Florida has one of the toughest DUI laws in the country, largely because intoxicated drivers continue to be a concern for law enforcement agencies around the state. If you or a loved one has had an accident caused by an intoxicated driver, DUI accident injury lawyer Jarrett Blakeley explains what you can do to file a successful claim for compensation.
Is DUI a Civil or Criminal Offense?
Criminal charges are brought by the government when drivers cross the legal blood alcohol limit (BAC) of 0.08%. The driver will be charged with up to six months in jail and a fine of around $500- $1000 if he/she is a first-time driver. Fine and jail time will vary depending on the situation, i.e., the BAC level, driving with a minor, prior DUI record, property damage, serious bodily injury, etc.
The victim or their loved ones can claim compensation for damages, and this case can occur simultaneously along with the criminal prosecution; the driver’s insurance company usually compensates the victim. But if the accident has caused severe bodily injury or even death, the damages can exceed the limits set by the insurance company. In such circumstances, you can make a claim directly against the driver, which may include punitive damages.
How To Handle Insurance Claims?
Filing a claim for compensation from insurance companies isn’t as easy as it sounds. For one, you’ll be bound by red tape bureaucracy that will be either delay the compensation process or settle your claim for a much lower amount. We’ve often found that claimants hiring a DUI accident injury lawyer get a lot more money than those who do it themselves. Lawyers know how insurance companies work and how to make a successful claim. The truth is, insurance companies aren’t working for you; rather, they’re working for profit. They’ll do everything to avoid paying you even when the liability is obvious. You could be on a wild goose chase looking for documents that you do not really need. In such circumstances, we’ll make sure you don’t waste your time at the mercy of an insurance company; instead, we’ll get the ball rolling for you.
Are you looking for a DUI accident lawyer? Contact 954 253 9445 for a free consultation.