Delray Beach DUI Accident Lawyer

Car accidents involving drunk drivers are notoriously catastrophic. In Florida, as many as 31% of all traffic fatalities involve alcohol, and those who survive these wrecks often come away with serious injuries requiring ongoing medical attention and recovery.

If you are the victim of a DUI accident in Flordia, you have the right to seek significant compensation from the at-fault driver. Don’t let their criminal charges stop you from pursuing a civil lawsuit. Our Delray Beach DUI accident lawyers can help you protect your rights to compensation and start moving forward from this tragic event. 

Call Steinberg Law, P.A., today at 877-783-4611 to request a free legal consultation. 

Florida’s Drunk Driving Laws 

Thousands of car accidents occur across Florida each day, many of them producing devastating damage and injuries. But when alcohol is a factor, it often leads to even more serious consequences. Florida has drunk driving laws in place for a reason; when drivers violate them, they put themselves and everyone else on the road at risk. 

In Florida, a driver can be charged with a DUI if their blood alcohol content (BAC) is .08 or above. Stricter penalties apply when a person’s BAC is 0.15 or higher while operating a vehicle. 

Drivers charged with DUI face steep fines ranging from $500 to $4,000, depending on their BAC and the number of prior convictions they have received. They also face imprisonment for up to five years, loss of license, and other serious consequences. 

If the police charged the at-fault driver with DUI at the accident scene, you can use this to bolster your compensation claim. 

Common Injuries in Drunk Driving Incidents 

Drunk driving incidents tend to be more serious than regular car accidents because drivers’ decision-making abilities and reflexes are seriously impaired. Drunk drivers experience impaired vision, slower reaction times, drowsiness, and lowered comprehension. All of these can prevent them from safely operating a vehicle. 

Because of this, drunk driving can lead to severe injuries, such as the following:

• Traumatic brain injury
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones and complex fractures
• Limb loss
• Facial disfigurement
• Internal bleeding and organ damage

If you experienced one of these or another serious injury, our Delray Beach DUI accident lawyers can help you seek compensation to more than make up for your medical bills and pain and suffering. 

Pursuing a Civil Lawsuit for a Case Involving Criminal Charges 

Many victims wrongfully believe they cannot pursue a lawsuit against an individual facing criminal charges. The at-fault driver in your lawsuit was likely charged with DUI, which can be a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the severity of the accident and their history. However, you can still pursue civil action against them to seek compensation. 

A civil lawsuit is completely separate from the driver’s criminal trial. Our Delray Beach DUI accident lawyers can help you navigate a civil case while adhering to the driver’s criminal court dates and other responsibilities. 

Often, compensation in such cases comes from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. We will help you file an insurance claim if the driver is insured. Should the insurance policy fail to cover all damages, we can take legal action as the next step. 

How Much Compensation Can You Claim After a DUI Accident?

In this instance, you may seek compensation to cover the direct costs of the accident along with the emotional and physical toll it has taken on your life. Our attorneys will pursue the maximum compensation on your behalf. 

Economic damages cover the actual monetary costs involved. These may include:

• Medical bills
• Physical damage to your vehicle
• Time off work
• Loss of future earning capacity
• At-home medical equipment
• Future medical expenses

You also have the right to pursue non-economic damages, such as:

• Pain and suffering
• Loss of quality of life
• Emotional distress
• Mental anguish
• Loss of companionship (in a case involving wrongful death)

DUI accidents often give rise to punitive damages. These damages come directly from the at-fault party’s bank account to punish them for egregious behavior. When the driver went behind the wheel while intoxicated, they acted recklessly and put your safety in danger. They should have to pay for this behavior. 

How Our DUI Accident Attorneys Can Assist You 

DUI accidents tend to be more expensive than typical ones. You need an experienced lawyer to help you navigate the compensation process and hold the at-fault driver accountable. 

At Steinberg Law, P.A., we have extensive experience helping Florida accident victims pursue compensation. We can assist with all of these tasks in your case:

• Gather evidence to support your compensation claim
• File an insurance claim with the at-fault driver’s insurer
• Speak with all parties involved on your behalf
• Handle all legal paperwork for you
• Request medical bills and documentation to bolster your claim
• Reach out to witnesses for their testimonies
• Counter any defense tactics from the defendant or their attorneys
• Reference similar cases to support the need for compensation
• Take legal action against the at-fault driver or their insurance company

We will take the responsibility of the compensation process off your shoulders, giving you time to heal. 

Seek Legal Guidance From Our Delray Beach DUI Accident Lawyers

You shouldn’t need to dedicate any more time or energy to pursuing compensation from the at-fault driver. Allow our seasoned attorneys to handle this process for you. 

At Steinberg Law, P.A., we operate on a contingency basis. You will owe us nothing unless we secure a settlement or judgment on your behalf. There is no risk in reaching out to tell us about your situation. 

Contact us today at 877-783-4611 or fill out our contact form to request a consultation with our Delray Beach DUI accident lawyers. We look forward to hearing your story and sharing how we can assist you. 

Florida DUI Accident FAQs 

Can You Pursue Punitive Damages After a DUI Accident?

You can often pursue punitive damages after a DUI accident. These damages are common in DUI cases where the driver exhibited reckless or egregious behavior.

What Are the Statutes of Limitations for Pursuing a DUI Accident Case in Florida?

The statute of limitations for any car accident case in Florida is generally two years from the accident date. If you want to file a lawsuit over damage to your vehicle, you will have four years to do so. Missing the statute of limitations deadline bars you from seeking compensation through a civil lawsuit.

How Much Does an Attorney Charge for a Car Accident in Florida?

Our attorneys do not charge upfront for car accidents in Florida. We operate on a contingency basis, which means we deduct our attorney fees from your eventual settlement. This payment method makes our legal services more accessible for clients experiencing financial hardship, which is often true of DUI accident victims.

How Long Does It Take To Sue a Drunk Driver?

It may take anywhere from a few months to two years to sue a drunk driver. This is because the defendant may be going through a criminal trial at the same time you wish to seek compensation. Other common delays can impact your case timeline.