Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Aventura, FL

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A drunk driving accident can leave more than physical injuries—it can leave you feeling frustrated, shaken, and wondering how something so preventable could happen. These cases often involve both criminal and civil elements, which can add to the confusion. If you’re dealing with the aftermath of such a crash, an Aventura drunk driving accident attorney can help you make sense of what comes next.

At Meldon Law, we know this isn’t just about a legal claim—it’s about your recovery and your peace of mind. With over 50 years of experience helping injured Floridians, our Aventura personal injury attorneys are here to provide steady guidance and personalized support when you need it most. Trusted by the Florida Gators. And Floridians Everywhere. Let us get to work for you today. Call now for a free consultation. Se habla español.

Does a DUI Automatically Make the Driver Responsible for the Crash?

When alcohol is involved in an accident, it can seem like responsibility is clear. However, from a legal standpoint, a DUI charge does not automatically determine liability in a personal injury case.

One reason for this is that criminal charges and civil claims are handled separately. A DUI case focuses on whether the driver violated the law, while a personal injury claim focuses on how the accident happened and how it affected you.

Even if a driver is arrested or charged with DUI, it still needs to be shown how their actions caused the crash and your injuries. That means looking at the full picture of what happened—not just the charge itself, but how impairment contributed to the events leading up to the collision.

What Goes Into Determining Liability

Drunk driving cases often involve additional evidence that can help explain how impairment played a role, such as:

Breath or blood alcohol test results
Police observations and field sobriety findings
Witness statements
Crash reports and scene documentation

Even in DUI-related cases, insurance companies may still question what happened or try to limit what they pay. An Aventura drunk driving accident attorney can review this evidence in context, helping connect the driver’s impairment to how the crash occurred.

Who May Be Held Responsible in a Drunk Driving Accident?

In many cases, the impaired driver is the primary party responsible for a drunk driving accident. However, depending on the circumstances, other parties may also be involved.

For example, if the driver was operating a vehicle for work at the time of the crash, an employer may share responsibility. In limited situations, a business that served alcohol may also be considered if specific legal conditions are met.

An Aventura drunk driving accident attorney can review the details of your case to identify all potential sources of responsibility, ensuring nothing is overlooked as your case moves forward.

Call us now to discuss the circumstances surrounding your accident with a drunk or intoxicated driver. Your consultation is free.

"Some of the staff have been there for many years and they always make me feel welcomed when I contact them. They have been so much help over the years. Meldon Law’s knowledge and experience always gets the job done right and my results haven amazing."

Catherine P.

December 2024

"It has been a real pleasure to deal with Jeffery and Stacy. Jeffery is all about his clients. What is best for the clients well being. He is a great attorney. If you need an accident attorney or a referral this is the man to be talking with. He will now be my attorney for life. Jeffery and Stacy, thank you ever so much."

Hazel J.

March 2025

"Jeffrey and his team were great throughout the whole process of my settlement for an auto accident! They handled everything which made it much easier on me! They were able to navigate the ins and outs of the insurance companies and helped me receive my settlement in a timely manner! Great customer service all around. Would definitely recommend them! They made it much easier to move on from my auto accident! Thanks again!"

Justin W.

April 2024

"My first experience with meldon was amazing. The whole staff willing to talk and listen. They were very helpful and guided me threw the whole process. If you went anywhere else I’m sorry for you !!!!!"

Jabari A.

June 2024

Support That Meets the Reality of a Drunk Driving Accident

Drunk driving cases often involve multiple moving parts—from law enforcement reports to medical records and insurance claims. Keeping track of how these pieces fit together can quickly become overwhelming.

An Aventura drunk driving accident attorney can help organize the process, so you’re not left trying to manage everything on your own. At Meldon Law, our team focuses on explaining what matters, what to expect next, and how your case is progressing at each stage.

Every situation is different, especially in cases involving impaired driving. The impact on your life, your recovery, and your priorities moving forward all deserve individual attention. An accident attorney at Meldon Law takes the time to understand those details, so the support you receive reflects your experience—not a standard process.

$4,250,000

Golf Cart Accident

Our client tragically lost his life when a distracted golf cart driver crashed into our client while he was riding his bicycle. Our client was an avid cyclist and was riding his usual route when a golf cart made a left turn and cut across our client’s bike path. The impact of the collision was so severe that our client was knocked off his bicycle into the air and landed in the roadway. Due to the golf cart driver’s failure to adhere to standard traffic regulations and exercise due caution, our client was tragically killed. Our office is pursuing a wrongful death action on behalf of the surviving family.

$1,450,000

Motorcycle Accident

A woman on a motorcycle was hit by a car that resulted in leg amputation below the knee.

$1,250,000

Pedestrian Accident

A female pedestrian was hit by a car that was pulling out of a parking lot that resulted in lower back surgery and a spinal stimulator implant.

$995,000

Car Accident

When hit by a driver of a Ford Credit company who ran a stop-sign at an intersection of a highway causing – multiple cervical fractures, a frontal lobe brain injury, a right shoulder injury, and a right broken arm.

