted to alcohol. Investigating these claims requires prompt action to preserve evidence, such as bar receipts, surveillance footage, and witness statements from establishments along Pompano Beach's popular dining districts.
Recovering compensation after a crash involves navigating complex state laws. Florida operates under a modified comparative negligence system, meaning that if you are found partially at fault for the accident, your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are more than 50% at fault, you may be barred from recovery. Additionally, Florida has strict timelines for filing a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. Failing to file your claim within the applicable statute of limitations can permanently bar you from seeking justice. Our team works diligently to ensure all legal deadlines are met while protecting your rights against insurance company tactics.
Your immediate priority should always be medical attention. Call 911 so that local law enforcement, such as the Broward County Sheriff's Office, can document the scene and perform sobriety tests if they suspect the other driver is intoxicated. Gather contact information from witnesses, take photos of the scene and vehicle damage if you are safely able to do so, and seek a comprehensive medical evaluation right away, even if you feel fine initially.
Yes, in many alcohol-related accident cases, victims may seek punitive damages. Unlike compensatory damages, which are intended to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, punitive damages are designed to punish the drunk driver for gross negligence and deter similar behavior in the future. Courts require a specific legal showing of misconduct to allow these damages.
Florida requires drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, which covers a portion of your medical bills and lost wages regardless of who caused the accident. However, because alcohol-related collisions often cause severe, life-altering injuries, your expenses may quickly exceed your PIP limits. In these cases, you have the right to pursue a third-party claim against the at-fault driver to recover full compensation for your medical expenses, future care, and non-economic damages.
If your case proceeds to litigation, it will typically be filed in the Broward County court system. The main courthouse is located nearby in Fort Lauderdale. Our legal team handles all filings, scheduling, and courtroom representation, ensuring your case is presented professionally before the local judiciary.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a drunk driver in Pompano Beach, contact Altman Law Firm today to schedule a free, confidential consultation to discuss your legal options. Call (305) 373-3730.