The Devastating Impact of Drunk Driving Accidents in Boca Raton
Drunk driving accidents are among the most devastating and senseless tragedies that can happen to people. The reckless actions of an intoxicated driver can forever change your life in an instant, causing you anger, grief, and an overwhelming sense of injustice.
You may face mounting medical bills, lost wages, and the physical and emotional pain of your injuries. During this difficult time, you must remember that you have legal rights and options for holding the drunk driver accountable and getting the compensation and justice you deserve.
If a drunk driver caused an accident that injured you or a close family member in Boca Raton, you need a Boca Raton drunk driving accident lawyer for help.
At Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers, we understand the immense challenges you are facing in the aftermath of a drunk driving accident.
Our compassionate and experienced personal injury attorneys in Boca Raton can provide the legal guidance and support you need to navigate this trying time and pursue fair compensation from the at-fault driver.
Contact us today for your free consultation.
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Why Choose Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers for Your Boca Raton Drunk Driving Accident Claim
When you’ve been injured in a drunk driving accident, choosing the right attorney to represent you is one of the most important decisions you’ll make.
You need a law firm with the knowledge, skills, and resources to effectively advocate for your rights and interests and help you obtain the maximum compensation possible.
At Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers, we provide exceptional legal representation to drunk driving accident victims in Boca Raton and throughout South Florida.
Our attorneys have decades of combined experience handling complex personal injury and wrongful death cases, including those involving drunk driving accidents.
We have a deep understanding of Florida’s drunk driving laws and the legal strategies needed to hold intoxicated drivers accountable for their actions.
We also work with a network of expert witnesses, including accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals, and financial experts, to build strong and compelling cases for our clients.
At Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers, we recognize that every drunk driving accident case is unique, and we tailor our approach to meet each client’s specific needs and goals.
We take the time to listen to your story, answer your questions, and provide honest and straightforward advice about your legal options. We also handle all aspects of your case, from investigating the accident and gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies and representing you in court if necessary.
What Are Florida’s Drunk Driving Laws?
Florida has strict laws against drunk driving, also known as driving under the influence (DUI). Under Florida law, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher.
For drivers under the age of 21, the legal limit is even lower at 0.02%. Commercial drivers, such as truck drivers, must remain under a BAC limit of 0.04%.
In addition to BAC limits, Florida law also prohibits driving while under the influence of drugs, including prescription medications and illegal substances.
If drugs or alcohol impair a driver so they cannot operate a vehicle safely, they can face DUI charges even if their BAC doesn’t reach the legal limit.
Penalties for DUI in Florida can be severe and may include fines, license suspension or revocation, probation, and even imprisonment.
The specific penalties depend on factors such as the driver’s BAC level, whether they have prior DUI convictions, and whether the incident resulted in injuries or fatalities.
What Are the Dangers of Drunk Driving in Boca Raton?
Drunk driving poses significant dangers to everyone on the road, including the intoxicated driver, their passengers, and other motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists. Alcohol impairs a driver’s judgment, reaction time, coordination, and ability to operate a vehicle safely.
Some of the specific dangers of drunk driving include:
- Increased risk of accidents: Drunk drivers are more likely to cause accidents, including head-on collisions, rear-end crashes, and single-vehicle accidents.
- Serious injuries and fatalities: Drunk driving accidents often result in severe injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and internal organ damage. In the worst cases, drunk driving accidents can be fatal.
- Property damage: Drunk driving accidents can cause significant damage to vehicles, buildings, and other property.
- Emotional trauma: Even if you survive a drunk driving accident, you may experience emotional trauma, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Drunk Driving Accident Statistics in Boca Raton and Florida
Drunk driving accidents are a serious problem in Boca Raton and throughout Florida.
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), there were 746 alcohol-confirmed crashes in Palm Beach County in a recent year, resulting in 41 fatalities and 412 injuries. In Boca Raton specifically, there were 25 alcohol-confirmed crashes, resulting in two fatalities and 12 injuries.
Statewide, there were 4,907 alcohol-confirmed crashes in Florida during that same time, resulting in 436 fatalities and 2,874 injuries. These numbers highlight the devastating impact of drunk driving on individuals, families, and communities across the state.
What’s the Process of Obtaining Compensation from a Drunk Driver in Boca Raton?
If you sustained an injury in a drunk driving accident in Boca Raton, you may receive compensation for your losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
The process of obtaining compensation typically involves:
- Seek medical attention: Make your health and well-being your top priority after a drunk driving accident. Seek medical attention immediately, even if you don’t think you’ve been seriously injured. Some injuries, such as concussions and whiplash, may not be immediately apparent.
- Report the accident: Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance if needed. Cooperate with law enforcement and provide them with a statement about what happened.
- Gather evidence: If possible, take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries. Get contact information from witnesses and the other driver(s) involved.
