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Alcohol-Related Accidents

A large majority of the injuries that occur on Florida roadways are a result of accidents caused by the momentarily negligent operation of a vehicle. Other times, injuries are the result of the reckless behavior of impaired drivers. When a driver abuses alcohol and gets behind the wheel of a car the results can be devastating for everyone. According to recent statistics, there were over 40,000 arrests for driving under the influence in the state of Florida, and 676 drunk driving-related fatalities. When alcohol is a factor in an accident that caused you or someone you know to be injured, there are additional factors to consider when pursuing those responsible.

Driver Liability for Personal Injury as a Result of an Accident

Of course, driving under the influence can carry severe criminal penalties; however, a person who injures another as a result of being under the influence of alcohol also faces civil liability. Those injured by another’s negligence, including drivers operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, are entitled to damages from the person causing the injury. A personal injury claim includes compensatory damages for medical expenses, lost wages, permanent injury, and pain and suffering. Under Florida law, drunk drivers may also be responsible for punitive damages when their reckless conduct is deemed to be in conscious disregard or indifference to the safety of others. Punitive damages are special damages above and beyond compensation for your injuries and expenses, and are meant to punish and deter certain conduct like repeatedly driving drunk and injuring others as a result.

Dram Shop Liability

Recognizing the need to also hold establishments that unlawfully provide alcohol to those that may get behind the wheel of a car, many states have enacted dram shop laws designed to deter liquor establishments from serving underage patrons or over serving those who already had too much to drink. Under Florida law, an establishment or host may be liable for the injuries caused by their intoxicated patron or guest if the establishment or host unlawfully sells or furnishes alcohol to an under-aged person or someone known to habitually abuse alcohol.

What to do When Involved in an Accident with a Drunk Driver

Driving under the influence cases have unique challenges. For example, if you are in an accident with an underage driver who may have been drinking, you may also have a claim against the establishment or host who furnished the alcohol. If you were injured by a repeat DUI offender under reckless circumstances, you may have a basis to recover punitive damages. In all cases, investigating the facts leading up to the accident can be of critical importance to your case and recovery.

Get Help from an Experienced Florida Lawyer

If you or someone that you know has been injured in an accident by someone under the influence of alcohol or drugs near Tampa, Orlando, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, or West Palm Beach you may have a claim for damages against the driver and possibly those who served the intoxicated driver. Get the help of the experienced lawyers at The Pendas Law Firm who will aggressively pursue those responsible. Call or contact the office today for a confidential consultation regarding your case.

Read What Others Have To Say About Us

  • I can't express how much I appreciate this law firm. I had the honor to deal with attorney Daniel. He kept me updated on my case. I couldn't ask for a better law firm...

    — Terry Mcphillips
  • Speedy & superb handling of clients & cases, kind & caring. Highly recommended professionals. They made everything very easy for us, were outgoing & polite. I would call them again if ever in need, rather than call the larger firms that need to advertise & brag about winnings...

    — Joseph Kestell
  • Wow I called Pendas Law Firm the other day at their main intake line it was around 11 o’clock at night and I’ve got this wonderful representative his name was Jeffrey Alvarez. This guy was very professional and his compassion was out of this world..

    — Luis Sanchez
  • Thank you for helping us in our time of need. This firm handled my father’s workers comp case, and helped us with every question we had, and we had a plenty. Thankful for the entire legal team!

    — Enilno Resu
  • I just concluded a case with attorney Michael Sanchez and paralegal Camilo Lopez. I can only say they are exceptional. The customer service is unique, they have been battling alongside me since day 1. They are not only courteous and professional, but they also are amazing at their job...

    — Israel Garcia
  • Their attorneys are absolutely someone you want handling your car accident claim. They communicated with us promptly and thoroughly. I was very happy with our recovery. Already recommended them to others in the same circumstances, their staff speaks Spanish and you feel like in family.

    — Ian Brito
  • Very Professional law firm. They explained to you every detail what to do according to the laws (worker's compensation). Mr. Danilo Cruz is the best Lawyer and his team. They are very kind, friendly, responsible, I love this firm. They fight for their clients. AwesomeTeam!

    — Lau Rod
  • I am very proud and happy that my case was closed, and definitely won! Lizette Gonzalez was my case manager and I definitely recommend this P.A.! Honestly, no other lawyer even tried to fight my case at all, I was turned down by most of those who I called...

    — KingArroyoVEVO
  • Great lawyers who speak Spanish and English. Danny Cruz and Lizette Gonzalez helped with my case and put my parents worries at ease. They got my case over and done with within a year and helped get all my bills paid.

    — Caroline Matute
  • This was a positive, informative and pleasant experience concerning an unpleasant situation. Everyone I spoke to was very professional and compassionate. I always felt to be in the best and most capable hands. the Pendas Law Firm lives up to its reputation!

    — Jean Villarreal
  • Pendas Law did an awesome job working my claim against my homeowners insurance. They had refused to pay for the wind damage to the roof. Larry with Pendas Law Firm was assigned to my case and immediately started working on it. I could not be happier. Will definitely use Pendas Law in the future if needed.

    — John Hibbert
  • I'm thankful to have chosen them , very responsible and communicative , Went in the office with my family and the environment was great ,Sahily walked me through the process professionally, I got a good settlement faster than I expected, would totally recommend.

    — Juan Fernandez
  • I'm very happy with this firm... Joel is an excellent attorney and Carolyn is an amazing paralegal, After been ditched from another law firm, Pendas took care of me and they won my case. I recommend them 100%...

    — MARIA PASTOR
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  • I'm very thankful for all the attention of all the Pendas staff that took care of my case and helped me through the process, thanks for your patience, collaboration and comprehension!...

    — CARLOS GUADALUPE
  • The Pendas Law Firm was amazing! They are very kind, professional, and hard-working! They always kept me informed. Larry Trias was great to work with! I always recommend Pendas to family and friends. Thank you for helping me with my case!

    — HEATHER PEPPER
  • Their attorneys are absolutely someone you want handling your car accident claim. They communicated with us promptly and thoroughly. I was very happy with our recovery. Their staff speaks Spanish and you feel like family.

    — IAN BRITO
  • I would definitely recommend this firm. The staff really helps you and they actually show you that they care, especially Siomara Roldan. She has been a great help for my family and myself, she is always helpful with any questions.

    — WILMER D SANTANA RODRIGUEZ
  • Pendas is the best! The paralegals are very attentive to your case, knowledgeable, and communicative! The attorney also won’t just be there the day of your sign up, but all throughout the process as needed. I truly recommend Pendas!

    — MCKENZIE CZABAJ
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