Driving under the influence (DUI) can have far reaching consequences, both for the driver and victims. It impairs judgment, reduces reaction times, and encourages risk-taking behavior. Not only is it illegal, but it may lead to catastrophic car accidents. The impact of the collision can result in severe injuries that can change the course of your life. Your injuries may require medical treatment and leave you temporarily or permanently unable to work. Even if you weren’t working before the crash, you might no longer be able to engage in activities and live the life you once enjoyed.
If you have suffered injuries because of a drunk driving accident, the first step to take after seeking medical attention is to consult an experienced lawyer. The Law Place has a combined 75 years of experience, and we bring this advanced knowledge to every case.
We collect information and background on the accident and advise you whether you have a claim. The drunk driver can be held liable for your injuries and associated costs if it is found their actions contributed to or caused the accident.
To get started with your accident claim, call The Law Place today at (941) 444-4444 to find out more about our legal services and receive your free consultation.
What Is a Drunk Driving Accident?
A drunk driving accident is a collision that occurs when a driver operates a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. According to Florida law, a driver is under the influence if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level is 0.08% or higher. An accident involving a drunk driver may involve multiple parties, including more than one vehicle as well as pedestrians or cyclists.
Drunk driving accidents often result in serious consequences, such as fatalities or severe injuries. The effects of alcohol can impair a driver’s judgment, reaction time, and motor skills, making them a danger to themselves and others on the road. When an accident occurs, it is important to determine who is at fault and to ensure that the responsible party is held accountable, especially in cases where serious injuries or fatalities have occurred.
Driving while under the influence of alcohol can lead to a variety of dangerous situations. The main danger is that the driver is impaired. Not only are reactions slower, but alcohol can affect vision and the ability to make sensible decisions. All these things can result in hazardous driving behaviors such as:
Failure to Control the Vehicle
Drivers who are under the influence of alcohol may struggle to control their vehicle, leading to swerving, drifting, or weaving between lanes. They may also undertake dangerous maneuvers or lane changes, putting themselves and others at risk.
Speeding
Impaired drivers often have difficulty judging their speed, which can lead to excessive speed, making it difficult to control the vehicle or stop quickly. This is worsened by heavy traffic, poor visibility, or adverse weather conditions.
Disobeying Traffic Signals and Laws
Alcohol can impair a driver’s decision-making abilities, causing them to make poor judgments when it comes to following traffic signals or road rules. They may fail to see a stop sign or red light or fail to stop and let pedestrians cross the road.
Reduced Awareness of Surroundings
Drivers who are under the influence may be less aware of their surroundings, making it difficult for them to react quickly to sudden changes on the road, like pedestrians or other vehicles.
If you’ve experienced a pedestrian accident in Orlando due to someone else’s drunk driving, you don’t have to navigate the legal complexities by yourself. Reach out to our dedicated team of Orlando pedestrian accident lawyers who are ready to champion your case and assist you in pursuing the compensation you’re entitled to.
Types of Drunk Driving Injuries
Injuries from a drunk driving accident can vary in severity, from minor cuts and bruises to life-altering disabilities or, in the worst cases, even death. Here are some of the most common injuries that you may have experienced:
Traumatic Brain Injuries
One of the most serious, the force of an impact in a drunk driving accident can cause a brain injury, ranging from concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). These injuries can result in long-term physical, cognitive, and emotional harm.
Spinal Cord Injuries
A serious injury that can have significant implications. It is possible to suffer a spinal cord injury from an auto accident, and it may affect mobility, and sensation or cause paralysis, impacting several areas of the body.
Broken Bones
Fractured or broken bones can occur in any area of the body, and recovery can take weeks to months or require surgery.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries can range from sprains and strains to tears in ligaments or tendons. These injuries can cause pain, limit mobility, and affect daily life activities, especially work.
Emotional Trauma
As well as the physical injuries associated with a driving accident, you may also suffer from emotional trauma. You may experience lasting psychological harm, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, or anxiety.
Any of these types of injuries can result in significant medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs associated with the recovery process. For this reason, it is essential to contact a team of drunk driving accident attorneys to ensure that you receive maximum compensation for your medical treatment, lost earning capacity, and suffering so that you can return to your life pre-accident as much as possible.
We’re here to serve you. Our phones are open 24 hours a day.
Why Hire an Accident Lawyer?
There are many benefits associated with hiring a drunk driving accident lawyer. Some of the most beneficial reasons include:
Knowledge and Experience
A lawyer who specializes in drunk driving accidents will have a deep understanding of the Orlando laws surrounding these types of incidents. The lawyers at The Law Place also have experience successfully steering these cases through the legal system.
Determine Liability
Your driving accident attorney can investigate the accident to determine who is at fault and may also consult with experts to strengthen your case. For example, they may work with an accident specialist or medical professionals to provide insight into the cause of the accident and the injuries caused. Your lawyer will also establish who is at fault for the accident.
