Families Of Miami DUI Accident Victims Suffer Lifelong Losses

Well over two years ago, three victims lost their lives as a result of a man’s decision to get behind the wheel of his car while intoxicated – tests showed that the driver’s blood alcohol level was over twice as high as the legal limit. Now, after having been sentenced to imprisonment along with other punishments for his actions, the families can finally feel some sort of closure, as the criminal portion of the incident comes to an end. When an accident such as this occurs,  however, the victims and their families are also entitled to damages for their personal injuries through the civil courts.

Criminal And Civil Aspects Of A Drunk Driving Accident

Whenever an accident occurs due to drunk driving, two things typically occur – a criminal case, in which the drunk driver is penalized for his or her criminal actions, and a civil case, in which the victims of the drunk driving accident seek – and receive – damages for the losses they and their loved ones suffered as a result of the accident. Florida law classifies the crime of drunk driving and sets forth applicable punishments according to the specific facts of the case including the driver’s level of intoxication, the extent of the damages and injuries caused by the accident, and the driver’s past convictions for similar offenses. However, the criminal process does not provide for victims to receive any compensation for their injuries; victims must file a civil action for personal injuries against the drunk driver to receive money for their medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other types of damages.

Do Not Delay, File Today

Florida law requires plaintiffs in a personal injury case to file their lawsuit within four years; in cases in which the plaintiff is filing a wrongful death action, that time limit, otherwise known as the statute of limitations, is two years. It is important that you speak with an attorney as soon as possible after an accident as, should the time limit expire, you can lose all of your rights to be compensated for your losses. In the case in which the time limit has expired, there is often no additional remedy available to victims or their family members.

Have You Been Injured In An Auto Accident?

If you or a loved one has been involved in an auto accident and have suffered personal injuries as a result, let the experienced legal professionals at the office of Alan Goldfarb, P.A. help you get the results you want and deserve. As a victim of someone else’s negligence, you have the right to compensation for your losses. Insurance companies may try to get you to accept far less than you are entitled to receive; do not allow yourself to be shorted out of damages you are entitled to receive. Our Miami car accident attorneys will take the time to thoroughly review your case and help you understand the rights and responsibilities you have in Florida. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and get started without delay.

Resource:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.193.html