Were you hurt in a collision due to someone else’s decision to drive while under the influence? Drunk driving accidents can leave victims injured, distraught, and confused. However, you don’t have to figure it out alone—instead, let a Fort Myers drunk driving accident lawyer help you.
With Viles & Beckman by your side, you can trust us to advocate for your rights. Plus, you pay nothing unless we win. We have over 40 years of combined experience recovering compensation for our clients.
In an effort to better serve those who need us, our lawyers are also fluent in Spanish, Russian, and Creole. No case is too small, and we care for one another and our clients as we would our families. Reach out today for legal representation from a Fort Myers car accident lawyer.
Drunk Driving Accident Injuries
There are times when people involved in drunk driving accidents walk away uninjured. However, this is often only in cases where the collision resulted in a minor fender-bender or the crash did not take place at high speeds.
On the other hand, drunk driving accidents also have the potential to cause life-changing or life-threatening injuries. This often yields immense amounts of physical pain and puts victims in a position where they are more likely to undergo lifelong treatment.
Here are some examples of debilitating injuries you could sustain in a drunk driving crash:
- Head trauma
- Back injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Crushed limbs
While a Fort Myers personal injury lawyer cannot reverse the damage that was done or alleviate your injuries singlehandedly, your attorney can still advocate for your rights to compensation. It’s important to have someone you trust by your side as you fight for justice in your case.
Expect More, Receive More: Legal Support That Feels Like Family
Types of Accidents That Often Occur More Frequently When Alcohol is Involved
Those who operate vehicles while under the influence risk causing multiple types of collisions. However, when drunk drivers hit other vehicles, these types of accidents are more common than others when drunk driving is involved:
- Head-on crashes
- Rear-end collisions
- Wrong-way accidents
It’s also not uncommon for drunk drivers to cause property damage, hit unsuspecting pedestrians, or crash into motorcyclists and bicyclists.
How Much Time Do I Have to File a Drunk Driving Accident Claim?
According to the statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Florida, you have two years from the date of the drunk driving accident to file a claim. In the unfortunate event that you lose a loved one, you’ll have two years from their date of death to file a wrongful death claim.
We recommend that you file as soon as possible so that you have a greater chance of getting the maximum amount of damages. If you try to file your claim after two years have passed, you might not receive a high settlement offer, let alone any settlement offer at all.
While Florida gives you 24 months to file your claim, this timeframe might be shortened or extended based on the details of your case. When you hire a drunk driving accident attorney in Fort Myers, your lawyer can tell you the exact amount of time you have based on your situation.
What Does Florida Being a Modified Comparative Negligence State Mean?
As of 2023, Florida is a modified comparative negligence state. This means the degree of fault for each party involved in the collision will be assessed. Each party who holds responsibility for the crash will see a reduction in their compensation based on their percentage of fault.
However, if you are found to be 50% or more at fault for the accident, you cannot recover any compensation at all. So, if you’re less than 50% at fault for the crash, you can still receive compensation, but it will be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
This system is designed to ensure that those who are largely responsible for accidents cannot sue others for damages. Meanwhile, those who are not as responsible for the collision can still seek compensation, but their recovery will be reduced by their level of fault.
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Contact Our Drunk Driving Accident Law Firm in Fort Myers for Legal Advice Today
At Viles & Beckman, our firm’s devotion to serving our clients and seeking justice on their behalf has allowed us to recover millions of dollars in damages. We also have ample experience negotiating with insurance companies and settling claims.
Though we cannot guarantee any results, we understand that certain cases have to go to trial, and when settlement isn’t an option, we are ready to fight for you in the courtroom. You can trust us to advocate for you and protect your rights like we would for our own families.
Don’t isolate yourself or try to handle the aftermath of a drunk driving crash on your own—instead, get in touch with our attorneys today. When you call us, we can set up a time to meet with you and go over the details of your case.
Call or text (239) 334-3933 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form