Drunk Driver Accidents Lawyer in Boynton, Florida
Victims of drunk driving accidents require an experienced attorney to help them navigate victim rights laws, insurance claims, and court proceedings. Florida law enforces special penalties against negligent drivers who cause an accident while under the influence. Our legal team has extensive experience prosecuting DUI-related personal injury cases throughout Boynton Beach and surrounding areas. We also handle hit and run cases and claims involving uninsured motorists.
Drunk driving accidents are entirely preventable tragedies that devastate innocent victims and their families. When someone chooses to get behind the wheel while intoxicated, they endanger everyone on the road. If you or a loved one has been injured by a drunk driver, you have rights under Florida law, including the ability to seek both compensatory and punitive damages.
Understanding DUI Accidents in Florida
In Florida, it is illegal to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. However, impairment can begin at much lower levels, and drivers can be charged with DUI even below the legal limit if their ability to drive safely is compromised.
Common Causes of Drunk Driving Accidents
- Impaired Judgment: Alcohol affects decision-making and risk assessment
- Reduced Reaction Time: Delayed responses to road hazards and traffic
- Impaired Vision: Blurred or double vision affecting ability to see clearly
- Poor Coordination: Difficulty controlling the vehicle
- Drowsiness: Alcohol-induced fatigue leading to falling asleep at the wheel
- Overconfidence: False sense of ability despite impairment
Florida’s Strict DUI Laws
Florida takes drunk driving seriously with harsh penalties for offenders:
Criminal Penalties
- First DUI Offense: Fines up to $1,000, license suspension up to one year, possible jail time
- Second DUI Offense: Increased fines and mandatory jail time
- Third DUI Offense: Felony charges with significant prison time
- DUI Causing Injury: Third-degree felony, up to 5 years in prison
- DUI Manslaughter: Second-degree felony, up to 15 years in prison
Experienced DUI Accident Attorneys
Extensive experience prosecuting DUI-related personal injury cases in Boynton.
Your Rights as a DUI Accident Victim
If you’ve been injured by a drunk driver, you have important legal rights:
Civil Claims
Beyond criminal prosecution, you can file a civil lawsuit against the drunk driver to recover compensation for your injuries and damages.
Punitive Damages
Unlike typical car accidents, DUI cases often qualify for punitive damages designed to punish the drunk driver and deter future misconduct. These damages can significantly increase your total recovery.
Dram Shop Liability
Florida’s dram shop laws allow victims to sue bars, restaurants, or other establishments that served alcohol to the drunk driver under certain circumstances, such as serving a minor or someone habitually addicted to alcohol.
Compensation Available in DUI Accident Cases
Victims of drunk driving accidents may recover:
- Medical Expenses: Hospital bills, surgery, rehabilitation, and future medical care
- Lost Wages: Income lost during recovery and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and Suffering: Physical pain and emotional trauma
- Property Damage: Vehicle repairs or replacement
- Disability: Compensation for permanent impairments
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Inability to participate in activities you once enjoyed
- Punitive Damages: Additional damages to punish the drunk driver
- Wrongful Death: Compensation for families who lost loved ones
Proving a DUI Accident Case
Successfully prosecuting a DUI accident claim requires strong evidence:
Critical Evidence
- Police Reports: Official documentation of the accident and DUI arrest
- BAC Test Results: Breathalyzer or blood test results showing intoxication
- Field Sobriety Tests: Officer observations and test performance
- Witness Statements: Testimony from people who saw the driver’s behavior
- Video Evidence: Dashcam, body cam, or surveillance footage
- Bar or Restaurant Receipts: Proof of alcohol consumption before driving
- Medical Records: Documentation of your injuries
- Expert Testimony: Accident reconstruction and medical experts
Common Injuries from DUI Accidents
Drunk driving accidents often result in severe injuries due to high speeds and reckless driving:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries: Concussions, brain bleeds, or permanent cognitive damage
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Paralysis or loss of mobility
- Broken Bones: Fractures requiring surgery and extensive recovery
- Internal Injuries: Organ damage or internal bleeding
- Burns: From vehicle fires or explosions
- Lacerations: Deep cuts requiring stitches or reconstructive surgery
- Wrongful Death: Fatal injuries to victims
Hold Drunk Drivers Accountable
Don’t let a drunk driver escape responsibility. We fight for maximum compensation.
Why DUI Cases Are Different
DUI accident cases have unique characteristics that set them apart from typical car accidents:
Enhanced Damages
Because drunk driving involves willful misconduct, courts are more likely to award punitive damages, significantly increasing compensation.
Criminal and Civil Proceedings
The drunk driver will face both criminal charges and your civil lawsuit. The criminal case can provide valuable evidence for your civil claim.
Insurance Company Tactics
Insurance companies may try to minimize claims even in DUI cases. An experienced attorney protects you from lowball settlement offers.
Multiple Defendants
You may have claims against not only the drunk driver but also bars, restaurants, or social hosts who provided alcohol.
Social Host Liability in Florida
Under certain circumstances, Florida law allows victims to hold social hosts liable for serving alcohol to guests who then cause accidents:
- Knowingly serving alcohol to minors
- Providing alcohol to someone known to be habitually addicted
While Florida’s social host liability is limited compared to some states, our attorneys know how to identify and pursue all available sources of compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sue a drunk driver even if they’re facing criminal charges?
Yes. Criminal and civil cases are separate proceedings. You can file a civil lawsuit to recover compensation for your injuries regardless of the criminal case outcome. In fact, a criminal conviction can strengthen your civil case.
What are punitive damages and how do they work in DUI cases?
Punitive damages are designed to punish the defendant and deter similar conduct. In DUI cases, courts often award punitive damages because drunk driving is considered willful and wanton misconduct. These damages can be substantial, often exceeding compensatory damages.
Can I sue the bar that served the drunk driver?
Under Florida’s dram shop laws, you can sue establishments that served alcohol to minors or to individuals habitually addicted to alcohol. These cases require proving the establishment knew or should have known about the person’s status. Our attorneys investigate all potential dram shop claims.
What if the drunk driver doesn’t have insurance?
You may still recover compensation through your own uninsured motorist coverage, dram shop claims against bars or restaurants, or directly from the drunk driver’s personal assets. Our attorneys explore all available options to maximize your recovery.
How long do I have to file a DUI accident claim in Florida?
Florida’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, gathering evidence and building a strong case takes time, so it’s important to contact an attorney immediately after the accident.
Will I have to testify in the criminal case?
You may be called as a witness in the criminal prosecution of the drunk driver. Your attorney can prepare you for testimony and ensure your civil case isn’t compromised by participation in the criminal proceedings.
Contact Aronberg Law DUI Accident Attorneys
If you or a loved one has been injured by a drunk driver in Boynton, don’t wait to seek legal representation. The experienced legal team at Aronberg Law has extensive experience prosecuting DUI-related personal injury cases and knows how to navigate victim rights laws, insurance claims, and court proceedings.
Aronberg Law understands the anger and frustration you feel after being victimized by someone’s reckless decision to drive drunk. Let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve while you focus on recovery.
Contact Aronberg Law at 1501 Corporate Drive, Suite 100 #A20, Boynton Beach, Florida 33426 for a free consultation. Call (561) 266-9191 today. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Get Justice for Your DUI Accident
Experienced attorneys ready to fight for maximum compensation.