When drivers get behind the wheel after drinking, they put themselves and everyone else on the road in extreme danger. Since intoxicated drivers have seriously delayed reaction time and are more likely to speed due to their inebriation, drunk driving accidents can be particularly severe and, in some cases, fatal.
If you or your loved one have been injured in an accident caused by drunk driving, you have the right to pursue compensation for your treatment bills, vehicle repair costs, and the emotional distress you’ve suffered due to the accident. Schedule a free consultation with a DUI accident victim attorney from The Schiller Kessler Group today to take legal action.
How an Attorney Can Help You Recover From a DUI Accident
A driver is charged with driving under the influence (DUI) if they’re pulled over and found to have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 or higher. If you were injured in an accident caused by a driver whose BAC was higher than the legal level, you’ll be eligible to file a claim against them.
That said, even if the driver is convicted of the charge, it can be difficult to properly construct and file a claim without the help of a seasoned attorney. A DUI accident victim lawyer can take the following steps to make sure your case is successful:
Collect Evidence
If the drunk driver who caused your accident was charged, then it’s likely that the police investigated the accident. Our team can use the report that local law enforcement field to back up your claim. Our DUI accident victim attorneys can also use eyewitness testimony, your medical records, and other pieces of evidence to build a solid claim.
Establish Liability
To get you the compensation you need to cover your accident-related losses, a car accident lawyer must prove that the driver should be held liable. To successfully establish liability, our DUI accident victim lawyers must prove that the following statements are true:
- The driver owed you a duty of care: Whenever you get behind the wheel, you have a legal obligation to drive in a way that doesn’t put others in danger. If you were sharing the road with the offending driver, then they owed you a duty of care.
- The driver breached their duty: Your lawyer can use evidence from the investigation process, such as blood test results, the breathalyzer test, and other pieces of evidence, to show that the driver failed to uphold a duty of care because they were driving under the influence.
- The breach caused the accident: Next, your attorney will have to prove that the driver’s breach of the duty of care caused the accident. This step is usually referred to as proving “causation,” and it’s essential in establishing negligence.
- The accident caused you to suffer losses: To successfully establish liability, your attorney must present evidence that shows the accident caused you to incur financial losses. They can use your medical bills, vehicle repair bills, and other financial records to complete this step.
Fight for Your Compensation
At The Schiller Kessler Group, we have zero tolerance for individuals who choose to drive drunk and put others in danger. That’s why we’ll take an aggressive approach when handling your case and fight until the drunk driver is held responsible for the pain and damage they caused.
Our team of DUI accident victims lawyers will explore every possible route to compensation to ensure you get the damages you deserve. Whether they pursue compensation by filing an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit, they’ll do everything they can to obtain a fair payment on your behalf.
Compensation You Might Be Entitled to as a DUI Accident Victim
Getting hit by a drunk driver can leave the victim with enormous financial losses, painful injuries, and lasting emotional scars. No matter how badly your DUI accident has affected you, our attorneys can demand payment to compensate for your accident-related expenses and soften the massive blow you’ve been dealt.
Depending on the details of your accident, your attorney may pursue any of the following damages:
- Current and ongoing medical expenses
- Cost of assistive medical devices and prescription medication
- Physical therapy expenses
- Lost wages
- Vehicle repair costs
- Decreased earning ability caused by long-term health conditions
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Diminished quality of life
If you’ve been a victim in a DUI accident, an attorney can help you turn your life around by securing the damages mentioned above. That said, you’ll have to do your part by hiring a lawyer as soon after your accident as possible. That way, they’ll be able to collect evidence while it’s still fresh and have the time they need to comply with Florida’s filing deadline.
Florida’s Filing Deadline for DUI Accident Claims
In Florida, DUI accident victims have two years from the date of the collision to hire a lawyer and file a personal injury lawsuit. If you file your suit after the two-year deadline, you’ll risk going uncompensated for the expenses, pain, and emotional trauma you’ve been burdened with.
Don’t let your filing deadline pass you by! Reach out to our team of experienced attorneys today and get an early start on your case. Our lawyers are familiar with the state’s filing requirements and can make sure all necessary paperwork is filed in a timely manner.
Get the Experienced Legal Help You Need to Make a Full Recovery
At The Schiller Kessler Group, we understand how devastating a drunk driving accident can be for the victim. If you were struck by an intoxicated motorist, you can turn to our firm for the experienced advocacy you need to recover compensation for the losses and challenges you’ve experienced.
Contact a DUI accident victim attorney from one of our many locations today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your rights following a drunk driving crash. If we believe that you’re entitled to compensation, we’ll work tirelessly to win the settlement or court verdict you need to get your life back on track.