Any auto accident can be traumatic and painful. However, if the driver who hit you was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the effects can be even more catastrophic. Unfortunately, DUIs and DUI car accidents are common in Miami-Dade County and the city of Coral Gables.
In 2024 alone, there were over 4,600 alcohol-only impaired car accidents in Florida, more than half of which resulted in injuries. How can you protect yourself? Take a look at this guide to learn more.
DUI Laws in Florida
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a criminal offense in Florida, according to Florida Statute 316.193. A person is guilty of DUI if they operate a vehicle with either of the following:
- Impaired faculties due to the use of alcohol or drugs
- A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher
Driving while impaired also represents a clear form of negligence in civil cases. If someone acts negligently (such as driving while intoxicated) and injures you, they are probably liable for your medical bills and other losses.
How DUIs Contribute to Car Accidents
Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal due to the way these substances impact driver behavior. Drunk driving impairs:
- Reaction Time: Can result in delayed braking and poor judgment
- Coordination: Makes it difficult to control the vehicle
- Concentration: Increases the risk of missing road signs or signals
Even someone who is under the legal BAC limit may react more slowly and find it difficult to concentrate on the road. They might misjudge stopping distances or totally ignore red lights. When that happens, the car accidents can be catastrophic due to the impairment.
Car Accident Statistics with Drunk Drivers
Statistics show Florida has a high rate of deadly alcohol impaired car crashes. They rank among the top states, with 4.2 per 100,000 residents dying due to DUI accidents. In 2022, there were 940 deaths due to drunk driving alone.
What to Do if You’re Hit by a Drunk Driver
If you are hit by a drunk driver, you need to protect yourself first. Here’s what to do.
Call 911
The first step is to call 911. Law enforcement officers can determine that the driver was impaired, and first responders can assess you for injuries after the car crash. Once EMS arrives, let them evaluate you and transport you to the hospital if that’s what they recommend.
However, you should seek medical treatment even if you don’t believe that your injuries are severe. The shock and adrenaline of the crash can make it difficult to determine how badly you are hurt.
When you seek treatment at your local hospital or urgent care center, your medical provider may perform diagnostic tests such as X-rays or CT scans. The results of these tests can support your claims during your case.
Document the Scene
If you are physically able to exit your vehicle and document the scene, do so. Take photographs of your vehicle and the other car, as well as any other relevant details. For instance, if the impact left a debris trail, take photos of that as well.
While you are waiting for the police to arrive, talk to anyone who witnessed the crash. Ask them for their contact information so that you can pass it on to your attorney.
Once the police arrive, focus on the facts of what happened. Keep in mind that anything you say can be added to the crash report and used against you in court. Do not admit fault or say anything that could compromise your claim.
Contact a Coral Gables Car Accident Lawyer at Schrier Law Group
Once you’ve addressed your immediate medical needs and those of your passengers, it’s time to seek legal help. A Coral Gables car accident lawyer can provide a free consultation and discuss your next steps.
Don’t wait to speak to an attorney. Every day that passes, valuable evidence may get lost. The sooner you hire a personal injury lawyer, the more time they will have to track down video footage of the incident, talk to witnesses, and build a strong case on your behalf.
Your personal injury lawyer at Schrier Law Group will also take an accounting of the direct and indirect costs of your crash. Some factors our injury lawyers will consider for your alcohol-related car accident include the following:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
Be detailed when you talk to your lawyer about how the accident affected you. Share what you went through and how the incident has negatively impacted your life.
The goal of your claim is to obtain resources that will help you move on from your car accident. The more information your attorney has about your injuries, suffering, and financial challenges, the better equipped they will be to build a strong case for full total compensation.
What to Expect During a DUI Crash Lawsuit
DUI crash lawsuits can be complicated because there may be simultaneous civil and criminal proceedings. However, these two types of cases are considered separately. Even if the other driver beats their DUI charge or is offered a plea agreement, you can still seek compensation through a civil claim.
Once you choose a Coral Gables car accident lawyer to handle your case, they will take the lead on negotiations with the other driver’s insurance company and all other time-sensitive matters. This means you can focus on recovery while your lawyer handles the rest.
Most car accident injury cases are settled out of court. However, if the other party refuses to offer fair settlement terms, then your attorney may take the case to trial.
During the trial, your attorney will present your case in court. If the judge or jury rules in your favor, you will receive a judgment. The judgment outlines what you are being compensated for and how much you will receive.
Need to Talk to a Coral Gables Car Accident Lawyer? We Can Help
At Schrier Law Group, our experienced Coral Gables car accident lawyers are here to help in your time of need. If you or a loved one has been injured by a drunk driver, our team will work fast to pursue the compensation that you deserve.
Are you worried about the costs of hiring a Coral Gables car accident lawyer? Don’t be. Schrier Law Group offers free consultations, and we bill on a contingency basis, which means you don’t owe us anything unless we win.
