Seeking Justice & Compensation on Your Behalf
Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI) is never okay; Florida state law prohibits anyone from operating a motor vehicle or being in actual physical control of a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher. Additionally, anyone under the age of 21 in Florida can be charged with DUI if they are found to be in control of a vehicle with a BAC of 0.02 percent or more. Despite these laws, countless individuals choose to get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle after drinking—and the consequences can be deadly.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 30 people died every single day in the United States due to drunk driving accidents. That amounts to more than 10,000 people killed by drunk driving every year. Those who don’t die in these accidents often sustain severe, life-altering injuries, the total lifetime costs of which can easily reach hundreds of thousands if not millions of dollars.
If you were injured in a car accident caused by a drunk driver, or if your loved one was killed in such a collision, we can help. At Dismuke Law, our Sebring drunk driving accident lawyers understand what you and your family are going through, and we are here to help you fight for the justice you are owed.
How Do Drunk Driving Lawsuits Work?
After a DUI accident, the drunk driver will likely face criminal penalties; these include fines, driver’s license suspension, and possible jail time, among other consequences. Criminal DUI cases are brought by the state and are completely separate from any civil proceedings that may take place after the accident. In a civil court case, the person who suffered injuries and/or damages as a result of the drunk driver’s actions (known as the plaintiff) seeks financial compensation for those damages.
If you were injured by a drunk driver, our drunk driving accident lawyer in Sebring, FL, can help you seek compensation for your:
- Medical bills/expenses
- Lost income and/or wages
- Pain and suffering
- Vehicle damage repairs
- Transportation costs related to attending medical appointments
- Future lost earnings and future medical care
- Disability
- Inconvenience
- Loss of life quality/enjoyment of life
Additionally, if your loved one was killed in a drunk driving accident, you can file a wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation for:
- Funeral/burial expenses
- Medical expenses related to final treatment
- Pain and suffering your loved one endured
- The value of support/household services your loved one provided
- Loss of companionship
- Mental and emotional distress
- Loss of future earnings/income
- Loss of expected inheritance
At Dismuke Law, we know that no amount of compensation could ever negate your loss; however, by bringing a claim, you can obtain a sense of justice and secure compensation to ease some of the financial burdens you and your family now face.
How Long Do You Have to File a DUI Accident Lawsuit in Florida?
According to Florida Statutes § 95.11, you have about two years to sue the other party for your drunk driving accident damages. If you’re filing a personal injury lawsuit, the time frame begins on the day of the wreck, whereas the clock starts running on the day of death if you’re filing for wrongful death.
Some factors can alter the deadline. Still, it’s ideal to act now, as you might not be able to hold the other party accountable once the two-year window expires. If you get our DUI accident lawyer in Sebring, FL, involved in your case today, though, we can help you comply with the statute of limitations.
How Our Sebring Personal Injury Lawyers Can Manage Your DUI Accident Case
Our DUI accident attorney in Sebring, FL, offers various services when you sign on with us. For example, they can:
- Order a copy of the official police report
- Maintain communication with the state and insurance companies
- File your insurance claim and/or lawsuit on time
- Compile different forms of evidence
- Prove the responsible party’s negligence
- Enter into settlement negotiations
- Fight for your right to compensation in a trial
We will keep you updated on how your case progresses and make ourselves available 24/7 for your questions.
Injured by a Drunk Driver? Our Sebring Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers Can Help.
Our Sebring drunk driving accident lawyers have years of legal experience and a proven track record of success in complex car accident cases. We have recovered millions of dollars on behalf of our clients, and we are prepared to fight tirelessly for you as well.
If you were injured in a DUI accident in Sebring or the nearby areas, turn to Dismuke Law for legal services from our dedicated team, led by founding attorney David C. Dismuke. We stand ready to fight for you. Ask Dave today, and call our firm today for a free initial consultation.