A Florida car wreck attorney notes that an investigation of a traffic accident in Miami-Dade, in which a passenger was killed, has led to the arrest of a 21-year-old college student who was charged with DUI manslaughter. In addition to criminal charges, people who drive under the influence may be liable to the others they harm, and victims of negligence, as well as the families of those killed, may be eligible to recover compensation with the help of Florida personal injury attorneys.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Florida today. Our consultations are free, confidential and without any obligation on your part. We can help answer your questions, and if you choose to pursue a claim we can connect you with an affiliated attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
Officials: Driver’s Blood Alcohol Level Was Twice The Legal Limit
The Miami Herald reports that the accident occurred early in the morning on December 27, 2015, when the student reportedly sped through an intersection and struck an Uber car that was making a left turn. The collision, which caused the second vehicle to crash into a concrete wall and burst into flames, claimed the life of one of the Uber passengers.
Investigating authorities have determined that the Uber driver was not at fault in the accident, however, authorities measured the college student’s blood alcohol concentration two hours after the crash and found that it was nearly twice the legal limit. One prosecutor also has estimated that the driver was traveling at about 70 miles per hour, or more than double the speed limit, when the accident occurred. The victim’s family has filed a negligence lawsuit against the driver of the vehicle that crashed into the Uber car as well as against Uber, the popular ride-sharing service, the website reported.
Criminal Liability for Car Accidents is Different Than Civil Liability
Florida car wreck attorneys note that, whereas criminal charges have been brought in connection with the December 2015 incident, the driver may still be liable under the civil justice system regardless of the outcome of his criminal case.
In a criminal matter, a person is accused of a crime and, if convicted, can be sentenced to jail. Sometimes monetary fines and restitution are imposed on the guilty party. However, the outcome of a criminal matter is often not relevant to a civil matter that could be brought against the person committing the wrongful act. A driver who intentionally harms pedestrians or other drivers commits a crime, but that person may also face civil liability in addition to criminal charges.
How a Florida Car Wreck Attorney Can Help
Drivers or passengers who are injured in car accidents may be entitled to compensation for damages resulting from their injuries, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of the ability to earn
- Scarring and disfigurement
If a driver or passenger is killed in a car accident, his or her family members may be able to pursue compensation for the wrongful death of their loved one. Wrongful death damages can include:
- Loss of the economic support of the loved one
- Medical expenses incurred prior to death
- Conscious pain and suffering prior to death
- Loss of the companionship of the loved one
- Funeral expenses
If the actions causing injury are malicious or so reckless that intent to harm can be inferred, the responsible party can be liable for punitive damages to punish wrongful conduct and deter similar conduct in the future.
People who have been injured in a car accident are advised to seek a qualified Florida car wreck attorney to help them protect their legal rights.
The Time You Have to Pursue a Claim is Limited. Contact Us Today.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Florida. You can fill out the form on this page, call us at the number listed at the top of the page, or email us at info@attorneygroup.com.
When you contact us, an attorney will follow up with you to speak with you about your case or answer questions that you might have. There is no cost or obligation to speak with us, and any information you provide will be kept confidential.
Please note that the law limits the time you have to pursue a claim for an injury. If you think you have a case, you should not delay taking action.
See our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information, and contact Attorney Group for Florida today.
