Miami Drunk Driving Victim Lawsuit

Miami is one of Florida’s busiest cities, with crowded highways, nightlife, and heavy tourist traffic. Unfortunately, these same factors make drunk driving crashes a serious and ongoing problem. Victims of impaired drivers in Miami may face severe injuries, mounting medical bills, lost wages, and years of recovery. Families who lose loved ones in DUI crashes often struggle with both grief and financial strain.

If you are considering a Miami drunk driving victim lawsuit, it is important to understand your legal rights under Florida law. Civil claims are separate from criminal DUI charges, and they may allow victims and their families to recover financial compensation even if the drunk driver is also facing criminal penalties.

The Law Offices of Jason Turchin represents victims of drunk driving accidents in Miami and throughout Florida. If you or a loved one was hurt by an impaired driver, call 800-337-7755 for a free consultation. You won’t pay any fees or costs unless money is recovered for you.

How a Civil Lawsuit Differs from Criminal DUI Charges

When a drunk driver causes a crash in Miami, two legal processes may follow:

• Criminal DUI Case – Prosecuted by the State of Florida, this case focuses on punishing the driver through jail, fines, license suspension, or probation. While victims may be kept informed, criminal cases rarely provide direct financial compensation.
• Civil Lawsuit – This is a separate claim filed by the victim (or their family) to recover damages. The goal is compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses caused by the crash. Civil lawsuits can proceed regardless of the outcome of the criminal case.

Who Can File a Miami Drunk Driving Victim Lawsuit?

• Injury Victims – Anyone injured by a drunk driver in Miami may bring a civil claim. This includes drivers, passengers, pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bicyclists.
• Families of Deceased Victims – If the crash is fatal, Florida’s Wrongful Death Act allows the estate’s personal representative to file a lawsuit on behalf of surviving family members.

Types of Damages Available

Victims in Miami drunk driving lawsuits may seek:

• Medical expenses – Emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future care.
• Lost income – Wages missed during recovery, as well as reduced future earning capacity.
• Pain and suffering – Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life.
• Property damage – Repair or replacement of a vehicle or other damaged items.
• Wrongful death damages – Funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and lost financial support if a loved one is killed.
• Punitive damages – Florida courts may award punitive damages in drunk driving cases to punish reckless conduct and deter others.

Sources of Compensation in DUI Cases

Even when liability is clear, recovering money often depends on insurance. Potential sources may include:

• The drunk driver’s insurance policy – Though often insufficient, it may provide some compensation.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage – If the drunk driver has no or minimal insurance, the victim’s UM policy may cover damages.
• Dram Shop claims – In rare cases, Miami bars or restaurants may be liable if they served alcohol to a minor or a person known to be habitually addicted to alcohol.

Florida’s Statute of Limitations

Most Miami drunk driving victim lawsuits must be filed within two years of the crash. Wrongful death cases also have a two-year deadline. Acting quickly is often important because evidence such as surveillance video, police records, and witness statements can disappear over time.

Why Miami DUI Victim Cases Are Complex

• Multiple claims – A single crash may involve criminal charges, civil claims, UM coverage, and wrongful death issues.
• Insurance disputes – Insurers often minimize payouts, even when drunk driving is obvious.
• Punitive damages – Proving entitlement to punitive damages requires strong evidence and experienced legal representation.
• Tourist victims – Many Miami crashes involve visitors, adding jurisdiction and follow-up challenges.

How a Miami Drunk Driving Victim Lawyer Can Help

A lawyer may:

• Investigate the crash and collect key evidence
• Obtain DUI test results, police reports, and witness statements
• Work with doctors and experts to prove damages
• Identify all potential defendants and insurance coverage
• Pursue punitive damages where applicable
• File lawsuits in Miami-Dade County Circuit Court or federal court if needed

Final Thoughts

Being injured by a drunk driver in Miami is devastating, but victims are not powerless. Civil lawsuits may provide the financial resources needed to rebuild your life and hold reckless drivers accountable.

At the Law Offices of Jason Turchin, we can help drunk driving accident victims and their families across Miami pursue justice through civil claims. Call 800-337-7755 today or use our live chat for a free consultation. You will not pay any fees or costs unless money is recovered for you.