Experienced Plantation Florida DWI/DUI Injury Lawyer
Plantation DWI/DUI Injury Attorney
Find out why we have some of the best Plantation Florida personal injury lawyers
Have You or a Loved One Been Involved in a Drunk Driver Crash in Plantation, Florida? There Is Help Available.
The Goldberg & Loren DWI/DUI injury lawyers are here to guide you through this challenging time. With years of experience and expertise in handling cases involving drunk driving accidents, they understand the complexities and legal implications involved.
By choosing us, you can have peace of mind knowing that you have a dedicated legal advocate fighting for your rights. They will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.
Don’t wait any longer. Contact Goldberg & Loren today and get a free consultation.
An Overview of DWI/DUI Injury
A DWI/DUI injury refers to an accident caused by a driver operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs or any combination thereof, to the extent that your normal faculties are impaired. These auto accidents can have devastating consequences, leading to severe injuries, property damage, and loss of life.
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).
These offenses are taken seriously as they pose a significant risk to innocent people and public safety in general. It is worth noting that Florida also 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.
Common Types of Injuries Caused by DWI/DUI Drunk Drivers
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.
- Broken Bones and 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 Associated with DWI/DUI Injury
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 victims understand their rights and determine the appropriate damages to pursue in their case.
Table of Contents
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An Overview of DWI/DUI Injury
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Common Types of Injuries Caused by DWI/DUI Drunk Drivers
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Statistics: Drunk Driving Accidents
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Damages Associated with DWI/DUI Injury
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Steps to Take After a Drunk Driving Accident Occurs in Plantation, FL
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Penalties for Drunk Driving in Florida
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Statutes of Limitation of Plantation, Florida DWI/DUI Injury
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Contact Plantation Florida DWI/DUI Injury Lawyer
Steps to Take After a Drunk Driving Accident Occurs in Plantation, FL
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 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.
Penalties for Drunk Driving in Florida
Penalties for drunk driving in Florida can be severe and may vary depending on factors such as your blood alcohol concentration (BAC), prior DUI convictions, and whether your actions resulted in property damage, injury, or death. Here are the key penalties associated with DUI offenses in Florida:
First DUI Conviction:
Fine: $500 to $1,000, or $1,000 to $2,000 if BAC is 0.15% or higher or if there was a minor in the vehicle.
License Suspension: 6 months to 1 year.
Probation: Up to 1 year.
Ignition Interlock Device: Required for a BAC of 0.15% or higher or if there was a minor in the vehicle.
Community Service: 50 hours.
DUI School: 12-hour course.
Vehicle Impoundment: 10 days for first-time offenders with a BAC of 0.15% or higher.
Drunk driving laws are subject to change, and specific circumstances may lead to variations in penalties. [2]
Statutes of Limitation of Plantation, Florida DWI/DUI Injury
In Plantation, Florida,the Statutes of Limitations determine 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.
Contact Plantation Florida DWI/DUI Injury Lawyer
Contact Goldberg & Loren’s experienced personal injury attorneys in Plantation now for a free consultation, and let us help you navigate the legal process and seek the compensation you are entitled to.
Sources:
[1] Drunk Driving | NHTSA. (n.d.). NHTSA. https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving
[2] Statutes & Constitution: View Statutes : Online Sunshine. (n.d.). http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.1932.html
Goldberg & Loren Personal Injury Attorneys
1776 N Pine Island Rd #224,
Plantation, FL 33322
(954) 727-3571
If you're in or near Plantation and got hurt because of a drunk driver, we may be able to help you get compensation for your injuries. Contact us to assess the strength of your case.
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
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