- Contact a Boca Raton drunk driving accident attorney: An experienced attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options and guide you through the process of pursuing compensation. They can also handle communications with insurance companies and negotiate on your behalf.
- File an insurance claim: Your attorney can help you file a claim with the drunk driver’s insurance company and your own insurance company if applicable.
- Negotiate a settlement or file a lawsuit: Your attorney will work to negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company. If the other party won’t negotiate a fair settlement, your attorney may recommend filing a personal injury lawsuit to seek compensation through the courts.
What Types of Compensation Can I Receive from a Boca Raton DUI Accident Claim?
Some of the most common types of damages awarded in DUI accident claims include:
- Medical expenses: Compensation for medical bills related to your injuries, including hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, medication, and future medical needs.
- Lost wages: Reimbursement for income lost due to time off work while recovering from your injuries, as well as future lost earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injuries, including anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Property damage: Reimbursement for damage to your vehicle and other personal property resulting from the accident.
- Punitive damages: In some cases, a court may award punitive damages to punish the drunk driver for their particularly reckless or egregious behavior and deter others from engaging in similar conduct.
How Much Is My Boca Raton Drunk Driving Accident Claim Worth?
The value of your Boca Raton drunk driving accident claim depends on various factors, including the severity of your injuries, the extent of your financial losses, and the available insurance coverage.
Some key factors that can affect the value of your claim include:
- The severity and permanence of your injuries
- The cost of your current and future medical treatment
- The amount of income you’ve lost and will lose in the future
- The extent of your pain and suffering
- The strength of the evidence supporting your claim
- The policy limits of the drunk driver’s insurance coverage
At Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers, our attorneys have the knowledge and experience to accurately assess the value of your drunk driving accident claim and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. We work with medical experts, financial professionals, and other specialists to gather evidence and build a strong case on your behalf.
What If a Drunk Driving Accident Killed a Close Family Member?
If you lost a close family member in a drunk driving accident in Boca Raton, you may pursue a wrongful death claim against the intoxicated driver.
Under Florida law, certain family members, including spouses, children, and parents, can seek compensation for their losses, such as:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of the deceased’s income and benefits
- Loss of companionship, guidance, and support
- Mental pain and suffering
- Medical and other expenses incurred before the deceased’s death
At Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers, we understand the immense grief and challenges that come with losing a loved one in a drunk driving accident. Our compassionate attorneys are here to provide the legal guidance and support you need during this difficult time and to help you seek justice and accountability for your loss.
How Long Do I Have to Sue the Drunk Driver for Damages in Florida?
In Florida, the statute of limitations for most personal injury and wrongful death claims is two years from the date of the accident or injury. If you fail to have an attorney file your claim within this time frame, you may not recover compensation for your losses.
Some exceptions apply to this general rule, such as claims against government entities, which have shorter notice and filing deadlines. Speak with an experienced Boca Raton drunk driving accident attorney as soon as possible after the incident to ensure you don’t miss important deadlines and lose your right to seek compensation.
Boca Raton Drunk Driving Accident FAQs
What should I do if I suspect the other driver in my accident was drunk?
If you suspect that the other driver involved in your accident was under the influence of alcohol, call 911 and report your concerns to law enforcement.
Provide the responding officers with any information you have, such as the driver’s erratic behavior or the smell of alcohol on their breath. The police can then investigate and administer field sobriety tests or Breathalyzer tests to determine if the driver was indeed intoxicated.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the drunk driving accident?
Florida follows a pure comparative negligence rule, so you can still recover compensation for your losses even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
What if the drunk driver is uninsured or underinsured?
If the drunk driver who caused your accident is uninsured or lacks sufficient insurance coverage to fully compensate you for your losses, you may be able to turn to your own insurance policy for coverage.
Many Florida auto insurance policies include uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, which can provide compensation for your damages if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.
An experienced Boca Raton drunk driving accident attorney can help you understand your insurance coverage and pursue all available sources of compensation.
How much does hiring a Boca Raton drunk driving accident attorney cost?
At Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers, we handle drunk driving accident cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that you don’t pay any upfront fees or costs to hire our attorneys, and we only get paid if we recover compensation for you.
Our fees are a percentage of the settlement or verdict we obtain on your behalf, so you can feel confident that we have a strong incentive to maximize your recovery.
Contact a Boca Raton Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Today
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a drunk driving accident in Boca Raton, don’t wait to seek the legal help you need and deserve.
At Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers, our knowledgeable and compassionate attorneys are here to guide you through the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve under the law.
We offer free, no-obligation consultations to discuss your case and answer your questions. To schedule your consultation, call us at (561) 677-2795 or contact us online. We’re here to help you navigate this challenging time and pursue the justice and accountability you deserve.
Visit Our Personal Injury Law Office In Boca Raton, FL
Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers
7000 W Palmetto Park Rd # 500
Boca Raton, FL 33433
Phone: (561) 347-7770
Hours: Open 24 hours daily
