Anyone who has successfully completed a driver’s education course knows that driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is against the law and can result in the intoxicated driver facing criminal consequences. However, the drunk driver may also face additional liability through a civil lawsuit brought by anyone who was injured as a result of the driver’s decision to get behind the wheel while intoxicated. This may include other motorists or pedestrians on the road, and it may include passengers in the drunk driver’s vehicle as well.
Drunk Driving Liability in Florida Courts
As noted above, drunk drivers can face criminal as well as civil liability. Criminal liability is what most people are familiar with when it comes to the penalties of drunk driving. This can include punishments like jail time, fines, and probation. However, the civil liability that can arise after a drunk driving accident can be equally significant, especially when serious personal injury results.
Drunk driving accident victims who sustain serious bodily injury can bring a lawsuit against the drunk driver, seeking monetary compensation for their past medical expenses and future medical needs, as well as for non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. These verdicts can be substantial in cases in which long-term injuries occur that will require treatment throughout an accident victim’s life.
In situations when a drunk driving accident results in the death of the accident victim, that victim’s family can pursue a wrongful death case against the drunk driver. A wrongful death case is similar to a case brought by an injured accident victim, but it requires proof of additional elements, such as the plaintiff’s relationship to the deceased person.
Drunk Driver Sentenced to 22 Years in Jail for Accident
Earlier this month, a Florida drunk driver was sentenced to 22 years in jail for his involvement in an accident that claimed the lives of a young couple. According to one local Florida news source covering the tragic accident and the subsequent case against the driver, the driver was coming from a friend’s wedding when he slammed into the rear of a car with two occupants. Both occupants died at the scene of the accident. The driver’s blood alcohol content was .115, which is well over the state limit of .08.
It remains to be seen if the families of the accident victims will file any civil lawsuit stemming from the deaths of their loved ones.
Have You Been Injured in a Florida Drunk Driving Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been the victim of another driver’s decision to get behind the wheel after drinking, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. While the criminal conviction of a drunk driver may be one form of justice, it does little to compensate those who are seriously injured or those who lose a loved one in an accident. Call one of the dedicated Florida auto accident attorneys at Cecere Santana at 800-753-8829 today to set up a free consultation with an attorney. Calling is free, and our assistance and representation will not result in any cost to you unless we are able to help you recover damages.
More Blog Posts:
Teen Killed in Fort Lauderdale Hit-and Run, Cecere Santana Injury Lawyers Blog, published November 4, 2015.
Miami County Motorcycle Accident Critically Injures Rider and Passenger, Cecere Santana Injury Lawyers Blog, published November 25, 2015.
