Knowing Your Rights After A Drunk Driver Injures You
Michael Babboni
Car Accidents
It's common knowledge by know that drunk drivers are among the most dangerous problems on American roads. However, despite knowing about those dangers, many people still get behind the wheel after having a few too many drinks. When that happens, innocent people can suffer in a significant way. Those injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver can face a long road to recovery, and some aren't so lucky. Wrongful death occurs frequently because of DUI, and those left behind to mourn their loved one often face significant challenges.Chief among those challenges - for the bereaved or for a survivor of a DUI - is the fact that financial burdens mount quickly. From medical bills to lost wages, it's easy to become overwhelmed with these burdens. And when that occurs, many will struggle with their physical and mental recovery as well. Since you're spending so much time focusing on trying to manage your finances, it's common to lose focus on physical healing.
Your Rights After An Accident
Florida motorists do have rights if they're injured due to the actions of a drunk driver, of course. While PIP coverage is designed to help with medical costs, it only does so much - and often, does very little.
Under Florida law, it's possible to seek financial compensation for your injuries if you can prove that the other party involved in an accident acted in a negligent or reckless manner. In auto accidents, a number of things can be considered to be 'reckless and negligent' behavior. One of the biggest is certainly drinking and driving, and by proving that the other party was drunk at the time of the accident you could receive financial compensation.
The Question Of Settlement Offers
Following an accident, those who are injured may be offered a settlement offer from an insurance company or even from the legal team of the other party. This can seem like a great option - fast, no hassle-money that you can use to cover your medical costs.
But settlement offers in DUI cases are often offered as a way to reduce a person's overall responsibility, not to fulfill it. Since a DUI is often easier to prove fault in, insurance companies may try to get you to accept a settlement offer in the hopes that they can avoid having their client pay large fees.
Think about the numerous expenses associated with an accident and the recovery process:
- Medical bills
- Future medical bills
- Lost wages
- Future lost wages
- Property damage
- And more
Because of these various costs, it's important to avoid blindly accepting an initial settlement offer without first taking a closer look at whether or not it's truly fair for you.
The Attorney Difference
It's true enough that the presence of a police report means that showing the courts that the other motorist was drinking and thus responsible for your accident is easier with DUI cases than other types of personal injury law, but it's not always an open and shut situation.
An attorney will stand up to the other side's attorneys and make sure that you are able to get compensation. And when settlement offers are made, your personal injury lawyer will review them to make certain that they're completely fair for you and your situation by reviewing all of the information and ensuring the settlement isn't too low.
If you've been injured in an accident by a drunk driver, you have rights. Our law office can help defend those rights and get you what you're owed. Contact our team today to get a free initial consultation and find out more about what options you have available to you.