A drunk driver’s reckless decision can destroy lives in an instant. When Steadman and Eileen Haase of Coral Springs, Florida were struck by an intoxicated motorist on December 22, 2019, their vehicle was crushed beneath an airborne car that had jumped the median on Rock Island Road. The devastating collision left both victims trapped inside their mangled vehicle, their lives hanging in the balance as first responders worked frantically to free them from the wreckage.
Amanda Demanda Injury Lawyers served as co-counsel in this landmark case that resulted in a $43 million verdict for the catastrophically injured couple. With decades of combined experience handling complex drunk driving and catastrophic injury cases throughout South Florida, our legal team understands the immense physical, emotional, and financial toll these preventable crashes inflict on victims and their families. We fight relentlessly to hold intoxicated drivers accountable and secure maximum compensation for those whose lives have been forever changed by someone else’s negligence.
Understanding the Severity of Catastrophic Drunk Driving Injuries
The Haase case exemplifies the devastating consequences of drunk driving accidents. Steadman, 67 at the time of the collision, suffered numerous life-threatening injuries, including fractured ribs, internal bleeding, multiple leg fractures, and a shattered foot. His injuries were so severe that even his own doctors believed he would not survive. After nearly two months in a coma, Steadman miraculously woke up and began a years-long recovery journey that included numerous surgeries, relearning to walk, and managing constant pain. His wife Eileen, 72, sustained crushed hands that left her unable to perform even the simplest daily tasks for months.
The timing of their accident made recovery even more challenging. In March 2020, both victims were sent home from rehabilitation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing them to care for each other in isolation during the most critical phase of their recovery. The physical trauma was compounded by the emotional devastation of believing they would never see their daughters again, with Steadman losing consciousness multiple times during the rescue, believing he was going to die while hearing first responders extract his wife from the wreckage.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 13,524 people were killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes in 2022, representing 32 percent of all traffic-related deaths in the United States. These statistics underscore the ongoing epidemic of drunk driving and the catastrophic consequences faced by innocent victims like the Haases. Catastrophic injury cases require aggressive legal representation to ensure victims receive compensation that truly reflects the lifelong impact of their injuries.
How Amanda Demanda Secured Justice for Catastrophic Injury Victims
Presenting the Haases’ case to a jury in Broward County required meticulous preparation, compelling storytelling, and an unwavering commitment to justice. Our legal team presented their painful journey from start to finish, ensuring the jury understood the full scope of how this drunk driver’s actions forever altered two lives. The jury saw firsthand the devastating consequences of drunk driving through medical evidence, expert testimony, and the emotional testimony of the victims themselves.
After several hours of deliberation, the jury awarded the couple $43 million in damages. While this case was a default final judgment, meaning the defendant did not appear to contest the claims, the trial on damages was conducted in its entirety to ensure proper compensation. This comprehensive approach allowed the jury to fully appreciate the magnitude of the victims’ suffering, from the initial trauma of the collision through years of painful rehabilitation and the permanent limitations they now face. Even when legal liability is clear, thoroughly presenting the human impact of catastrophic injuries remains essential to securing verdicts that truly reflect victims’ losses.
The presentation included detailed medical documentation of the extensive treatments, surgeries, and ongoing care requirements for both victims. Expert witnesses testified about the long-term prognosis and the permanent changes to their quality of life. The emotional testimony captured the terror of the collision, the anguish of prolonged hospitalization, and the frustration of being forced to care for each other during a pandemic when they desperately needed professional medical support. This multi-faceted approach ensured the jury understood that no amount of money could truly make the Haases whole, but that meaningful compensation was necessary for their continued care and recovery.
Legal Rights After a Drunk Driving Accident in Miami
Victims of drunk driving accidents in Miami have multiple avenues for seeking justice and compensation. Florida’s legal system allows injured victims to pursue claims against the intoxicated driver for full compensation beyond the state’s no-fault insurance system when they have suffered serious injuries. Serious injuries are defined under Florida law as significant permanent loss of an important bodily function, permanent injury within a reasonable degree of medical probability, significant permanent scarring or disfigurement, or death.
Beyond pursuing claims against the drunk driver, victims may also have grounds for dram shop liability claims against establishments that served alcohol to the intoxicated person. Florida’s dram shop laws allow victims to hold bars, restaurants, and alcohol vendors liable if they willfully sold alcohol to someone under 21 or knowingly served alcohol to someone who is habitually addicted to alcohol. These additional claims can provide crucial compensation when the drunk driver’s insurance coverage proves insufficient to cover the full extent of catastrophic injuries.
The economic impact of drunk driving extends far beyond immediate medical bills. Victims face ongoing rehabilitation costs, lost wages from inability to work, home modifications to accommodate disabilities, and the need for long-term care. The CDC reports that in 2022, alcohol-impaired driving crashes resulted in approximately $58 billion in economic costs nationwide. For individual victims and families, these numbers translate to devastating financial hardship on top of physical and emotional trauma. Comprehensive legal representation ensures all current and future damages are properly valued and pursued.
Contact Amanda Demanda Injury Lawyers for Drunk Driving and Catastrophic Injury Cases
At Amanda Demanda Injury Lawyers, we have successfully represented numerous victims of drunk driving accidents and catastrophic injuries throughout South Florida. Our team combines aggressive litigation strategies with compassionate client service, understanding that behind every case is a person whose life has been forever changed by someone else’s negligence. Attorney Amanda Demanda brings extensive trial experience and a proven track record of securing substantial verdicts and settlements for clients facing life-altering injuries.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a drunk driver in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or anywhere in South Florida, do not wait to seek legal representation. Florida’s statute of limitations gives you four years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit, but gathering evidence and building a strong case takes time. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your legal rights and how our firm can help you pursue maximum compensation for your catastrophic injuries. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Back to Blog
