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Drunk driving is a crime that can result in serious accidents and injuries. When an intoxicated driver hits you, it can turn your life upside down. You may be unable to work due to your injuries, and your bills may pile up.
When people choose to drive under the influence of drugs and alcohol, they don’t consider the consequences until it’s too late. If a drunk driver has hurt you, you deserve compensation for your injuries. A Fort Myers DUI accident lawyer can help.
At Viles & Beckman, we have recovered over $100 million for accident victims like you. If you or a loved one were hit by a driver who was under the influence, a Fort Myers personal injury lawyer will help you fight for justice. Contact us today for a free consultation.
How a Fort Myers Attorney Can Help
It is smart to contact an attorney as soon as possible after your accident. Ideally, you should talk to a lawyer before you talk to the at-fault party’s insurance company. Consulting with a lawyer can help you avoid many of the common mistakes made by accident victims.
While every case is different, some of the benefits of hiring a Fort Myers DUI accident attorney include:
Legal Advice
By hiring a lawyer early on in the process, you can avoid many pitfalls, such as accepting a settlement offer that doesn’t cover your expenses or fully account for the extent of your injuries. We are your ally in making sure you are treated fairly by insurance companies.
Affordable Legal Services
We bill on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing unless we win your case, and we take our fees out of your award or settlement. This makes our services affordable to almost anyone and levels the playing field with powerful insurance companies.
Accident Investigation
We will investigate your accident and determine how it occurred. We also need to establish liable parties. In a DUI case, this may seem clear-cut; however, additional at-fault parties, such as bartenders or restaurants, could be involved.
Compensation Assessment
We will evaluate your compensatory damages and come up with a fair number that will address your current and future hardships. We’ll consider things like your medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. We may be able to include damages such as pain and suffering.
Insurance Company Negotiations
We’ll deal with the insurance companies so you don’t have to. We can keep you on track with forms and deadlines, and we’ll negotiate on your behalf for the compensation that can make a difference in your life.
Civil Trial Representation
Our goal is always to settle your case during negotiations, but sometimes insurance companies don’t like to do the right thing. In those situations, we can file a civil lawsuit on your behalf and represent you in court.
Expect More, Receive More: Legal Support That Feels Like Family
What Is a DUI Accident Case Worth in Fort Myers?
Drunk driving or driving under the influence of drugs is never acceptable. It puts other innocent motorists directly in harm’s way due to a completely selfish and reckless decision. Our attorneys will advocate on your behalf and work to ensure that justice is served.
While you will never be able to go back in time before the accident, we can prepare you for the future by helping you get the financial resources you need. Some of the damages you can recover if you were hit by a driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol include:
- Loss of wages
- Medical expenses
- Loss of guidance
- Physical therapy
- Vehicle repairs and replacement
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages
Punitive damages are often awarded in cases where the party at fault was grossly negligent. This type of damage is to punish and discourage the defendant from repeating their actions. A DUI accident attorney in Fort Myers can determine if your case qualifies for you to receive compensation for punitive damages.
(239) 334-3933
Statute of Limitations for DUI Accident Claims in Florida
From the day of the accident, you typically have two years to file a personal injury claim in Florida. However, there are exceptions to this rule, such as:
- If the victim is a minor, the statute of limitations begins when they turn eighteen.
- If the liable party’s whereabouts are unknown, the statute of limitations is tolled until they appear or are apprehended.
- If the victim is mentally incapacitated, the statute of limitations is paused until they regain competency.
It is smart to seek compensation or file civil charges as soon as possible after an accident. Your car accident lawyer can tell you the exact amount of time you have to file your claim when you schedule a meeting.
Click To ContactCommon Injuries from a DUI Accident
When drivers are under the influence, they can cause severe and fatal injuries. Some injuries will heal over time, while others may require lifelong care. Our attorneys have helped clients in DUI accidents who suffered:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Fractured or broken bones
- Internal organ damage
- Spinal cord damage
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Head injuries
- Severe burns
- Concussions
- Amputation
- Lacerations
- Road rash
- Paralysis
- Bruising
- Wrongful death
We handle a wide range of injuries, so there’s no need to worry if your injury qualifies for a claim. However, if you’d like to feel secure, know that your case is valid, and get an estimation of your damages, contact us for a free case review.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
How Drunk Driving and Driving on Drugs Compare
Driving under the influence, whether it’s drugs or alcohol, is dangerous and can cause tragic accidents. The effects of drugs and alcohol on drivers are quite similar, but some substances have different effects.
Alcohol’s Effects on Driving
Alcohol is classified as a depressant that delays reaction times and impairs concentration ability, which can lead to an accident. The numbing effect of drinking alcohol is a result of the reduction of function of the nervous system and brain.
In social situations, it can lead to people feeling relaxed. However, when people drive drunk, this relaxation can result in more dangerous behaviors. Drunk drivers often swerve, fall asleep at the wheel, and lack spatial awareness.
Regardless, if a person drinks alcohol or takes drugs, it can result in an accident. If a driver under the influence hit you, our DUI accident attorneys can help.
Drugs’ Effects on Driving
Different drugs can have a range of effects on drivers. Some drugs are classified as stimulants that increase the functions of systems in the body. If a person takes a drug that is a stimulant, they may speed, drive recklessly, or take dangerous risks.
Drugs that are hallucinogens alter a person’s perception of reality and can cause them to hear or see things that aren’t there. LSD, ketamine, and DMT are some examples, and the effects can be very dangerous because they can alter the ability to make sound decisions.
For example, a person who drives after taking hallucinogens may make sudden stops. They might think they saw something or may excessively speed because they feel like they are being watched.
Contact a Fort Myers DUI Attorney
If a drunk driver has harmed you, you may be facing serious medical issues, and you may not be able to work and pay your bills. It doesn’t seem right when you and your family endure such hardship through no fault of your own. You deserve justice and compensation.
A Fort Myers DUI accident attorney will help you take the right steps to begin putting your life back together. Whether through an insurance payout, settlement, or court decision, we will fight for what you are owed.
At Viles & Beckman, our Fort Myers DUI accident lawyers will work to hold the responsible party accountable for their negligent and reckless actions. Contact us today for a free case review and find out how we can help.
Call or text (239) 334-3933 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
