Steps to Take After a Drunk Driving Accident in Fort Lauderdale
A night out can turn tragic in seconds when a drunk driver gets behind the wheel. If you’ve been in a drunk driving accident in Fort Lauderdale, the aftermath can be overwhelming, physically, emotionally, and financially. Victims often face serious injuries, high medical bills, and uncertainty about what to do next. Knowing what to do after a drunk driving accident is crucial to protecting your rights and securing the compensation you may deserve.
At C.H. Smith Law Firm, we have nearly two decades of experience helping people in South Florida navigate the legal process after being injured by an impaired driver. As your trusted Fort Lauderdale DUI accident lawyer, we’re here to guide you through each step and fight for the justice you deserve.
The Immediate Aftermath of a Drunk Driving Accident
After a drunk driving accident in Fort Lauderdale, what you do in the first few minutes can affect both your health and your legal case. The right steps can help protect your safety, preserve critical evidence, and strengthen your claim for compensation. Staying calm and focused is important, even when the situation feels overwhelming. Knowing how to respond gives you a better chance of holding the impaired driver accountable and securing the recovery you deserve:
Check for Injuries and Call 911
Your safety is the top priority. Even if you feel okay, some injuries, like concussions or internal bleeding, may not be immediately obvious. Request medical assistance for anyone injured.Contact Law Enforcement
In Florida, police must be called to the scene of an accident involving injury, death, or suspected impairment. The police report will be a critical piece of evidence in your case, especially if it confirms the other driver was intoxicated.Gather Evidence
If you can do so safely, take photos of the scene, your injuries, vehicle damage, road conditions, and any open alcohol containers in the other vehicle. Collect witness contact information as well.Seek Medical Attention
Even if you were treated at the scene, follow up with a medical professional. Medical records link your injuries directly to the crash, which is vital for your claim.
Your Rights After a Drunk Driving Accident in Florida
Your rights after a drunk driving accident in Florida give you the opportunity to seek compensation for the harm you have suffered. In many cases, you can file a claim against the drunk driver’s insurance to help cover medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses related to the crash. If the insurance coverage is not enough to fully address your losses, you may also pursue a personal injury lawsuit directly against the at-fault driver.
In some situations, Florida law allows for a dram shop claim, which holds a bar or restaurant responsible if they served alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person who later caused an accident. These options provide several ways to seek justice, but navigating the process can be challenging, especially when insurance companies try to limit what they pay.
Liability in a Drunk Driving Accident
In a drunk driving accident in Fort Lauderdale, it might seem obvious who is at fault, but the law still requires clear proof of negligence. To hold a person accountable, your attorney must show that the driver was impaired when the crash occurred and that this impairment directly caused the collision. It must also be proven that the accident resulted in measurable damages, such as medical expenses, lost income, or pain and suffering.
Evidence like police reports, witness statements, and toxicology results can be critical in building this case. In some situations, liability may extend beyond the driver. For example, if a bar or restaurant served alcohol to someone who was visibly intoxicated and that person later caused a crash, the establishment could also be held responsible under Florida’s dram shop laws. Determining liability is essential for pursuing fair compensation and ensuring all negligent parties are held accountable.
Suing a Drunk Driver in Fort Lauderdale
Suing a drunk driver in Fort Lauderdale may be the best option when insurance coverage does not fully address the harm you have suffered. This is often the case when the accident results in serious injuries or the tragic loss of life. A lawsuit allows you to seek financial recovery for the many ways the crash has impacted you. This can include medical treatment you have already received and the cost of care you may need in the future.
It can also cover lost income if you cannot work, as well as reduced earning capacity if your injuries limit your ability to return to your previous job. You may also pursue compensation for the physical pain you have endured, damage to your property, and the emotional distress caused by the accident. In situations where the driver’s actions were especially reckless, the court may award punitive damages to hold them accountable and discourage similar conduct in the future.
Drunk Driving Accident Compensation in Florida
The amount of drunk driving accident compensation in Florida is based on how serious your injuries are, how the crash has affected your daily life, and what insurance coverage is available. A settlement or verdict may cover economic damages, which include clear financial losses such as hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, and income you lost while recovering.
It can also include non-economic damages for the physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment you have experienced since the accident. In especially severe cases, the court may award punitive damages to punish the driver’s reckless behavior. A skilled attorney will review your situation carefully to identify every possible source of compensation so that nothing is missed in your claim.
What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident to Strengthen Your Claim
After a drunk driving accident, the decisions you make can greatly affect the outcome of your claim. Acting quickly and making informed choices can help protect your rights and ensure critical details are preserved. Every action matters, from securing evidence to getting the right legal support. To give your case the best chance of success, focus on these important steps:
Document everything: Keep a journal of your recovery, medical appointments, and how the injury affects daily life.
Avoid discussing the accident on social media: Anything you post can be used against you.
Follow medical advice: Gaps in treatment can be used to argue that your injuries are less serious.
Contact a lawyer quickly: The sooner your attorney can begin gathering evidence, the stronger your case will be.
Florida’s Statute of Limitations for Drunk Driving Accidents
In Florida, the statute of limitations sets a strict time limit for filing a claim after a drunk driving accident. You have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. If the accident caused a wrongful death, you also have two years from the date of passing to bring a claim. Acting within this time frame is important because missing the deadline can prevent you from seeking compensation. This rule applies to cases involving a drunk driving accident in Fort Lauderdale and throughout the state. Speaking with an attorney as soon as possible helps protect your rights and ensures your case is filed on time.
How C.H. Smith Law Firm Helps Victims of Drunk Driving Accidents
After a drunk driving accident, the legal process can feel overwhelming. Victims often face medical bills, lost income, and emotional stress while trying to recover. Having the right legal team can make a difference in both the outcome of your case and your peace of mind. At C.H. Smith Law Firm, we stand beside you from the very start, offering guidance and dedicated representation. Here is how our Fort Lauderdale DUI accident lawyers work to protect your rights:
Investigating the crash and gathering evidence of intoxication.
Identifying all liable parties, including potential dram shop defendants.
Negotiating with insurance companies to seek fair settlements.
Taking cases to trial when necessary to fight for maximum recovery.
With nearly 20 years of experience in personal injury law and an insider’s understanding of how insurance companies operate, we know how to protect your interests.
Drunk Driving Accident in Fort Lauderdale? Here’s What to Do – Contact C.H. Smith Law Firm Today
A collision with an impaired driver can change your life in an instant, leaving you with injuries, expenses, and questions about your next steps. If you’ve been hurt in a drunk driving accident in Fort Lauderdale, you may have legal options to pursue the compensation you need to move forward. At C.H. Smith Law Firm, we understand the challenges victims face, and we’re here to guide you through every stage of the process with clarity and compassion.
With nearly 20 years of experience, our team investigates the facts, manages communication with insurance companies, and builds a strong case to protect your rights. We know how to hold negligent drivers accountable and will work to secure the best possible outcome for your situation.
Your first consultation is always free and confidential. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and help you make informed decisions about the road ahead.
Plantation Location
7805 S.W. 6th Court
Plantation, FL 33324
Phone: +1 (954) 228-9334
Tampa Location
201 E. Kennedy Blvd, Suite 600
Tampa, FL 33602
Phone: +1 (813) 322-5335
Email: info@chsmithlaw.com
Don’t wait to protect your rights. Contact C.H. Smith Law Firm today and take the first step toward recovery and justice.
