Florida Car Accident Lawyer

Generally speaking, when someone is under the influence of alcohol and causes a Florida DUI accident that leads to serious injuries or fatalities, that driver can be found liable for damages if a successful Florida personal injury lawsuit is filed.  This is true even if that driver is tried in criminal court and ultimately convicted of a crime.  However, there are also situations where a drunk driver's employer can be found liable for damages if that driver causes a Florida DUI accident that leads to serious injuries or worse.

Below you'll find information regarding the situations where an employer could potentially be found liable for damages that were caused by an employee who was driving drunk at the time he or she caused a Florida car accident.  You'll also find information regarding how you can contact experienced Florida DUI accident lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation.

Employer Ownership of the Vehicle Involved

One of the most common situations that arises in which an employer can be found liable for damages incurred in a Florida DUI accident arises when an employee is driving a vehicle that's owned by the employer when the crash occurs.  While an employer is not always found liable for damages in this situation, that employer's name on the title of the vehicle could at the very least make it possible to pursue damages from that employer.

The Employee Was “On the Job”

Another situation that can lead to a finding of liability for damages against an employer can arise when a drunk driver causes a Florida DUI accident while he or she is considered to be “on the job” when the crash occurred.  Being on the job can include driving during the course of the workday or even driving too or from that job in certain situations.  Basically, if the driver was doing something work-related when the Florida DUI accident occurred, it can expose the employer to liability.

Work-Related Entertainment

Many employers will schedule and host entertainment events for the benefit of their employees and/or for customers and clients.  When an employee attends this type of an event and then drives drunk and causes a Florida DUI accident, that employer can be exposed to liability for the damages incurred by an innocent person who has been injured.

Negligent Hiring

There are also situations where a person who has been injured in a Florida DUI accident could recover damages from an employer of a drunk driver when he or she proves that the employer was negligent in hiring that driver and/or allowing that person to drive.  This is particularly true if the job at issue was one that involved spending time behind the wheel, and in some cases punitive damages can be recovered for this form of negligence.

Overall, proving that an employer should be held liable for damages incurred by someone who was harmed in a Florida DUI accident can be difficult to accomplish.  That's why anyone who is in this position should seek the help of Florida DUI accident lawyers who have been fighting for the rights of injured clients for many years.  Contact Bernstein & Maryanoff today to schedule a free initial consultation.