Orlando, FL Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys

Dedicated Lawyers for Accidents and Injuries Caused by Drunk Drivers in Orlando, FL

Drunk driving is incredibly dangerous and reckless, but even though it is illegal, many people still get behind the wheel when they are intoxicated. Every year, drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs cause thousands of preventable car accidents, resulting in devastating injuries. In Orlando, accidents involving intoxicated drivers are tragically common. These crashes can leave victims with serious physical injuries, emotional trauma, and significant financial burdens.

When a drunk or drug-impaired driver has injured you or someone you love, you deserve justice. While criminal charges may be brought against the driver, that will address the ways you have been affected by their actions. At The Doan Law Firm, we can help you recover compensation for the injuries and damages you have suffered, and we will help you understand your best options for doing so. Our goal is to ensure that you can receive the full financial recovery you need to heal and move forward.

Insurance Coverage in Drunk Driving Accidents

Florida operates under a no-fault insurance system, which means that each driver must carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. PIP provides compensation for up to 80 percent of your medical expenses. You may also be able to receive compensation for damage to your vehicle or other property through the at-fault driver's Property Damage Liability (PDL) coverage.

PIP coverage applies regardless of who was at fault, and you will make a claim under your own insurance policy to address your injuries. However, drunk driving crashes often result in injuries that go far beyond what PIP covers. When a drunk driver is responsible for causing serious or permanent injuries, Florida law allows a victim to pursue claims directly against the driver.

Filing a Lawsuit Against a Drunk Driver in Florida

Victims of drunk driving accidents may pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver if they experienced a significant or permanent loss to a part of their body or if their injuries caused permanent scars or other forms of disfigurement. In cases involving fatal injuries, a victim's family members may pursue a wrongful death lawsuit against a drunk driver.

A lawsuit allows victims to recover compensation for damages that may not be covered by insurance, including:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Lost wages and future earning capacity
  • Long-term or permanent medical care
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded. These damages are not meant to compensate the victim for financial or personal losses. Instead, they are meant to punish the drunk driver for particularly reckless or egregious behavior and discourage them or others from engaging in drunk driving in the future.

Florida's Dram Shop Law: Liability for Bars and Restaurants

In addition to holding the drunk driver accountable, Florida law may permit legal action against a person or business that served alcohol to the person responsible for the crash. In most cases, Florida's "dram shop" law does not allow establishments that serve alcohol to be held liable for injuries caused by patrons. However, there are two exceptions, and liability may apply in cases where:

  • Alcohol was served to a minor under the age of 21; or
  • Alcohol was knowingly served to a person who is habitually addicted to alcohol.

This law is narrower than similar laws in other states. Social hosts who serve alcohol at private parties are generally not liable, and bars or restaurants are not automatically responsible simply because they served someone who later caused a crash. However, if it can be proven that an establishment continued to serve a visibly intoxicated person with a known history of alcohol abuse, or if they knowingly served alcohol to a minor, they may be held liable for the injuries and damages caused when that person went on to drive while drunk.

How The Doan Law Firm Helps Victims of Drunk Driving Accidents in Orlando

Dealing with the injuries and damages caused by a drunk driver can be difficult. Fortunately, our experienced attorneys can provide effective legal help in these cases. Our services include:

  • Accident Investigation: We can review reports filed by police officers, witness statements, surveillance footage, and toxicology results to establish that a driver was at fault for an accident due to drug or alcohol intoxication.
  • Identifying All Liable Parties: In addition to the drunk driver, we can evaluate whether a bar, restaurant, or social host may share legal responsibility under Florida's dram shop laws. We can also determine whether other parties may be held responsible for issues such as defective auto parts or dangerous roads.
  • Filing Insurance Claims: We will handle communication with insurance providers and ensure that all documentation is submitted to support a claim.
  • Maximizing Compensation: We will negotiate settlements that will meet our clients' needs, and if insurance companies or other parties refuse to be reasonable, we will pursue litigation and fight to recover all available damages.

Contact Our Orlando, Florida Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers

No one should have to suffer because another driver acted dangerously and operated a vehicle while they were intoxicated. In these situations, The Doan Law Firm will stand by your side and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact our office by calling 407-289-0000 to schedule a free, confidential consultation.

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