Sometimes, people get behind the wheel and attempt to drive after consuming too much alcohol. This mistake can lead to accidents, which can result in severe injuries to themselves and others.
If you or your loved one has suffered injuries in Tampa because of a drunk driver, contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC, at (844) 730-0233 for a free consultation. You may be entitled to receive compensation for your injuries and losses.
Reasons to File a Drunk Driving Claim
To receive compensation after filing a claim, you will need to have evidence that the driver in question was negligent and harmed you because they were driving under the influence of alcohol. If found guilty, the driver could also face DUI charges, spend several months or years in jail, and pay fines. Some end up losing their driving privileges.
Three reasons why people file drunk driving accident lawsuit or insurance claims include:
Serious Injury
Drunk driving cases can result in victims getting physical injuries like a damaged spine, head trauma, or disfigurement, which could require long-term hospitalization and rehabilitation. They may also end up with debilitating psychological damage that could last a lifetime.
Damage to Property
If you have suffered property damage, the drunk driver might have to face a DUI charge with property damage or non-serious personal injury. Under Florida law, the driver could face a year of jail time and pay a $1,000 fine.
Death
If your loved one has passed away due to a drunk driver’s negligence, the drunk driver can be charged with a felony offense of DUI manslaughter. According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), the penalties for DUI in Florida range from six months of jail time for first-time offenders and up to five years for those with a prior offense within the last ten years. Sometimes, drunk driving is punishable by a prison sentence of up to 15 years and/or significant fines between $500 and $5,000. Their driver’s license could also be revoked from six months to two years.
For a free legal consultation with a drunk driving accidents lawyer serving Tampa, call (844) 730-0233
You Can Still Pursue the Driver Even if They Are Not Found Guilty of DUI
Regardless of whether the driver is charged with DUI, you can still pursue your personal injury case. Providing evidence that the drunk driver was responsible can still help you receive compensation.
Tampa Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
Two Types of Drunk Driving in Florida
Cases involving drunk driving may vary, but they usually fall under these two types:
- Driving Above the Blood Alcohol Content Limit: The person operating a vehicle must not have a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more under the law. Even if you feel okay to drive, you can still be considered a drunk driver.
- Driving Under the Influence. It is not easy to prove because, for a case to prosper, your lawyer must show that the driver’s alcohol content deprives him or her of full possession of normal faculties.
Drunk driving cases are rarely ever straightforward, and they could quickly become tedious and complicated to handle without the help of a legal expert in your corner.
Consulting a Tampa drunk driving accident lawyer can help you hash out the merit of your case to help you receive compensation for your losses. Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC for a free consultation for a better understanding of your case.
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State Laws That Could Impact Your Case
If you or a loved one is a drunk driving accident victim, you can file a personal injury claim to pursue compensation for your injuries. However, you may want to be aware of specific laws that may affect your claim.
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Statute of Limitations
Under Florida Statute § 95.11, you only have up to four years from the accident’s date to file a lawsuit in Florida’s civil courts. If you do not file in within four years, the court may not hear your case. However, if you did not “discover” that you suffered harm for some time after the incident that caused the injury, the filing period could be extended.
Compensation Limitations
Florida has no damage caps for standard personal injury cases. The juries shall award considerable sums for compensation based on the merits of your injuries. A Tampa drunk driving accident lawyer to prove the basis for your claims for medical expenses, lost wages or lesser employment opportunities, pain and suffering, and other losses.
If you or a loved one suffers severe and painful injuries from a drunk driving accident, you can seek awards to help you recover your physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. There is no limit on the maximum amount of compensation you can receive.
We Are Here to Represent You
In a drunk driving accident, injuries may range from minor cuts and bruises to severe medical conditions like traumatic brain injury, paralysis, or other permanent disabilities. Some injuries may show symptoms after a few months, and psychological damages may also need long-term medical care.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident caused by a drunk driver and wants to find justice, consider hiring a lawyer to take care of the legalities of your case while you focus on recovery
Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC at (844) 730-0233 today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We can pursue recovery and help you move on from the accident at no cost to you until you receive compensation. We can help you get quality treatment and obtain compensation from your personal injury lawsuit. If the other party contests your compensation claim, we are prepared to give you the legal representation you need.
Call or text (844) 730-0233 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form