Dealing With the Aftermath of a DUI Accident in West Palm Beach
After sustaining injuries in a DUI accident in West Palm Beach, you may be facing a long road to recovery, struggling with mounting medical bills, and grappling with the profound injustice of someone else’s reckless and illegal behavior harming you.
If a drunk driver killed a close family member, the intense grief you feel is only compounded by the fact your loved one would still be alive were it not for someone’s deplorable decision to drive while intoxicated.
You have the right to hold the drunk driver accountable and seek compensation for your injuries and losses.
A West Palm Beach DUI accident lawyer can guide you through the claims process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
The compassionate and experienced West Palm Beach personal injury attorneys at Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers are here for you and your family during this difficult and uncertain time.
We know that no amount of money can undo the harm you have suffered, but we also believe that you should not have to bear the financial burden of someone else’s wrongdoing.
That’s why we are committed to pursuing every avenue to help you recover damages for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
Contact us today for a free consultation and discover how we can help you hold the drunk driver accountable and assist you in obtaining justice and compensation following a drunk driving accident in West Palm Beach.
Table of Contents
How Can Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers Help You After a DUI Accident in West Palm Beach, FL?
At Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers, we have extensive experience handling DUI accident cases in West Palm Beach and throughout Florida.
We understand the complex legal and emotional issues involved in these cases and have the knowledge, skills, and resources to help you navigate the process of seeking compensation.
When you work with our firm, you can expect:
- Compassionate, personalized attention customized to your unique needs and goals
- A comprehensive investigation of your accident to gather evidence to prove the drunk driver’s liability
- Aggressive negotiation to secure a fair settlement that covers all of your damages
- Skilled trial representation if we need to take your case to court
You can rely on us to be with you during each stage of the claims process. We’re here to guide you, answer your questions, and help you make informed decisions about your case.
Drunk Driving Laws in Florida
Florida bans the operation of a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. The legal limit for drivers under 21 is even lower, at 0.02%. Commercial drivers are held to a legal limit of 0.04%.
Penalties for drunk driving in Florida may include:
- Fines
- License suspension or revocation
- Jail time
- Mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device
- Probation
- Community service
- Substance abuse education or treatment
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 property damage, injury, or death.
What Types of Accidents Do Drunk Drivers Cause?
Drunk drivers pose a serious threat to themselves and others on the road, as alcohol impairs judgment, coordination, reaction time, and other skills essential for safe driving.
Some common types of accidents caused by drunk drivers include:
- Rear-end collisions: Impaired drivers may have slower reaction times and be less able to brake in time to avoid hitting the vehicle in front of them.
- Head-on collisions: Drunk drivers may drift into oncoming traffic, increasing the risk of devastating head-on crashes.
- Sideswipe accidents: Intoxicated drivers may have difficulty staying in their lane, leading to sideswipe accidents with vehicles in adjacent lanes.
- Single-vehicle crashes: Drunk drivers may lose control of their vehicles, causing them to run off the road, hit obstacles, or roll over.
- Pedestrian and bicycle accidents: Impaired drivers may have difficulty seeing and reacting to pedestrians and bicyclists, leading to tragic accidents.
Drunk Driving Accident Statistics in West Palm Beach and Florida
Drunk driving accidents are a serious problem in West Palm Beach and throughout Florida.
According to accident data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles:
- There were 746 alcohol-confirmed crashes in Palm Beach County in a recent year, resulting in 41 fatalities and 439 injuries.
- Statewide, there were 4,664 alcohol-confirmed crashes, resulting in 362 fatalities and 2,969 injuries.
- Alcohol-related crashes accounted for 19% of all fatalities on Florida roads.
- Around 26% of all fatal crashes in Florida involved a driver with a BAC of 0.08% or higher.
These statistics highlight the devastating impact of drunk driving and the importance of holding impaired drivers accountable for the harm they cause.
Common Injuries in DUI Accidents in West Palm Beach, Florida
DUI accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to catastrophic, life-altering harm.
Some common injuries in drunk driving accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): The violent impact of a DUI crash can cause the brain to slam against the inside of the skull, leading to concussions, contusions, and other serious brain injuries.
- Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or total paralysis, affecting mobility, sensation, and other bodily functions.
- Fractures: Broken bones are common in DUI accidents, particularly in high-impact crashes.
- Soft tissue injuries: Whiplash, sprains, strains, and other soft tissue injuries can cause significant pain and limit mobility.
- Lacerations and contusions: Broken glass, metal, and other debris can cause cuts, scrapes, and bruises in a DUI accident.
