Were you injured as a passenger in a DUI accident? Advice from Coral Springs DUI Injury Attorney
Drinking and driving is unfortunately very common, and Florida is far from immune from the dangers of drunk drivers. Nationwide, about 28% of all car accidents are caused by drunk drivers.
Nearly 8% of deaths related to alcohol-impaired driving happen in Florida on an annual basis, according to responsibility.org. Of all fatal car accidents in Florida, 26% are due to alcohol-impaired driving under the influence (DUI).
What is Considered Driving Under the Influence in Florida?
Legally, someone is considered under the influence of alcohol in Florida if their blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08% or higher. Of all the fatal DUI accidents in Florida each year, about 16% involved a BAC of 0.08% to 0.14%. Meanwhile, 84% of fatal DUI accidents involve drivers with a 0.15% or higher BAC – which is practically twice the legal limit.
While the legal limit is 0.08%, it is still possible for a driver’s driving to be impaired by alcohol or drug use even if their BAC is far below 0.08%.
What is the Benefit of Suing After Being injured by a DUI Driver in Florida?
There are numerous benefits to hiring a personal injury lawyer after being injured in a Florida car accident, especially if a DUI driver was involved.
For one, a personal injury lawsuit means that you will be able to pay your medical bills, be reimbursed for lost time from work, and be compensated for your pain and suffering.
While a drunk driver may face criminal charges, often, the only way for an injured person to seek justice after being injured by a DUI driver is through an injury lawsuit.
You’re legally entitled to seek recovery for damages, including emergency medical care, doctors’ visits, physical therapy, lost wages, and more.
What Can I Do If I Was Injured in a Car Accident with a DUI Driver? Florida DUI Injury Lawyer Explains Car Passenger Rights
Many people wonder if they can, and if they should, seek compensation for an injury caused in a car accident with a DUI driver in Florida. In Florida, you nearly always have a right to file a personal injury claim against the driver of the vehicle if you were injured in a car crash.
If you were hurt in a car accident of any kind as a passenger, you have the right to file an injury claim against the driver of the car you were in and maybe even against another driver if multiple vehicles were involved. If the driver of the car you were in, or the driver of another car involved in the accident, was driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs – you have even more reason to file a personal injury claim.
If someone was driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the fact that they were DUI helps establish their negligence in the accident.
What if the DUI Driver was a Family Member? Can I Sue Them?
If a family member was driving under the influence and was at fault for the accident, then the fact of the matter is that they are responsible for the accident. You can sue a family member in Florida if their negligence led to your injuries.
When family members are involved in a car accident, it can make things feel more complicated. Some clients worry about a lawsuit increasing their family member’s insurance policy premiums. Even if you file an injury claim against them, their insurance premium will increase.
Children and minors can even file injury claims against family members, including their parents or guardians, to ensure that they can get all the medical care and compensation they need and deserve after being involved in a DUI car accident.
Lawsuits can make people feel uncomfortable, whether it involves a family member or a friend. It’s important to remember that when you sue someone, you are actually effectively suing their insurance company most of the time. Assuming the driver has car insurance, when you file a personal injury lawsuit for injuries, their car insurance company will be the entity responsible for all your damages, compensation, and more that you’re legally entitled to.
If you choose not to sue after a car accident, the only entity that benefits is the insurance company. Filing an injury claim after being involved in a car accident is basically the way in which you claim what you’re already entitled to from the insurance company.
Were You Injured in a Car Accident as a Passenger with a Drunk Driver? South Florida DUI Injury Attorney Offers FREE Consultations
If you were hurt in a Florida DUI accident as a passenger in a car crash, you need to speak with an experienced Florida DUI Injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Please contact us online or call our Coral Springs law office directly at (954) 755-7803 to schedule your free consultation.
We proudly serve Florida residents including all of Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Miami-Dade County, Broward County, Palm Beach County and all points in between.
Schedule your Free Florida DUI Car Accident consultation today: (954)755-780