In all fifty states, it’s against the law to drive while intoxicated due to excessive amounts of alcohol or drugs. When someone who is drunk or high gets behind the wheel of a car, they are committing a serious crime that can result in injury or death to passengers and pedestrians, as well as cause substantial property damage. As such, if you’ve suffered injuries or lost a loved one due to the recklessness of a drunk driver, it’s very likely that you are entitled to compensation under Florida law.
According to the U.S. Department of Highway Safety, over 3,200 people died in Florida as a consequence of encountering drunk drivers. When death or serious injuries occur as a result of an accident involving an intoxicated driver, victims should consider filing a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit to recover damages for physical and mental suffering.
Similar to other states, Florida’s drunk driving laws also incorporate the “dram shop law,” which determines whether the owner of a liquor establishment exercised bad judgment by serving alcohol to an individual who ultimately caused an automobile accident. To prove that the owner of the establishment is liable, your attorney will need to prove one of the following scenarios:
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The establishment or one of its employees served alcohol to a minor, resulting in a car accident.
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The establishment or one of its employees served alcohol to a patron who is known to be an alcoholic or a habitual abuser of alcohol.
In order to win a DUI-related personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit, you will need to consult with an attorney, preferably one with experience winning these types of cases. In addition, you’ll want to ensure your attorney has the ability to gather the evidence necessary to successfully argue your case in court and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.







