The bodyguard reportedly fled the scene of the accident after his Chevy Tahoe crashed into a police cruiser. The bodyguard refused to take a Breathalyzer test and was subsequently taken into custody. The Miami Herald reports that this bodyguard has a record of criminal misconduct. For example, he was arrested twice for disorderly conduct.

Unfortunately, serious auto accidents involving intoxicated drivers is a common occurrence in Florida, and across the country. For example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that more than two percent of people surveyed in Florida admit to driving after consuming too much alcohol. Nationally, just under two percent admit taking the same risk.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, someone is seriously injured in a drunk driving accident every 90 seconds. Over 600,000 people were killed in drunk driving accidents in 2014, which equates to a one deadly car accident every 53 minutes.

What To Do If You are Hit by a Drunk Driver in Miami

If you or a family member was involved in a collision with an intoxicated driver, you have the right to pursue financial restitution for your harms and losses, which can be quite extensive in a car wreck. Many car accident victims wind up suffering debilitating injuries such as:

• Brain trauma or head wounds
• Spinal cord damage
• Broken bones
• Torn muscles and ligaments
• Lost limbs

These injuries can result in significant medical bills, time missed from work, and other damages.

This is why you can pursue financial compensation for the following harms and losses:

• Medical bills, including the immediate care you received after the collision at an ER, the ambulance bill, prescription medication costs, physical therapy, surgery, etc.
• Lost wages and future wages
• Damages for pain, suffering and mental anguish

Drunk Driving Accident May Make Punitive Damages Available

When someone causes a serious accident as a result of being intoxicated, it may be possible to pursue punitive damages against the intoxicated driver. You may be asking yourself, “what are punitive damages?” Well, they are basically money damages designed to punish the wrongdoer.

In most cases, punitive damages are not pursued because there is a higher evidentiary burden and there is a statutory cap on damages. However, in the context of a drunk driving auto accident, the restrictions and limitations associated with a punitive damage award are not applicable, according to Florida Statute 768.736.

Contact a Miami Drunk Driving Accident Injury Lawyer Today

As you can see, when you or a family member is injured by a drunk driver, you have legal options and may be able to obtain compensation above and beyond what is typically awarded in other personal injury cases. To learn more about your legal options, contact the Miami drunk driving car accident injury lawyers at the office of Alan Goldfarb, P.A. to schedule a free consultation.

Resource:

miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/west-kendall/article187265848.html

Recovery After A Drunk Driving Accident

It is impossible to argue about the serious nature of accidents caused by drunk drivers. The news is filled with stories about accidents caused by those behind the wheel after having had too much to drink. It is equally difficult to argue with the fact that when someone is injured as a result of someone else’s drunk driving, they will be entitled to recover for their damages from that person.

A Tool In Preventing Drunk Driving Accidents – Ignition Interlock Devices

The question arises, however, of what could have been done to prevent the accident from happening in the first place and causing its victims to have to endure the painful and often lengthy recovery process. In Florida, the law provides for use of an ignition interlock device (IID). Beginning with a driver’s first offense for a DUI in which they have a blood alcohol level of .08% or higher, a judge may order the driver to have an IID for at least six months, though it is not required at that level. In cases in which the driver’s blood alcohol level is at least .15%, however, the judge is required to enter an order for use of an IID for at least that six month period, even for first time offenders. Where the offender is on their second offense, the requirement is increased from six months to at least one full year – those found guilty of drunk driving for a third time will be ordered to use an IID for at least two years.

Let Us Assist You with Your Case

Despite the laws against and the penalties for conviction of drunk driving, it is doubtful that we will reach the point at which these tragic occurrences no longer happen. While accidents continue to occur due to drunk driving, innocent victims will continue to suffer injuries and losses. If you have  been involved in an auto accident due to someone else’s negligence and have suffered injuries as a result, the Miami attorneys at the office of Alan Goldfarb, P.A. can help you get the results you are entitled to receive. Whether your losses include costs for present medical expenses or those anticipated in the future, lost wages , even expenses due to pain and suffering stemming from the accident, at the office of Alan Goldfarb, P.A. our goal is to help you make a full recovery and we will work tirelessly towards that end. Our legal professionals have helped other accident victims get the compensation they deserved and want to do the same for you. Contact us now to set up your no cost, no obligation appointment.

Resources:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.193.html

wsvn.com/news/local/driver-accused-of-injuring-south-florida-principal-while-intoxicated-faces-judge/