What happens when a motorcyclist causes an accident while intoxicated in Deerfield Beach?
Deerfield Beach, FL – Motor vehicle accidents can result in a combination of civil and criminal penalties for the driver at fault depending on the situation. Motorcyclists who choose to operate their vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol are creating a serious potential for injuries and death, and the law treats this behavior accordingly. Anyone who has been injured in an accident involving an intoxicated driver of any kind of vehicle should report the situation to the police immediately and speak with a lawyer at a later time to explore their options.
Criminal charges
The statute for driving under the influence in Florida applies to all people who operate motor vehicles. This means that whether a driver is in a car, motorcycle, or truck, the penalties for a standard DUI case will be the same. This includes a driver’s license suspension, probation, fines, community services, and the possibility of jail time. The criminal case is handled by the state, which means that the victim will have little involvement with this process once the accident is reported to the police.
Lawsuits for compensation
After any motor vehicle crash, including a drunk driving accident, the victim can bring a negligence lawsuit in civil court. This type of case states that the defendant breached their standard duty of care on the roads, which resulted in various forms of financial loss and injuries. The victim and their attorney can then try to get a settlement or jury verdict to pay for their costs. This normally includes hospital and medical bills, lost wages or income, property damage, and compensation for pain and suffering. Punitive damages may also be available against a defendant that acted maliciously or intentionally to cause harm.
Evidence of negligence
Lawsuits where there is clear evidence of criminal activity or traffic violations can be favorable for a plaintiff. This is because this evidence can be used in the negligence case due to a doctrine called negligence per se. In Florida, as long as the plaintiff shows that the law violated was relevant to public safety and meant to protect against the type of harm that was caused by the accident, then negligence per se can apply. When negligence per se applies, most of the other standard requirements in a negligence lawsuit can be bypassed, and the defendant will be liable for any damages that they caused.
Legal advice following an accident
There are attorneys in Deerfield Beach who can assist with the aftermath of any accident. The Law Offices of Jeffrey A. Rosenberg is a firm that deals with various personal injury matters for local clients.
Firm contact info:
The Law Offices of Jeffrey A. Rosenberg
5255 North Federal Highway, 3rd Floor, Boca Raton, Florida 33487
561-508-8800
rosenberginjurylaw.com
