Quick Answer
After a drunk driving crash in Plantation, you generally have two years to file an injury claim in Florida (Florida Statutes § 95.11), after the 2023 change that shortened the old four-year deadline. In Florida the drunk driver is responsible for your injuries, and a bar can also be liable if it served alcohol to someone it knew was underage or habitually addicted to alcohol. Acting early helps preserve the evidence needed to prove the driver was impaired. A case review with Goldberg & Loren is free, and you pay nothing unless we win.
Have You or a Loved One Been Involved in a Drunk Driver Crash in Plantation, Florida? There Is Help Available.
The Plantation DWI/DUI injury attorneys from Goldberg & Loren are here to guide you through this challenging time. With over 32 years of experience handling cases that involve drunk driving accidents, we understand the legal implications.
By choosing us, you can have peace of mind knowing that you have an experienced DWI/DUI attorney fighting for your rights. We will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.
Don't wait any longer. Call Goldberg & Loren at (954) 758-4553 today for a free consultation.
An Overview of DWI/DUI Injuries
In legal terms, DWI (driving while intoxicated) and DUI (driving under the influence) are offenses that occur when a person's blood alcohol content (BAC) exceeds the legal limit. In terms of alcohol, the legal limit is set at 0.08% blood alcohol concentration (BAC).
Florida enforces a zero-tolerance policy for individuals under the age of 21, meaning that any detectable amount of alcohol in their system can result in a DUI charge.
Although DUI is a criminal charge, we assist those injured and their loved ones in pursuing compensation from the individual responsible for the accident within a civil lawsuit.
Common Types of Injuries Caused by Drunk Drivers in Plantation
Motor vehicle accidents that occur under the influence of drugs can result in devastating injuries for innocent victims. Some of the common types of injuries caused by drunk drivers include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): The force of impact in a drunk driving accident can cause severe head trauma, resulting in traumatic brain injuries. TBIs can lead to long-term cognitive impairments, memory loss, and even permanent disability.
- Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI): High-impact collisions can cause spinal cord injuries, leading to paralysis or loss of motor function. These injuries often have life-altering consequences, requiring ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, and assistance with daily activities.
- Fractures: The force of a drunk driving accident can result in fractures and broken bones throughout the body. Fractures may require surgical intervention, immobilization with casts or braces, and lengthy periods of recovery and rehabilitation.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Whiplash, strains, sprains, and contusions are common soft tissue injuries that occur in drunk driving accidents. These injuries can cause pain, limited mobility, and long-term discomfort, requiring ongoing medical treatment and physical therapy.
Statistics: Drunk Driving Accidents
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shares the following sobering drunk driving statistics:
Every day, around 37 people in the United States lose their lives in car accidents due to drunk driving, resulting in a fatality occurring every 39 minutes.
In 2021, there were 13,384 fatalities in alcohol-impaired driving traffic accidents, representing a 14% increase compared to the previous year. [1]
Damages For Plantation DWI/DUI Injury Cases
If you have been injured in a drunk driving accident in Plantation, Florida, there can be various types of compensatory damages that you may be entitled to.
- Medical Expenses: Victims of DWI/DUI accidents often face significant medical costs, such as emergency medical care, hospitalization, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and ongoing rehabilitation. Compensation may be sought to cover these expenses.
- Lost Wages: Injuries sustained in a DWI/DUI accident can result in missed work and a loss of income. Victims may be eligible to recover compensation for their lost wages, including future earning capacity, if their injuries affect their ability to work in the long term.
- Pain and Suffering: DWI/DUI accident victims often endure physical pain, emotional distress, and a diminished quality of life as a result of their injuries. Compensation for pain and suffering aims to address the non-economic damages associated with the accident.
- Property Damage: If the accident caused damage to the victim's vehicle or other property, they may seek compensation for the cost of repairs or replacement.
- Punitive Damages: These damages are designed to punish the drunk driver for their reckless driving and deter others from driving under the influence. Punitive damages can be substantial and serve as a form of punishment for the defendant.
Every case is unique, and the specific damages that can be pursued depend on the individual circumstances of the accident. Consulting with an experienced DWI/DUI injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and determine the appropriate damages to pursue in your case.
Steps to Take After a Plantation Drunk Driving Accident
If you find yourself involved in a drunk driving accident in Plantation, Florida, take immediate action to protect your rights and ensure your well-being. Here are the steps you should take after a drunk driving accident:
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health and well-being should always be the top priority. Even if you do not feel immediate pain or visible injuries, it is important to seek medical attention. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and prompt medical evaluation can ensure any injuries are properly diagnosed and treated.
- Contact Law Enforcement: Call 911 to report the accident and inform the authorities that you have been involved in a drunk driving incident. The police will arrive at the scene to investigate the accident and document the details in an official accident report. Provide the necessary information and cooperate fully with the police during their investigation.
- Gather Information: Collect as much information as possible at the scene of the accident. This includes the other driver's contact information, insurance details, and vehicle registration information. If there are witnesses, obtain their names and contact information as well. Take photos or videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries.
- Consult with an Attorney: Reach out to our drunk driving accident attorneys as soon as possible. We will guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and help build a strong case for maximum compensation. Our legal team will gather evidence, evaluate your damages, negotiate with the insurance companies, and, if necessary, represent you in court.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the accident to your own insurance company. Provide them with accurate and detailed information about the accident. However, avoid giving a recorded statement or accepting a settlement without consulting your attorney first.
- Document Your Damages: Keep a record of all medical treatments, prescriptions, therapy sessions, and any other expenses related to your injuries. It is important to document your physical, emotional, and financial damages to support your claim for compensation.
- Preserve Evidence: Preserve any evidence related to the accident, such as vehicle damage, medical records, receipts, and correspondence with insurance companies. This evidence will be necessary in building a strong case and pursuing a successful claim.
Taking these steps after a drunk driving accident in Plantation is essential for protecting your rights and ensuring that you have the support you need to recover physically, emotionally, and financially from the incident.
Statute of Limitations For DWI/DUI Injuries in Florida
In Plantation, Florida, the Statute of Limitations determines the time for filing a civil claim related to DWI/DUI accidents.
For personal injury cases resulting from DWI accidents, the Statute of Limitations is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means that victims have two years from the date of the incident to file a drunk driving accident lawsuit to seek compensation with an injury claim.
Get a Free Consultation From a Plantation DWI/DUI Injury Lawyer
Call (954) 758-4553 to speak with Goldberg & Loren's experienced personal injury attorneys in Plantation now for a free consultation. Let us help you navigate the legal process and seek the compensation you are entitled to.
Source:
[1] Drunk Driving | NHTSA. (n.d.). NHTSA. https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving
We Represent Victims of DWI/DUI Accidents in the Following Cities and Communities Near Plantation, Florida.
- Broward County, FL
- Coconut Creek, FL
- Cooper City, FL
- Dania Beach, FL
- Davie, FL
- Fort Lauderdale, FL
- Lauderdale Lakes, FL
- Lauderhill, FL
- Margate, FL
- North Andrews Gardens, FL
- North Lauderdale, FL
- Oakland Park, FL
- Palm Beach County, FL
- Pembroke Pines, FL
- Sunrise, FL
- Tamarac, FL
- Wilton Manors, FL
