Florida Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Hire a Florida Drunk Driving Accident Attorney

Driving under the influence (DUI) can greatly inhibit a person’s ability to drive safely. Because of this, DUI crashes can cause severe injuries and major losses. A Florida drunk driving lawyer can help you pursue justice.

Any type of car accident can lead to serious injuries and damage. However, crashes that involve driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can often be extremely dangerous due to reduced reaction times, lack of braking, and impaired decision-making. 

As a result, DUI injuries and fatalities make up a significant percentage of car accident crashes yearly in Florida. These accidents can sometimes be life-altering for all those involved. 

If you or a loved one were involved in a drunk driving accident, you may be entitled to significant compensation for your losses. The Florida drunk driving attorneys at Osborne, Francis & Pettis have a proven track record of recovering favorable damages awards and settlements for our clients. 

‍Contact us at (561) 293-2600 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your rights and options. We are on hand to guide you through the process from beginning to end.

How Can a Florida DUI Accident Lawyer Help With Damages?

A Florida DUI accident attorney can provide assistance by preparing the type of strong legal case needed to secure a damages award. Damages can often depend on the skill and experience of the attorney, so it’s important to choose the right one. 

A car accident caused by someone else driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can leave the victims with severe injuries, such as brain injuries or spinal cord injuries. If you’ve been in an accident, pursuing legal action can help you and your family obtain financial assistance.

Damages in a DUI accident lawsuit can help cover:

• Immediate medical care such as emergency room or urgent care bills, medications, and emergency surgical procedures
• Long-term care including ongoing rehabilitation, follow-up surgery, and physical therapy
• Specialized care such as costs associated with neurosurgeon visits (which can be quite costly in some cases)
• Lost work wages due to missing work while recuperating
• Loss of future income due to permanent, life-changing injuries or loss of bodily functions
• Pain and suffering, including emotional and psychological trauma
• Loss of companionship in the event of a wrongful death caused by a fatality

Injuries and damages can be markedly more severe in some cases, especially those involving a semi-truck DUI accident. Larger commercial vehicles can cause even more damage if the driver is drunk or impaired. In a case where a fatality results, damages may cover additional expenses, such as funeral costs and loss of household income.

At Osborne, Francis & Pettis, our accident attorneys are tough on drunk drivers who injure innocent victims. We devote all of our efforts and resources into ensuring our clients obtain the full verdicts and settlements that they deserve under the law.

When Should I Contact a Florida DUI Accident Attorney After a Crash?

You should contact a car accident lawyer as soon as you are able to after a crash. An experienced lawyer can help protect you and act as your representative when dealing with insurance and other parties. Without a lawyer on your side, you may not recover the full damages you are entitled to under the law. 

Contacting an attorney early on after an injury may also be necessary if the injured person is incapacitated and can’t make decisions on their own. In such cases, their family may need to contact the attorney on their behalf. This will help ensure that the person’s legal rights are protected as they recover from their accident injuries. 

Here are some steps you should take after a DUI accident: 

• Seek immediate medical attention: Get treatment right away, even if you don’t think you’re hurt. Certain types of injuries don’t manifest immediately after a crash (such as traumatic brain injuries).
• File an accident report: If you are able to, contact local law enforcement and be sure that you obtain a formal report. This is especially important in a DUI case, where police documentation might serve as evidence later on.
• Contact a lawyer: Seeking assistance from a Florida DUI accident attorney can place you in the best position for receiving compensation through damages or a settlement. Don’t negotiate with the other driver or insurance company directly; instead, let your lawyer handle those interactions.
• Document everything: Gather whatever information, documents, photos, and videos that you can, while they are still fresh and readily available. However, if you can’t obtain everything, don’t worry - it’s your lawyer’s job to compile evidence for trial. 

Most importantly, DO NOT admit fault, as your statements could be held against you in court. Again, having a lawyer present for you can help ensure all communications pass through them so you are protected. 

Florida Drunk Driving Accident Statistics

Drunk driving is a major issue across Florida, and presents a serious risk of harm to drivers and passengers on the road. According to crash facts from the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), in a 3-year period, the following drunk driving statistics were logged: 

• Alcohol Confirmed Crashes: 4,883
• Alcohol Confirmed Fatal Crashes: 356
• Alcohol Confirmed Incapacitating Injury Crashes: 253
• Alcohol Confirmed Other Injury Crashes: 1,409

Thus, alcohol-related accidents pose a real threat to the safety of Florida drivers. In addition, the data indicates that such incidents may be increasing every year. The representation of a qualified lawyer is needed in the event that a crash occurs and damages are needed. 

Lastly, drunk drivers can also involve other victims, such as those on motorcycles or bicycles, and pedestrians. These types of cases can be especially serious because the injured party is not protected in the same way as when they are in a car. 

Our Accident Attorneys Are Tough on Drunk Drivers Who Injure Innocent Victims

Drunk driving is a form of negligence; in fact, it is one of the worst kinds of driving-related negligence. If you or a loved one were injured by a drunk driver, you may be entitled to pursue damages for your losses. Contact the Florida drunk driving accident lawyers at Osborne, Francis & Pettis at (561) 293-2600 to begin your path to recovery. 

Contact a Florida Drunk Driving Accident Attorney

Drunk driving dramatically increases the chances that an accident will occur. Moreover, DUI-related accidents can often be more serious than other types of car crashes because the drunk driver may not make adjustments to lessen impact. As a result, hundreds of people are hurt every year in Florida due to DUI accidents.