Help With the Legal Process
After a DUI accident, there are numerous legal steps to navigate, including insurance claims and litigation if this is needed. An attorney can guide you through these processes to ensure that you receive maximum compensation for your injuries.
Represent You in Court
While we do everything we can to avoid going to court, if the case does proceed to this stage, you will need us on your side. Your attorney will know how to argue your case effectively in front of a judge and jury and present the evidence in the most effective way.
By hiring an experienced lawyer, you can rest assured that your legal rights and interests are protected throughout the legal process. We aim to make the process as stress-free as possible.
We’re Florida’s top litigation team with over 75 years of combined experience
Legal Options After a Drunk Driving Accident
If you are involved in an accident involving a drunk driver, you have several legal options available to you.
Personal Injury Claim
You may file a personal injury claim against the negligent driver to recover damages for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any permanent injuries or disabilities.
Wrongful Death Lawsuit
If a loved one’s death resulted from a drunk driving accident, surviving family members may file a wrongful death claim against the driver to receive compensation for funeral expenses, medical bills, and their loss of financial and emotional support.
From the initial call to updates on your case status, we are here to get you answers.
Recovering Fair Compensation
As a victim of a drunk driving accident, you may be entitled to receive compensation for various damages. The compensation you can seek is dependent on the circumstances of the accident and the extent of the injuries caused. Here are some examples of the types of compensation available to you:
Medical Expenses
Compensation for medical expenses incurred because of the accident can include hospital bills, medical procedures, rehabilitation, and medication.
Lost Income
Depending on the extent of your injuries, you may require a prolonged period away from work. This can cause significant financial hardship, particularly if you are the sole income in the household. Furthermore, you may have to change careers if the accident caused permanent injuries that affect mobility or strength.
Property Damage
Your vehicle may have sustained serious damage in the crash, and in the worst case, it could be irreparable. Compensation can also be pursued for damage to personal possessions in the vehicle at the time of the crash, such as laptops and work equipment.
Pain and Suffering
The physical and emotional trauma of suffering injuries in an accident can be significant. Your claim can include damages for these types of injuries too.
The Lawyer’s Role in the Legal Process
An Orlando drunk driving accident lawyer can be your advocate throughout the entire car accident case. Here is how hiring a lawyer can help you:
Investigate the Accident
An attorney can conduct a thorough investigation of the accident to gather evidence and determine who was at fault. Your Orlando personal injury lawyer will talk to witnesses and gather statements, assess medical bills and other evidence as well as reviewing video and photographic evidence of the scene if this is available.
Handle Communication with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies will try to minimize their payout, and an attorney can negotiate with them to ensure that you receive maximum compensation for your injuries.
Assess the Value of Your Case
Your lawyer will assess the value of your claim for your personal injury case. They will gather evidence and collect information, such as medical bills, evaluate the extent of your injuries and the impact the accident had on you. They will then use this information to calculate a fair compensation that they will aim to recover.
File Legal Documents
An Orlando drunk driving accident lawyer can help you file legal documents, such as a lawsuit or insurance claim, on time so that you do not lose your right to pursue your claim.
Benefits of Hiring an Attorney
One of the key advantages of hiring drunk driving accident attorneys is that they can provide you with advice on your legal options. The legal system is complex, and without the help of an attorney, you may not be aware of all the options available to you. Here are ways that a lawyer can help you with your case:
Case Evaluation – A personal injury attorney can evaluate your case and help you understand the strengths, weaknesses, and potential outcomes of pursuing a claim.
Legal Advice – Drunk driving accident lawyers can give you legal advice tailored to your specific case. This includes advice on accepting settlement offers from insurance companies or taking the case to court if this is needed.
Legal Precedent – An experienced lawyer can educate you on similar cases to yours and the outcomes of those cases. This information can help you understand the potential likelihood of success for your case and allow you to make an informed decision on whether you wish to proceed.
Settlement Negotiations – If the insurance company offers a settlement, your legal team will explain the terms of the agreement, your legal rights, and the potential value of your case. If you end up in court, your lawyer will educate you on the legal process and provide insight into what to expect.
Trial Advocacy – If your case goes to trial, an attorney can advise on what to expect during the process and the procedure for a driving accident.
Contact Our Team at The Law Place
Consulting with an Orlando drunk driving accident lawyer can provide information on your legal options, the process, and what to expect at each stage while pursuing your claim. Ultimately, this knowledge can provide peace of mind as you move forward with your case.
At The Law Place, we aim to make the claims process as easy for you as possible. Your case starts with a free consultation, during which we assess the merits of your claim. If we believe there is a case to answer and you decide to work with us, we will start the legal process. We take care of the investigation, negotiations, and meeting all legal obligations for the claim.
To chat with a drunk driving accident attorney about your case and discuss a potential claim, call The Law Place today at (941) 444-4444.