$950,000

Golf Cart Accident

Our client was enjoying an afternoon riding in a golf cart when another golf cart t-boned our client’s cart. Our client suffered significant injuries resulting in permanent disfigurement of her feet, hands, and TBI’s. Our firm was able to successfully settle this matter pre-suit for our client for $950,000.00.

$500,000

Traumatic Brain Injury

Our client was severely injured in an intersection crash. She suffered two (2) significant “jolts” – the first from when she was T-boned in the intersection, and the second from when the original impact caused her to strike a utility pole. The crash caused highly painful low back injuries, initially forcing the client to undergo aggressive pain management, including radiofrequency ablations (nerve burning). A highly compelling, emotional video was prepared featuring testimony from the client and her Aunt about the mental, emotional, and physical problems the client has faced since the crash. The case settled pre-suit for $500,000.00.

$500,000

Car Accident

Our client was a driving on a curved road in a residential neighborhood in South Florida at midnight when he was struck head-on by a high-performance sportscar traveling at a very high rate of speed. One of the witnesses to the crash was a U.S. Army Officer who saw the sportscar literally “fly through the median” prior to striking our client’s vehicle. Fortunately, the at-fault vehicle initially struck bushes and knocked over a palm tree prior to the collision, otherwise the injuries to our client most likely would have been fatal. A life care plan for the client was prepared by a highly qualified, well respected certified life care planner hired by our firm, and ultimately, the case settled for $500,000.00.

$450,000

Motorcycle Accident

Our client was preparing to stop when the car driven behind them failed to notice and crashed into the rear of our client’s vehicle. The hit was of such force that it knocked our client’s vehicle into oncoming traffic where he ultimately came to a stop in the ditch on the opposite side of the road. Our client suffered catastrophic injuries. The case ultimately settled pre-suit for $450,000.00.

Drunk Drivers Can Cause Serious Harm to Other Motorists

The effects of a drunk driving accident don’t end at the scene. In the days and weeks that follow, you may find yourself dealing with ongoing pain, medical appointments, and changes to your normal routine.

Some injuries, like concussions or soft tissue damage, may take time to fully appear. Others, such as fractures, spinal injuries, or head trauma, can require extended treatment and recovery. In many cases, the impact goes beyond physical injuries and affects your ability to work, stay active, or manage day-to-day responsibilities.

When evaluating a claim, it’s important to consider the full scope of what you’ve experienced, which may include:

Medical care, both immediate and ongoing
Lost income or changes in your ability to work
Physical pain and limitations
The ways your daily life and routine have been disrupted

This process is about more than documenting expenses—it’s about recognizing how the accident has affected you as a whole. Our Aventura drunk driving accident attorneys are here to make sure all of your losses are accounted for, and we will fight for a settlement or verdict that accurately reflects the harm you’ve suffered.

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Talk to an Aventura Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Today

For more than 50 years, Meldon Law has stood beside injured Floridians during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. When you reach out, you’ll connect with a team that treats your case with the attention and care it deserves. Call now to find out how our Aventura drunk driving accident attorneys can assist you. Our team is available now to take your call.

Frequently Asked Questions About Drunk Driving Accidents

How Long Do I Have to File a Drunk Driving Accident Claim in Florida?

Florida law generally gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, cases involving drunk driving often involve additional evidence, such as toxicology reports and law enforcement records, which can take time to obtain and review.

An Aventura drunk driving accident attorney can begin gathering this information early and help ensure everything is handled within the required timeframe. Acting sooner can also make it easier to preserve details that may become harder to access over time.

If you’re unsure how much time you have or what steps to take, getting clarity early can help you avoid unnecessary complications later.

Can a Bar or Restaurant Be Held Responsible for a Drunk Driving Accident?

In limited situations, a bar or restaurant may share responsibility for a drunk driving accident. Florida law generally allows claims against an establishment if alcohol was knowingly served to someone who was underage or habitually addicted to alcohol.

An Aventura drunk driving accident attorney can help determine whether these circumstances apply to your case. These claims can be complex and require specific evidence, so a careful review of the situation is important.

What Should I Do If I Suspect the Other Driver Was Drunk?

If you believe the other driver may be under the influence, your safety should come first. Call law enforcement right away so officers can assess the situation and document what happened.

If you are able, take note of anything unusual, such as erratic driving behavior, the smell of alcohol, or statements made at the scene. This information may become important later.

Afterward, an Aventura drunk driving accident attorney can help you understand how that information may factor into your case and what steps to take next.

What Happens If the Drunk Driver Is Convicted?

If the driver is convicted of DUI, it may strengthen your personal injury claim, but it does not automatically determine the outcome. Criminal cases and civil claims follow different standards, and your case will still depend on how the accident occurred and how it affected you.

An Aventura drunk driving accident attorney can help you understand how a conviction may be used as part of your case, along with other supporting evidence.