Every year, the reckless decisions of people driving under the influence of alcohol in Miami Gardens tragically disrupt lives. The devastating consequences of drunk driving accidents can leave victims and their families on an emotionally and physically taxing path of recovery.
At Blakeley Law Firm, our Miami Gardens drunk driving accident lawyers stand with those affected by such negligence.
Why Choose Blakeley Law Firm?
Selecting the right attorney after a drunk driving accident is crucial. At Blakeley Law Firm, our experienced legal team is deeply familiar with Florida DUI law and the profound impact these accidents have on victims. We have a proven track record of holding irresponsible drivers accountable and securing substantial client compensation.
Our firm is not just a name on a building; we are an integral part of the Miami Gardens community. Our firm, located just moments away from the bustling center of Miami Gardens on NW 176th Street near the Walmart Supercenter, is dedicated to providing compassionate and assertive legal representation to those injured by drunk drivers. Our convenient location ensures that we are here for you when you need us, ready to step in and take swift action.
Learn more from our Miami Gardens drunk driving accident attorneys today.
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Where Can Drunk Driving Accidents Happen in Miami Gardens?
Miami Gardens, unfortunately, sees its share of drunk driving incidents. Our firm has identified key areas within the city where such accidents can happen, including entertainment venues and major thoroughfares like Northwest 27th Avenue and the Palmetto Expressway. By understanding these patterns, we can better represent our clients and contribute to community safety initiatives.
Understanding Drunk Driving Accidents in Miami Gardens
Drunk driving accidents are distinct in the eyes of the law due to the criminal nature of the act. Our firm knows how to handle DUI cases, from the evidence necessary to prove intoxication to the pursuit of punitive damages against the offender. We will explore every legal aspect to strengthen your claim.
Types of Accidents
Drunk driving accidents are tragically common in Florida and come in many forms, each with its own set of legal and medical challenges. At Blakeley Law Firm, we have extensive experience handling the wide array of accidents caused by impaired driving.
Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions are often the most deadly type of accidents, and when alcohol is involved, the likelihood of such catastrophic incidents increases. These collisions typically occur when a drunk driver veers out of their lane and into oncoming traffic. High speeds and direct impact often cause severe injuries.
Our firm investigates these crashes to establish the intoxicated driver's negligence, gathering evidence from the scene, police reports, and witness statements. We work closely with medical experts to document the full extent of injuries sustained to ensure that any compensation reflects the seriousness of the accident.
Rear-End Crashes
Rear-end crashes are common when drivers are intoxicated, as their reaction times are significantly impaired. Victims may suffer from whiplash, spinal cord injuries, or more severe trauma, even at lower speeds.
We understand that proving the full impact of these injuries requires a comprehensive approach. Our team collects medical records, uses expert testimony, and often uses accident reconstructionists to show the causation and effect of the crash on our clients' health and livelihood.
Pedestrian Impacts
Drunk drivers pose a significant risk to pedestrians. A delayed reaction time or lack of awareness can lead to devastating accidents at crosswalks, sidewalks, and even on private property.
In these cases, we take a compassionate yet aggressive approach to hold the driver fully accountable. We seek out area surveillance footage, gather eyewitness accounts, and work with forensic experts to construct a detailed and compelling narrative that underscores the driver's liability.
Side-Impact Collisions
Also known as T-bone accidents, side-impact collisions occur frequently at intersections and are often the result of a drunk driver failing to obey traffic signals or stop signs. These accidents can cause serious injury to the side of the body closest to the impact, which might be less protected by the vehicle's structure.
Our attorneys are skilled in proving fault in these scenarios and advocating for victims of such sudden and forceful impacts.
Single-Vehicle Accidents
Impaired drivers may also lose control of their vehicle, leading to single-vehicle accidents. These can involve the intoxicated driver's car striking poles, trees, or even rolling over. We aggressively pursue claims against the driver for their reckless behavior that endangered everyone in the vehicle, including passengers.
Multiple-Vehicle Pile-Ups
In some instances, the erratic driving of a person under the influence can cause chain-reaction collisions involving multiple vehicles. These pile-ups are legally complex due to the number of parties involved.
Our firm has the skill to handle these multifaceted cases, ensuring that we properly represent our client's claims amidst the chaos of a multi-vehicle accident.
Types of Injuries
The injuries resulting from drunk driving accidents can vary dramatically in their severity and long-term impact, but they all deserve serious legal attention.
At Blakeley Law Firm, we understand that even minor injuries can evolve into chronic conditions that affect every aspect of your life.
For fractures and broken bones, which are common in high-impact collisions, we not only address the immediate medical costs but also the potential for surgeries, rehabilitation, and any resulting disabilities.
Soft tissue injuries like whiplash may not show on imaging scans. However, they can cause lasting pain and mobility issues; we work with medical professionals to document these injuries fully and include them in your compensation.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can include concussions and conditions that result in severe brain damage, altering a person's life in profound ways. Our firm collaborates with neurologists and other specialists to understand the full extent of these injuries, including the long-term care they might require, such as cognitive therapy and home care.
