Drunk driving costs many lives every year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 29 people die every single day due to an impaired driver in the U.S. Drunk driving is not only unacceptable, but it is also unlawful.
According to the Florida Statute § 316.193, it is illegal in Florida to drive or be in possession of a vehicle with a blood-alcohol level of 0.08 grams of alcohol, or more, per 100 milliliters of blood.
If you suffered horrific injuries or a loved one died in an accident with a drunk driver, you can consult with a Daytona Beach drunk driving accident lawyer who can help you with your case. Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC today and find out if you could file a personal injury or wrongful death claim and recover compensation at (844) 730-0233.
The Effects of Driving Drunk
Driving drunk or under the influence of illegal substances endangers the driver as well as everybody else on the road. Impaired drivers, according to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), typically have:
- A slower reaction time
- Limited short-term memory
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty perceiving distances
- Decreased coordination
- Lack of concentration
- Lack of rational decision-making skills
The bottom line is that someone who is drunk cannot operate a vehicle safely. If a drunk driver gets behind the wheel, they are breaking the law, which makes them automatically negligent when causing an accident.
However, that does not mean that you are completely off the hook if your actions caused or played a part in causing an accident. Having a drunk driving accident lawyer by your side, especially if the fault is not entirely clear, can protect your rights and help with your claim.
For a free legal consultation with a drunk driving accidents lawyer serving Daytona Beach, call (844) 730-0233
Protect Yourself and Your Interests
Most personal injury cases never make it to the courtroom. You may think that it would be easy to negotiate an out-of-court settlement with the at-fault driver or their insurance. After all, they drove drunk and are therefore guilty. Unfortunately, it does not always work this way.
While recovering compensation from a driver who was intoxicated at the time of the accident may indeed be less challenging than in other cases, you could still face an uphill battle to get your due. Having a lawyer by your side can be of great help when your case is a little more complicated, or you are partly to blame for an accident.
Also, consider that the driver may not be the only at-fault party in a drunk driving accident. You could potentially go after others, for example, the owner of a bar that may have kept serving alcohol to the person, even though they were clearly intoxicated.
After an accident, the driver’s insurance may approach you for a quick settlement. Before entering into any communication with the insurance, you should ask yourself a few questions, including:
- Do I understand the legal context fully?
- Am I good at negotiation?
- Do I know the full extent of my damages?
- Is it likely that my injuries need treatment for a long time to come?
- Do I know the value of my non-economic damages?
If you are not sure whether you have the answers to all or any of these questions, the law firm of a Daytona Beach drunk driving accident lawyer can answer them, and a lawyer can communicate with the insurance company for you. You do not want to leave money on the table in out-of-court settlement negotiations, as you will not be able to file a lawsuit once you sign a settlement agreement. Lawyers are not only experts at negotiation, but they also know how to calculate your damages.
If the parties cannot agree on a fair settlement, your case will likely go to court. While a court case can take longer to resolve, it is sometimes the only option to get justice and adequate compensation.
Daytona Beach Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Lawsuits
If you suffered injuries or your loved one died due to the recklessness of a drunk driver, you could potentially file a lawsuit and recover damages such as costs for:
- Hospitalization
- Specialist visits
- Medical treatments
- Medical devices and accessories
- Physical therapy
You could also potentially recover non-economic damages such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of life enjoyment
- Disability
- Loss of a limb or a sense
In a wrongful death case, you could additionally recover funeral expenses, loss of companionship, loss of income and benefits from the deceased, and other damages.
You could also receive punitive damages in addition to compensation in a drunk driving lawsuit.
It is important to note that every accident case is unique and not all types of compensation apply to every case. If you would like more detailed information regarding a potential settlement, a Daytona Beach drunk driving accident lawyer can help and provide assistance with your claim. Your lawyer can also help you assess your legal options and help you file a lawsuit.
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The Florida Statute of Limitations
Timely action can make a difference when it comes to your claim. While, according to Florida Statute § 95.11(3)(a), you have four years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury case, we recommend that you do not wait until the last minute.
Consider that collecting evidence after such a long time can be challenging, and witnesses may not remember many important details regarding your accident. You can seek legal advice as soon as you are able to, for your own protection. Your drunk driving accident lawyer can get to work immediately in order to preserve crucial evidence.
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Call Us Now
Ben Crump Law, PLLC is here for you. You do not have to struggle with a complex drunk driving accident lawsuit by yourself. We will fight for your rights and a fair settlement that covers your present, as well as any potential future damages.
If someone else’s reckless actions caused your injuries or a loved one’s death, you deserve compassion, justice, and compensation. Call us today and speak to one of our team members about your accident at (844) 730-0233.
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