Drunk driving accidents are not uncommon in Port St. Lucie, unfortunately. These incidents often leave victims struggling with medical expenses and property damage costs. At GOLDLAW, we are standing by if you need a car accident lawyer in Port St. Lucie by your side. We will not hesitate to stand up to aggressive insurance carriers and any other legal teams involved. Let us get to work on your claim today. Contact us now.
Why Choose GOLDLAW for Help?
- At GOLDLAW, our roots are firmly planted in Florida, which means we understand how to work through this court system to achieve your goals after a drunk driving accident.
- We handle drunk driving accident cases in Port St. Lucie on a contingency fee basis. This means our clients will not have to worry about legal expenses until we recover the compensation they are entitled to.
- We have an extensive record of success, having secured significant jury verdicts and settlement agreements related to similar claims. We want to do the same thing for you.
Drunk Driving Accident Data
The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) shows us some alarming data related to alcohol-involved collisions. During the most recent reporting year on file, there were more than 5,200 total alcohol-confirmed crashes across Florida. Out of these incidents, there were 423 confirmed fatalities, 384 incapacitating injuries, and thousands of other injuries that resulted in medical treatment for victims.
Initiating a claim after a drunk driving collision can be daunting, but understanding the steps involved can provide some clarity and ease the process. Here’s what you should do:
- Contact the police: Immediately after the accident, ensure the police are notified. The official report will be crucial as it provides an solid account of the incident, including the suspicion of alcohol influence.
- Seek medical attention: Prioritize your health by getting medical care. Documentation of your injuries will be important as you move forward with your claim, detailing the impact of the accident on your physical health.
- Consult a drunk driving accident lawyer in Port St. Lucie: Engaging a personal injury lawyer experienced in handling drunk driving cases in Port St. Lucie is essential. They can offer legal assistance tailored to your specific claim and begin gathering evidence to support your claim.
- Gather evidence: Collect any personal evidence from the scene, if possible, such as photos, videos, and contact information for witnesses. Your lawyer will help organize this information and may also gather additional evidence, such as surveillance footage or bar receipts, to prove the other driver’s negligence.
- Notify your insurance company: Inform your insurer about the accident. However, limit the details provided and avoid making any statements that could be interpreted as an admission of fault.
- Follow legal and medical advice: Continue to follow your attorney’s advice and adhere to the treatment plans prescribed by your healthcare providers to support your claim’s legitimacy.
Types of Compensation Available
Victims of drunk driving accidents in Port St. Lucie may be entitled to various forms of compensation, reflecting the multifaceted impact of these traumatic events. Compensation can generally be categorized into economic and non-economic damages:
- Economic damages: These are quantifiable losses that have a direct financial impact. They include:
- Medical expenses: Covers all medical treatments related to injuries from the collision, including emergency or hospital care, surgical procedures, medications, physical therapy, and any long-term rehabilitation.
- Lost wages: Compensation for any income lost due to time away from work, including future earning potential if your ability to work has been affected.
- Property damage: Reimbursement for vehicle repairs or replacement of your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the crash.
- Non-economic damages: These address the more subjective, non-quantifiable effects of the accident, such as:
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for any physical pain and psychological or emotional distress experienced due to the accident.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: Compensates for the loss of enjoyment of day-to-day activities and hobbies.
- Emotional distress: Addresses the psychological impacts caused by the collision, such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
The total amount of compensation you receive for your particular claim will vary depending on the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident. The severity of your drunk driving crash injuries, how long it takes you to recover, and other factors can affect the overall dollar value of your claim.
Time Limit for Filing These Claims
The personal injury statute of limitations in Florida recently changed from four years after an incident occurs to two years. This means that drunk driving accident victims in Port St. Lucie have two years from the date the incident occurs to file their lawsuit against the alleged negligent party (or parties) or they will not be able to recover compensation. There are some exceptions to the injury claim timeframe, and we encourage you to speak to your attorney about how much time you have to file your particular claim.
Does the No-Fault Insurance System in Florida Affect These Claims
Insured Florida drivers are supposed to carry no fault insurance that they can turn to to recover compensation for their medical expenses after an incident occurs. However, the limits of no fault insurance are typically fairly low, and individuals who sustain severe injuries are typically able to pursue a claim against a negligent driver. This can include a claim against the drunk driver apostrophes insurance carrier or a lawsuit directly against the drunk driver and their carrier in civil court.
Please speak to your drunk driving accident attorney in Florida about whether or not your particular case meets the thresholds to rise above a no fault insurance claim to pursue compensation from other sources.
Call a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Florida Today
If you or somebody you love has been injured due to the actions of a drunk driver in Port St. Lucie or the surrounding areas, contact the team at GOLDLAW for help today. We know what it takes to stand up to aggressive insurance carriers, and we have the resources to handle all aspects of your claim. If we have to go to trial, we will. When you need a Port St. Lucie drunk driving accident lawyer, you can reach out to our team for a free consultation by filling out our contact form or calling (561) 222-2222.
