What To Do After Being Involved In A Drunk Driving Accident
Brian O Sutter
Personal Injury
Florida has the third highest population in the country, and is one of the most frequently visited states as well. Plus, it has a reputation for being a 'party destination', and the numerous bars, nightclubs, and events taking place here only help to fuel that image. There's nothing wrong with having a good time, of course, but the problem is that many people can't drink responsibly. There are around 11,000 drunk driving accident injuries every single year, and many of them can be incredibly severe.If you're injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver, it shouldn't be your burden to deal with the heavy financial costs that the accident can cause. Seeking compensation through a personal injury lawsuit is one of the best ways to ensure you get a fair settlement from your injuries - and that you can make a full recovery. Of course, knowing more about what to expect can help you move through the process with more confidence.
What Damages Are You Owed?
Under Florida law, you could be entitled to compensation for practically every expense or financial hardship directly caused by the actions of a drunk driver. This can include things like:
• Lost wages
• Future lost wages
• Negative impact on earning potential
• Medical bills
• Future medical bills
• Cost of medication, rehab, and medical supplies
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering compensation
• And more
Your attorney will work with experts to review your situation and make sure that you're getting what you are owed, but it's important to remember that a fair settlement may be more involved than you realize at first.
What Does Fault Mean?
Fault in Florida auto accident and personal in jury cases refers to the person or persons responsible for your accident and your injuries. Under Florida law, this means that someone must act in a negligent or reckless manner. Recklessness or negligence can include things like speeding, driving the wrong way in a one-way street, and more. But, in the case of a drunk driver, it's always a clear-cut situation - driving while intoxicated is an obvious example of recklessness and negligence. As such, it's highly likely that you'll be able to show that the drunk driver was to blame and that you are owed compensation.
A Note On Those Initial Settlement Offers
It's important for any driver injured in an accident to understand that while they may be offered a settlement from an insurance company very early on in the recovery process, it's not always in your best interests to simply accept the offer.
The reason is simple - those initial settlement offers are often little more than a way for the insurance companies to try to avoid paying out a dime more than they have to. If you accept a settlement that they offer, you basically void your ability to get any additional compensation in the future.
Insurance companies often use tactics like avoiding payment, refusing to pay, or stalling for months. Then, they make an initial settlement offer that seems like it's the best that you can hope for. This essentially tricks people into accepting a settlement. But, those settlements are usually much less than you actually deserve.
The Help You Deserve
It can seem like an easy enough process to get some form of settlement from a drunk driving injury. But, hiring an experienced attorney is the best way to make sure that you get what you're really owed. Don't make the mistake of accepting less than you deserve. Talking to a skilled attorney is important to make sure that you get the most from your accident. Recovery can be difficult, but the right financial compensation can help make it easier for you to recover fully. Contact us today to get the help you deserve.