dui-related accidents
recently Injured in a DUI-Related Accident in Florida?
DUI-Related Accidents are personal injury cases involving crashes caused by a driver who was operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
These cases often involve both negligence and violations of criminal law, but the civil personal injury claim is separate from any criminal DUI prosecution.
Contact Elle Rudisill Law Firm today and speak with an attorney who will focus on your unique case and fight for the compensation you deserve.
What is a DUI-related accident?
A DUI-related accident occurs when an impaired driver causes injuries or death because their ability to safely operate a vehicle was affected by:
- Alcohol
- Illegal drugs
- Prescription medications
- Over-the-counter medications that impair driving
- A combination of alcohol and drugs
Common types of DUI accidents
- Rear-end collisions
- Head-on collisions
- T-bone (side-impact) crashes
- Multi-vehicle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Hit-and-run crashes involving impaired drivers
- Wrong-way driving accidents
- Single-vehicle crashes involving injured passengers
Common injuries
Victims of DUI crashes often suffer:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries
- Severe burns
- Facial injuries
- Permanent disability
- Wrongful death
Who may be liable?
Depending on the circumstances, liable parties may include:
- The impaired driver
- The driver’s employer (if the crash occurred within the scope of employment)
- A vehicle owner who negligently entrusted the vehicle
- In some states and circumstances, a business or social host under applicable dram shop or social host liability laws
Compensation available
An injured victim may be entitled to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability
- Wrongful death damages (when applicable)
Evidence commonly used
Strong evidence in DUI accident cases may include:
- Police crash reports
- DUI arrest records
- Breathalyzer or blood alcohol test results
- Field sobriety test evidence
- Witness statements
- Traffic camera or surveillance footage
- Vehicle damage photographs
- Accident reconstruction reports
- Medical records
Florida considerations
In Florida, a DUI conviction is not required for an injured person to pursue a personal injury claim. A civil case has a different burden of proof than a criminal case. Evidence that a driver was impaired can support a negligence claim, even if criminal charges are reduced or dismissed. In some cases involving particularly egregious conduct, punitive damages may also be available under Florida law, subject to statutory requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I was hit by a drunk driver?
A drunk-driving allegation may affect the evidence and legal issues involved in a personal injury claim. In some cases, particularly egregious conduct may support a claim for punitive damages if the applicable legal requirements are satisfied.
What if I was driving someone else’s car and got hit by a drunk driver?
Coverage depends on the vehicle owner’s insurance policy and whether you are listed as an excluded driver.
What if someone else was driving my car and got hit by a drunk driver?
Coverage depends on your insurance policy and whether the driver is excluded under your policy.
contact elle rudisill Law firm
We Put Your Recovery & Compensation First
Elle Rudisill Law Firm represents individuals and families who have been injured due to the negligence of others. Our practice focuses exclusively on personal injury law, allowing us to provide knowledgeable, strategic, and client-focused representation in matters including:
✔ Car Accidents
✔ Truck Accidents
✔ Bus Accidents
Each case is handled with personalized attention, a thorough investigation, and a results-driven approach to pursuing the maximum compensation available under the law.