Fort Lauderdale DUI Accident Lawyer

In Fort Lauderdale, the impact of drunk driving accidents on victims and their families can be both profound and lasting. At Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers, we stand with the victims of these tragic incidents, offering our support and legal experience to navigate the aftermath.

Our Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyers are committed to advocating for those harmed by the negligence of drunk drivers, focusing on securing the compensation and justice necessary for their recovery. With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by victims, we work tirelessly to ensure that their rights are protected and that they receive the dedicated representation they deserve.

Contacting us is easy. Start getting the legal advice you need after a drunk driving accident in Fort Lauderdale by calling us to get a free consultation.

Accidents Caused by Drunk Driving in Fort Lauderdale

Drivers who get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol can endanger others on the roads around Fort Lauderdale. The state of Florida has set a limit on the acceptable blood alcohol content (BAC) for drivers. Any driver who operates a vehicle with a BAC of over 0.08% can be considered a drunk driver.

If you were hit by a driver with an elevated BAC, you are not alone. Drunk drivers can cause thousands of accidents in a single year in our state. Many of these accidents are very severe. Some are even fatal. Our Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers at Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers, we believe you deserve professional help after any drunk driving accident.

Let Us Work on Securing Your Auto Accident Compensation Today

The Fort Lauderdale DUI accident lawyers at Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers can start offering you dedicated support right now. When you call us for help after a drunk driving accident, you won’t be handed off to someone else. Our partners Jason and Debi Chalik work directly with you to address your legal case.

In many cases, we can begin working on your drunk driving accident claim by gathering evidence. Our DUI accident attorneys in Fort Lauderdale will: 

• Interview witnesses who saw the accident
• Go over police reports regarding the accidents
• Review photographs and video of the accident

Some of the other ways we will handle your case include: 

• Initial consultation: Our legal team will begin by gathering all pertinent details about the accident, including the time, location, and circumstances. 
• Legal strategy: Based on the evidence, your lawyer will develop a legal strategy. This might involve negotiating with insurance companies for a fair settlement or preparing your case for trial. 
• Representation: Your attorney will represent you in all legal proceedings, ensuring you never need to communicate with insurance companies or the at-fault party on your own. 
• Communication: We will keep you informed and involved in all major decisions and developments in your case.

Working with this evidence can help us ensure that you get fair compensation for your losses after a drunk driving accident.

Options for Getting Compensation After a Drunk Driving Accident

It is important that you understand that Florida is a no-fault car insurance state. No-fault states require you to seek compensation first through your own insurance company, in most cases. Drivers must carry personal injury protection (PIP) coverage that may cover medical costs and some other losses.

However, you may be able to seek compensation from the drunk driver in some circumstances. If you were seriously injured in a car accident, you could seek compensation from the other driver. We can help you fight for damages with a:

• Third-party car insurance claim
• Personal injury lawsuit

Get Compensation from Your PIP Policy in Fort Lauderdale

You may be entitled to compensation for all of your losses if you are injured by a drunk driver in Fort Lauderdale. Your PIP policy can cover your:

• Medical expenses
• Vehicle repair costs
• Lost wages due to injury

Note that your PIP policy can also cover your children and other members of your household. It may even cover other passengers in your vehicle if they do not own a vehicle or carry PIP insurance. However, PIP insurance does not cover all losses you could sustain in an accident. Our Fort Lauderdale DUI accident lawyers will discuss all of your options when seeking compensation from a drunk driver.

Cover Your Damages With Additional Legal Claims Filed by Our DUI Accident Lawyers in Fort Lauderdale, FL

PIP coverage can cover your monetary damages after a drunk driving accident, but it will not cover non-monetary damages including:

• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Emotional distress

However, if you experienced a serious injury in your accident, you may be able to seek damages for these losses from the driver that caused the accident. Let us go over your medical records after an accident to see if you experienced a serious injury, so you know exactly what damages you could be entitled to.

We Work Quickly After a Drunk Driving Accident in Fort Lauderdale

You need to get fast help if you are injured in a drunk driving accident in Fort Lauderdale. In fact, you only have:

• 10 days to report a car accident
• 14 days to receive medical care

If you do not receive medical care quickly, you won’t be able to receive compensation from your PIP policy. You must also file a lawsuit within two years of an accident according to the statute of limitations, if you experienced a serious injury. Let us get to work on your claim right away. We’ll work tirelessly to pursue the compensation you need after you are hit by a drunk driver.

How Our Team in Fort Lauderdale Proves Negligence to Secure Your Compensation

If we file a case against the liable driver, we must prove that their negligence caused your car crash. At Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers, our Fort Lauderdale team proves negligence by addressing the four essential elements:

• Duty of care: We demonstrate that the at-fault party had a legal duty to act with a reasonable standard of care towards you and all other road users.
• Breach of duty: We establish how the at-fault failed to meet this duty by drinking and driving. 
• Causation: We link the breach of duty directly to the accident, using evidence and expert testimony to show that the at-fault party’s actions were the proximate cause of your injuries.
• Damages: We document all injuries and damages resulting from the accident to confirm that the damages you suffered were caused by the at-fault party’s negligence.

Types of Injuries That Could Entitle You to a Drunk Driving Accident Settlement

Injuries from drunk driving accidents can be severe and life-altering, potentially entitling you to a settlement. Common injuries that warrant compensation include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): These can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage.
• Spinal cord injuries: These often result in partial or full paralysis.
• Broken bones: Fractures can occur in any part of the body and may require surgery.
• Internal injuries: Damage to organs and internal bleeding are serious and require immediate medical attention.
• Emotional distress: Psychological impacts such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression are also compensable.

Each injury can significantly impact your life and livelihood, proving your need for financial compensation. 

What to Do After an Accident With a Drunk Driver 

After an accident with a drunk driver, taking the right steps is crucial for your safety, health, and legal rights. Here’s what you should do:

• Ensure safety: Move to a safe location if possible without endangering yourself or others.
• Call 911: Report the accident immediately. Inform them if you suspect the other driver is intoxicated.
• Document the scene: Take photographs of the vehicles, the surrounding area, any visible injuries, and signs of alcohol use by the other driver.
• Exchange information: Collect the other driver’s name, contact details, insurance information, and vehicle details.
• Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, internal injuries or shock may not be immediately apparent. A medical professional can assess your health.
• Do not negotiate: Avoid discussing fault or settlements at the scene. Statements can be used against you later.
• Contact Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers: Our lawyers are familiar with dealing with drunk driving accidents, so we can guide you through insurance claims and potential lawsuits.
• Report to your insurance: Notify your insurer about the accident but follow legal advice when discussing specifics.

Remember, you have a limited amount of time to take legal action. Don’t wait to get started. 

Get a Free Consultation From Our Fort Lauderdale Drunk Driving Accident Law Firm

Here at Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers, we make getting the help you need easy. You can call our drunk driving accident lawyers in Fort Lauderdale today. Take advantage of one of our free consultations to learn more about your legal options.