- Internal injuries: The force of a drunk driving crash can cause damage to internal organs, leading to life-threatening complications.
- Psychological trauma: The emotional impact of a DUI accident can be profound, leading to anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health challenges.
What Should I Do After a Drunk Driver Hits Me?
If you are in an accident with a drunk driver, taking the right steps can help protect your health, safety, and legal rights.
Here’s what you should do:
- Call 911: Report the accident to the police and request medical assistance if needed.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you don’t think you’re seriously hurt, it’s important to get checked out by a medical professional. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and prompt treatment can help prevent complications.
- Document the scene: If it’s safe to do so, take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Collect contact and insurance information from the other driver and any witnesses.
- Cooperate with law enforcement: Provide a statement to the police, but avoid admitting fault or apologizing for the accident.
- Contact an experienced DUI accident attorney: An attorney can help you understand your rights, gather evidence, and pursue compensation for your damages.
- Notify your insurance company: Report the accident to your insurance provider, but avoid giving a recorded statement or accepting a settlement offer without consulting an attorney.
What Kinds of Damages Can You Recover in a DUI Accident in West Palm Beach, FL?
When your lawyer helps you successfully navigate a DUI accident claim in West Palm Beach, you may receive any of the following forms of compensation:
- Medical expenses, including future medical costs
- Lost income, wages, and other work-related benefits
- Compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life resulting from your injuries.
- Reimbursement for the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
In some cases, you may be able to recover punitive damages. The court may award these damages to punish the drunk driver for their egregious behavior and deter others from engaging in similar conduct.
How Much Is My West Palm Beach DUI Accident Claim Worth?
The value of your DUI accident claim depends on:
- The severity and extent of your injuries
- The cost of your medical treatment
- The amount of income you lost due to your injuries
- The impact of your injuries on your quality of life
- The strength of the evidence in your case
- The availability of insurance coverage
- The skill and experience of your attorney
At Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers, we have a proven track record of successfully securing significant settlements and verdicts for our clients in DUI accident cases.
While we cannot guarantee a specific outcome, we can promise to fight tenaciously to help you recover the maximum compensation possible for your damages.
What Can I Do if a DUI Accident Killed a Loved One?
If you have lost a loved one in a DUI accident in West Palm Beach, you may file a wrongful death claim against the drunk driver.
This type of claim allows certain family members to seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses incurred before the victim’s death
- Funeral and burial costs
- Lost income and benefits the victim would have earned
- Loss of the victim’s companionship, guidance, and support
- Mental pain and suffering of the surviving family members
While no amount of money can bring back your loved one, a wrongful death claim can help provide a sense of justice and hold the drunk driver accountable for their actions. It can also alleviate the financial burden on your family as you grieve and move forward.
How Long Do I Have to Bring a Lawsuit Against a Drunk Driver in Florida?
In Florida, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, including DUI accident cases, is two years from the date of the accident. The two-year statute of limitations applies to wrongful death claims as well.
Keep in mind that these are strict deadlines. If you miss them, you may lose your right to recover compensation for your damages. That’s why you must speak with an experienced DUI accident attorney as soon as possible after the incident to ensure you protect your rights to seek compensation.
FAQs About DUI Accidents in West Palm Beach
What if the drunk driver was uninsured or underinsured?
If the drunk driver who caused your accident did not have insurance or enough insurance to cover your damages, you may recover compensation through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
An experienced DUI accident attorney can help you explore all potential sources of compensation.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Yes. Florida follows a comparative negligence rule. This means that if you were partially at fault for the accident, you may still be able to recover significant compensation from the drunk driver. However, the court may reduce your compensation by the percentage of fault it attributes to you.
How much does it cost to hire a DUI accident attorney?
At Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay anything upfront for us to handle your case.
We only collect attorney fees if we win your case at trial or negotiate a favorable settlement with the insurance company. This arrangement allows you to access high-quality legal representation without worrying about the cost.
What if a hit and run drunk driver injured me?
If the drunk driver fled the accident scene, an experienced attorney can investigate the accident, work with law enforcement to identify the driver, and explore other potential sources of compensation, such as your own uninsured motorist coverage.
Contact a West Palm Beach Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Today
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a West Palm Beach DUI accident, don’t let the drunk driver’s reckless behavior go unchallenged. Let us help you hold them accountable and pursue the justice and compensation you need to move forward.
Contact Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers today at (561) 556-2813 for your free, no-obligation consultation.
Visit Our West Palm Beach Law Office
Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers
319 Clematis St #203, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Phone: (561) 556-7873
Hours: Open 24 hours daily
