A single decision to drive while intoxicated can forever alter the lives of innocent motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, and families. Victims of drunk driving crashes frequently suffer severe injuries and overwhelming financial burdens. If you were injured in a collision, a Lauderdale Lakes drunk driving car accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation for your losses.
Since 2005, the Lauderdale Lake car accident lawyers at Anidjar & Levine have advocated for individuals and families harmed by impaired drivers throughout Florida.
We have recovered over $450 million on behalf of injured clients and are recognized for providing compassionate legal representation. We offer free consultations and are ready to listen to your story.
Determining Liability in a Lauderdale Lakes Drunk Driving Accident
Proving fault is a foundational element of any drunk driving accident claim. To recover damages, you must prove that the intoxicated driver acted negligently and that their impairment directly caused or contributed to the crash.
While driving under the influence is itself evidence of negligence, insurers often dispute liability or attempt to minimize the impact of intoxication.
Drunk driving cases can be complex, particularly when insurers or defense attorneys use aggressive tactics to limit their financial exposure. A skilled Lauderdale Lakes personal injury lawyer will perform a thorough investigation to uncover all liable parties and build a strong claim supported by evidence.
Depending on the circumstances, responsibility for a drunk driving crash may extend beyond the impaired driver and include:
- Bars, nightclubs, or restaurants that overserved alcohol to a visibly intoxicated patron
- Social hosts who unlawfully provided alcohol
- Employers, when the at-fault driver was operating a company vehicle or acting within the scope of employment
- Vehicle owners who knowingly allowed an impaired individual to use their car
- Government entities responsible for hazardous road design, poor lighting, or inadequate signage
To support your claim, your attorney will gather and preserve critical evidence, which may include DUI arrest records, breathalyzer or blood test results, police crash reports, dashcam or traffic camera footage, eyewitness statements, photographs of vehicle damage, and detailed medical records.
In some cases, accident reconstruction specialists or toxicology experts may be brought in to demonstrate how impairment caused or worsened the collision.
How a Lauderdale Lakes Drunk Driving Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You
The aftermath of a drunk driving accident is often overwhelming. Victims may be forced to cope with painful injuries, extended medical treatment, lost income, and emotional distress, all while insurance companies push for quick, inadequate settlements.
Having an experienced Lauderdale Lakes drunk driving car accident lawyer on your side can make a meaningful difference during this difficult time.
When you work with Anidjar & Levine, your legal team handles every aspect of your claim so you can focus on healing. Our services include:
- Conducting a comprehensive investigation of the accident
- Securing and preserving time-sensitive evidence
- Identifying all responsible parties and insurance policies
- Calculating both economic and non-economic damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, future medical care, pain and suffering, and loss of companionship
- Handling all communications and negotiations with insurance companies
- Preparing your case for litigation and trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached
We believe that clients deserve transparency and consistent communication. Your attorney will keep you informed, explain each stage of the process in clear terms, and fight aggressively to protect your interests.
Florida’s No-Fault Insurance System and Drunk Driving Accidents
Florida operates under a no-fault insurance system, which requires injured drivers to first seek compensation through their own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. PIP typically pays a portion of medical bills and lost wages, regardless of who caused the crash. However, these benefits are limited and often insufficient in drunk driving cases.
When injuries meet Florida’s “serious injury” threshold, such as significant scarring, permanent disability, or loss of bodily function, or when a crash results in wrongful death, victims may step outside the no-fault system. In these situations, a claim can be filed directly against the intoxicated driver and any other liable parties.
A Lauderdale Lakes drunk driving car accident lawyer can determine whether your case qualifies to pursue compensation beyond PIP limits and help you seek the full financial recovery you deserve.
Deadlines for Filing Drunk Driving Accident Claims in Florida
Florida law imposes strict deadlines on personal injury and wrongful death cases. In most drunk driving accident claims, injured parties have two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. Wrongful death claims are also subject to a two-year statute of limitations.
Missing these deadlines can result in the permanent loss of your right to seek compensation. Consulting an attorney as early as possible allows your legal team to:
- Preserve crucial evidence before it is lost or destroyed
- Obtain DUI-related records and chemical test results
- Interview witnesses while memories remain fresh
- Ensure all paperwork and filings are completed accurately and on time
Prompt legal action strengthens your case and increases the likelihood of a successful outcome.
No Upfront Costs for Legal Representation
The financial strain following a drunk driving accident can be significant, especially when medical bills and lost income begin to pile up. We represent clients on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing up front. Our firm only gets paid if we successfully recover compensation for you. If we do not win your case, you owe us nothing.
This arrangement allows injured individuals and families in Lauderdale Lakes to access high-quality legal representation without added financial stress.
Comparative Negligence in Florida Drunk Driving Cases
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule. Under this system, compensation may be reduced if an injured person is found partially at fault for an accident. If a claimant is determined to be more than 50% responsible, they are barred from recovering damages.
Insurance companies often attempt to assign blame to victims, even in drunk driving cases, to reduce their payout obligations. Our attorneys strongly contest these strategies, using evidence to demonstrate the impaired driver’s responsibility and safeguard your right to fair compensation.
Contact a Lauderdale Lakes Drunk Driving Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you were seriously injured or lost a loved one in a drunk driving accident in Lauderdale Lakes, you do not have to face the legal process alone.
Taking swift action can help preserve evidence, protect your rights, and hold negligent parties accountable for their actions. Anidjar & Levine is dedicated to helping victims of drunk driving accidents pursue justice and financial recovery.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Lauderdale Lakes drunk driving car accident lawyer. We are committed to providing personalized attention, honest guidance, and determined advocacy when you need it most.
