Drunk driving never seems to go away. Despite strict law enforcement, heightened penalties, social awareness campaigns and wider transportation alternatives, alcohol- and drug-related vehicle accidents continue to wreak havoc on victims. However, at Largey Law Firm, our skilled vehicle collision attorneys have a combined 27 years of experience working diligently in the courts to hold drunk drivers accountable for the medical bills, lost wages and personal losses that result from their irresponsible and illegal behavior. If you were struck by someone who decided to get behind the wheel after drinking, a Mount Dora drunk driving accident lawyer could work with law enforcement to prove that you deserve financial compensation.
Filing a Claim Against a Drunk Driver
Unfortunately, recovering money damages from an intoxicated driver who caused you injury can be complicated and frustrating. All drivers statewide are required to carry a minimum $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, which pays your medical expenses and lost wages up to that limit no matter who is at fault. However, a serious car accident will easily result in damages beyond the PIP coverage. Your recourse then is to sue the drunk driver, who may not carry sufficient liability insurance to cover your injuries. In that event, you can claim against the uninsured/underinsured coverage line of your own insurance policy. Our attorneys will pursue all possible sources of recovery, including a lawsuit against the drunk driver and collection methods that include wage garnishment and property attachment.
A defendant often will attempt to use Florida’s pure comparative negligence law to reduce liability for the accident. It provides that an accident victim who is partly at fault for a crash can recover only a percentage of the damages award. For example, if a court awards $100,000 in damages but determines that the victim was 25 percent at fault for the accident, the award is reduced to $75,000. Our Mount Dora attorneys are skilled at thoroughly investigating intoxicated driving car wrecks and using expert testimony to establish that the other driver bears the fullest extent of responsibility.
When Would a Local Establishment Face Blame for a Drunk Driving Accident?
The state’s dram shop laws generally prohibit filing a claim against an establishment that serves alcohol to an adult who then causes an accident. An exception is made where the bar, restaurant or other purveyor knew of a patron’s history of alcohol abuse but served him anyway. This makes the law more lenient than many states that make “visible intoxication” the standard for a bar cutting a patron off.
Even under Florida law, it is arguable whether or not the patron’s history of abusive drinking should have been evident to the establishment. That is why it is essential to have a drunk driving car accident attorney in Mount Dora on your side when you pursue a civil claim, since the bar’s potential liability can result in a far greater damages recovery. Our law firm will gather evidence and thoroughly investigate all aspects of the driver’s history, his relationship with the establishment and the events leading up to the accident to build a powerful case in your behalf. An establishment is also liable for serving alcohol to a minor who then causes an accident.
Speak With a Mount Dora Drunk Driving Accident Attorney about Your Options
Drunk driving accidents have life-altering repercussions. If you or someone you love has been injured by a drunk driver, you should reach out to one of our hardworking legal representatives and schedule a consultation. When you bring your case to a Mount Dora drunk driving accident lawyer, you maximize the chances of holding the other driver accountable and collecting financial compensation. Getting started as soon as possible is key, so do not delay in giving us a call. Se habla español.