Spinal cord injuries can be particularly catastrophic, potentially resulting in partial or complete paralysis. These injuries often require significant modifications to living spaces, specialized medical equipment, and ongoing personal care. We advocate for settlements encompassing these extensive needs, ensuring that victims receive compensation that truly addresses the life-changing nature of their injuries.
Every injury case at Blakeley Law Firm is handled with the utmost care and attention to detail, ensuring we advocate for full compensation that covers our clients' immediate and long-term needs. If you have sustained injuries in a drunk driving accident in Miami Gardens, trust in our firm to provide the dedicated and compassionate representation you need to secure a just outcome.
Compensation for Drunk Driving Accident Victims
Victims of drunk driving accidents are entitled to compensation that addresses the full scope of their damages. This includes immediate medical costs, ongoing treatment expenses, lost income, diminished earning capacity, and more. The emotional trauma resulting from such an event is also a significant factor for which victims deserve reparation.
At Blakeley Law Firm, our Miami Gardens drunk driving accident lawyers calculate these damages, combining our legal knowledge with the testimony of medical and financial experts to ensure we account for every loss. We understand the importance of securing a settlement that covers your current needs and protects your future.
Immediate Medical Costs
The immediate aftermath of a drunk driving accident often involves a rush to the emergency room and medical care, which can result in substantial bills.
At Blakeley Law Firm, we will fully document these initial costs through medical reports, bills, and expert testimony regarding the necessity and cost of the medical treatments you received. Our firm will advocate for you to receive full reimbursement for these costs, which are the most apparent and quantifiable damages following an accident.
Ongoing Treatment Expenses
Drunk driving accidents can lead to long-term health issues requiring ongoing medical care. Future medical expenses might include surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and psychological counseling.
Our attorneys work with medical professionals to estimate these future costs. We then present a detailed forecast of these expenses to the insurance company or the court to ensure your compensation includes these critical long-term care costs.
Lost Wages
While recovering from your injuries, you may be unable to work, resulting in lost income.
Blakeley Law Firm helps you document this loss with evidence like pay stubs and employer statements. When calculating this aspect of your compensation, we also consider the time you may need off for future medical procedures or therapies.
Diminished Earning Capacity
In more severe cases, injuries may prevent you from returning to your former employment or from working altogether. We assess the impact of your injuries on your ability to earn a living in the future. This involves complex calculations that consider your age, occupation, skills, and the market for your work.
Our firm may bring in vocational experts to testify to your diminished earning capacity, ensuring it reflects accurately in your compensation.
Emotional Trauma
The psychological impact of a drunk driving accident can be as debilitating as physical injuries. Victims often have PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other emotional distress. Proving these damages typically requires psychological evaluations and sometimes testimony from mental health professionals.
At Blakeley Law Firm, we will work to secure compensation for the emotional and psychological trauma you have endured, which is a critical component of your total recovery.
Fighting the Insurance Company
Insurance companies often present significant challenges in drunk driving cases, but our team is ready to counter their tactics. We understand how insurers think and are prepared to negotiate aggressively or take your case to trial to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.
What to Do After an Accident?
The moments following a drunk driving accident are crucial not only for your immediate health and safety but also for the long-term prospects of your legal case. In the chaos that ensues, it's critical to have a clear plan of action.
Your priority should always be to seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine, the shock and adrenaline can mask serious injuries.
Accepting medical help at the scene and visiting an emergency room or your doctor for a thorough check-up will ensure that your injuries receive a professional medical assessment. This documentation is pivotal for your health and serves as indispensable evidence should you pursue a legal claim.
Once the professionals have addressed your immediate medical concerns, it's time to start gathering information. If you can, take photographs of the accident scene, including the vehicles involved, any visible injuries, and the surrounding area.
These first-hand accounts can illustrate the severity of the incident. Collect contact information from any witnesses, as their objective perspectives can provide valuable testimony to support your case.
It's equally important to keep a detailed record of how the accident affects your life. This includes keeping every medical receipt and documenting any time taken off work, changes in your ability to perform daily tasks, and the emotional impacts of the accident. Such details offer a comprehensive view of the accident's repercussions and help quantify non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
Next, consult with a Miami Gardens drunk driving accident attorney as soon as possible. At Blakeley Law Firm, we offer experience in handling drunk driving accident cases. We can provide immediate advice on handling the aftermath of your accident and begin protecting your legal rights.
By entrusting your case to us early, you can avoid common mistakes that can potentially weaken your claim, such as unknowingly providing statements to insurance adjusters that they can use against you.
Insurance companies are known to contact victims soon after an accident to try and settle claims quickly. However, these initial offers are often much lower than what you may be entitled to. Consult your attorney before entering into discussions or agreements with insurance companies. With experienced legal representation, you can ensure that any settlement offer truly compensates for your losses.
Remember to follow all medical advice and treatment plans your healthcare providers prescribe. This not only aids your physical recovery but also demonstrates your commitment to mitigating the consequences of your injuries. Such adherence can be a significant factor in the eyes of the law when determining compensation.
Contact a Miami Gardens Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been a victim of a drunk driving accident in Miami Gardens, reach out to Blakeley Law Firm. Our commitment to justice and our community drives us to fight tirelessly for our clients' rights.
Call us at (954) 253-9445 for your free consultation, and let us help you through this challenging time.