Losing someone in a violent crash caused by a drunk driver is a pain no family should ever have to endure. In Florida, when an impaired driver causes a fatal accident, surviving relatives may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim. These civil cases can help secure compensation for the financial and emotional losses suffered and hold the responsible party accountable, even if they face no criminal charges.
Surveillance footage from an August 2024 crash in downtown Miami has recently come to light, showing the devastating moment when a white vehicle sped through an intersection and collided with two others. Two men lost their lives, and the alleged driver now faces charges for DUI manslaughter, reckless driving, and other serious offenses. Florida law treats impaired driving resulting in death as both a crime and a civil wrong, giving victims’ families legal options to seek justice through the courts.
Florida’s Wrongful Death Law Allows Families to Seek Accountability
When a reckless or impaired driver causes a fatal accident, Florida’s Wrongful Death Act allows certain family members to file a lawsuit for damages. Under Florida law, the claim must be filed by the decedent’s personal representative, who seeks compensation on behalf of the surviving spouse, children, parents, and others who depended on the victim for support.
Compensation can cover:
- Medical expenses related to the fatal injury;
- Funeral and burial costs;
- Loss of companionship and protection;
- Lost income and support the deceased would have provided; and
- Emotional pain and suffering of surviving family members.
These claims can help families recover financial stability during a time of grief and uncertainty.
DUI Manslaughter Is Grounds for a Strong Civil Case
Florida defines DUI manslaughter under Florida Statute 316.193(3)(c). It occurs when a person operates a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol and causes the death of another. While the state may pursue criminal penalties such as imprisonment, fines, and license revocation, those legal consequences do not compensate the victim’s family.
A civil lawsuit allows the family to present evidence of the driver’s intoxication, erratic behavior, and the impact of the crash. In the Miami collision, investigators allege the driver sped through a downtown intersection, struck two vehicles, and then walked away from the scene. Allegations like these, if proven, strengthen the civil case and may even support a claim for punitive damages, which are designed to punish exceptionally reckless conduct.
Even High-Speed Crashes Without Direct Contact Can Support a Claim
In some cases, DUI-related fatalities involve more than just the immediate collision. Pedestrians struck during a chain reaction or passengers thrown from impacted vehicles may also be part of the civil case. Florida courts recognize that the reckless conduct of one driver can set off a series of events that ultimately cause harm.
The recent Miami crash appears to have involved multiple vehicles. Victims in those vehicles, along with their families, may all have valid claims depending on the facts. Civil cases can help uncover each party’s role and determine the full extent of responsibility.
Speak with a Florida Injury Lawyer Who Fights for Grieving Families
If you lost someone you love in a Florida crash caused by an impaired or reckless driver, you do not have to face the aftermath alone. Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada has stood with families like yours for decades. We understand how overwhelming the days after a fatal crash can be, and we are here to guide you with compassion and clarity. Our team will work to uncover the truth, preserve your rights, and pursue the full compensation your family deserves.
Call Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada at (305) 448-8585 to schedule a free consultation. Let us help you hold reckless drivers accountable and take the first step toward justice.