When a car plows into a crowd, it’s a terrifying and often devastating event. While these events are rare, they have significant long-term effects on the lives of the victims. If you or a loved one were the victim of a crowd crash accident, you may be dealing with overwhelming medical bills and lasting emotional trauma. In most cases, you can sue the driver, and aFort Lauderdale car accident attorney can help you understand your legal options.
What Is a Crowd Crash Accident?
A crowd crash accident refers to an incident where a motor vehicle strikes a group of pedestrians. It may happen at events, protests, or even on busy sidewalks.
Common causes of these types of crashes are:
- Reckless driving, such as driving at high speeds
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Distracted driving, such as using a cellphone
- Drivers who are experiencing medical emergencies
- Intentional attacks
Several of these accidents have occurred in Florida, including at aPride parade.
Can You Sue a Driver After a Car Plowed Into a Crowd?
Yes, in most cases, there may be a legal option to sue or file a claim against the driver. Suppose the driver was negligent or intentionally set out to do harm. In that case, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit outside of yourpersonal injury protection (PIP) policy against them.
While the driver may face criminal charges, you can still file a personal injury claim or lawsuit against them for financial compensation. UnderFlorida Statutes § 95.11, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This means it’s important to act quickly to ensure you don’t miss the deadline.
How Liability Is Proven in Crowd Crash Accidents
To successfully sue the driver involved in a crowd crash, you must prove they were at fault due to negligence or intentional misconduct. This involves gathering strong evidence, which may include:
- Police reports and eyewitness testimony
- Surveillance or cellphone video footage
- Toxicology reports whether drugs or alcohol were involved
- Event permits, crowd control plans, or road closure orders
- Expert accident reconstruction
The key is showing that the driver breached their duty of care, directly causing your injuries. Even if the driver experienced a medical episode, the court may consider whether they had prior knowledge of a condition that made them unfit to drive.
Your attorney can subpoena records, interview witnesses, and work with investigators to establish fault and fight back against any attempt to shift blame.
What Compensation Can Crowd Crash Accident Victims Seek in Fort Lauderdale?
Crowd crash accident victims may have serious or catastrophic injuries, such as spinal cord injuries, broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, severe lacerations, and internal organ damage. You may be eligible for compensation that covers the financial, physical, and emotional losses you’ve suffered. Including:
Non-economic losses like:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress, including post-traumatic stress disorder
- Permanent disability
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Economic losses like:
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Property damage
If a loved one lost their life, you may be eligible, under Florida’s wrongful death act, to pursue:
- Funeral expenses and burial costs
- The loss of their financial support
- The loss of their emotional support
In addition to the financial and emotional damages listed above, victims may also seek:
- Costs of long-term care or in-home assistance
- Modifications to your home or vehicle if the accident left you disabled
- Mental health counseling or psychiatric care
- Punitive damages, in cases where the driver acted maliciously or recklessly, are additional financial compensation that may be awarded to you. These damages are designed to punish the driver for their actions and deter similar behavior in the future.
Every case is unique. A lawyer can calculate the full value of your losses, including future costs and the long-term impact of permanent injuries or trauma. For families pursuing wrongful death claims, compensation may also include the value of lost companionship and emotional suffering of surviving spouses or children.
OurFort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers will pursue the maximum compensation you are entitled to receive.
What to Do After an Accident
In the aftermath of the accident, there are some steps you can take to protect both your health and your legal right to compensation. These steps are:
- Seek immediate medical attention for diagnosis and treatment
- Call the police to report the accident—the police report will provide vital information
- If safe to do so, take photos of the accident scene and of any visible injuries you have
- Talk to a personal injury attorney, and they can help with your next steps
Contact a Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Lawyer Today
Crowd crash accidents are traumatic and are often legally complex, whether the driver was inebriated, unable to stop their vehicle, or acting with malice. An investigation into the accident is only the start of the legal process, but you’re not alone in this journey.
The Fort Lauderdale car accident attorneys at The Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato are here to guide you through every step. We offer dedicated legal representation and work on a contingency fee basis, so you only pay us if we recover compensation.
Call(844) 643-7200 today to get started with a free initial consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I was part of a protest or public demonstration when the crash occurred?
You still have legal rights. Whether the event was permitted or not, a driver is expected to exercise caution and avoid causing harm to others, empowering you to seek justice.
Can multiple victims join a single lawsuit?
Possibly. If several people were injured in the same incident, they may choose to file a joint lawsuit or have their claims consolidated. This can strengthen the case and improve efficiency.
What if the driver had a medical emergency?
A sudden medical emergency might be a defense, but it depends on the facts. If the driver knew they had a condition that made them unsafe behind the wheel, they could still be found liable.