Because alcohol impairs judgment, slows reaction time, and reduces coordination and focus, driving under the influence (DUI) can cause serious accidents. People harmed in drunk driving car accidents in Miami often experience life-changing injuries that create real financial hardship.
If you were affected by this type of crash, our experienced vehicle collision attorneys at Kaire & Heffernan are here to help. We will gather the facts necessary to build a case against the negligent party.
Alcohol affects the body in several ways, creating the following risks:
Alcohol compromises cognitive functions, making drivers unable to assess situations properly. Intoxicated individuals often overestimate their driving abilities while underestimating the dangers, leading to reckless decisions such as speeding or ignoring traffic signals.
Alcohol slows reflexes and response times. Impaired drivers cannot react quickly to unexpected situations, such as a pedestrian stepping onto the street, which can lead to collisions.
Alcohol disrupts the body’s motor functions, affecting steering precision, braking accuracy, and lane maintenance. Drivers may weave between lanes, struggle with simple maneuvers, or fail to maintain safe distances from other vehicles.
If you were injured in a car crash caused by an intoxicated driver in Miami, it is important to speak with an attorney as early as possible.
If an impaired driver hit you, you have the right to file a lawsuit. While many drunk driving accident cases in Miami begin with an insurance claim, in certain situations, filing a lawsuit is necessary to protect your financial future.
Reasons to consider a lawsuit include:
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, even when the other driver was clearly intoxicated. You could initiate a lawsuit if you receive a low offer that fails to cover your current and long-term care needs.
Our lawyers willfile a lawsuit to pursue full compensation. We will present evidence of intoxication and negotiate with the insurer to increase the settlement or face trial.
In some cases, the drunk driver denies responsibility, or the insurer claims that you contributed to the crash. Our lawyers will file a lawsuit to utilize discovery tools, such as subpoenas, depositions, and expert testimony, to prove fault.
Litigation forces the defense to produce evidence they may otherwise hide, strengthening your case for maximum compensation.
If the drunk driver has little or no insurance, suing them personally may be your best option. Our lawyers will work to identify all possible sources of compensation, including uninsured and underinsured motorist policies, third-party liability, or the driver’s personal assets.
What Compensation is Available After a Drunk Driving Crash?
A DUI lawsuit might open more avenues to recover the full value of your losses.
Catastrophic injuries often require lifelong medical care and substantial financial support. Pursuing a lawsuit can help you recover damages that exceed policy limits. Litigation allows for the presentation of expert testimony on long-term costs, increasing the potential for compensation.
Driving while drunk is especially reckless, and the law sometimes awards punitive damages to hold the offender responsible. These damages are only available through a lawsuit. Our attorneys, experienced in Miami DUI motor crash cases, can present evidence of extreme negligence, such as a high blood alcohol level or prior driving offenses, to justify additional compensation.
If a drunk driver fatally injures a loved one, the surviving family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit. Our lawyers can use this process to pursue compensation for funeral expenses, lost income, and the emotional toll of the loss.
You have a legal right to seek compensation if you or a loved one suffers an injury in an alcohol-related crash. However, you must establish negligence and demonstrate how the accident led to your losses. Our lawyers at Kaire & Heffernan have extensive experience representing injured victims in drunk driving car accidents in Miami. Contact us today for help pursuing the compensation you deserve.
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