Having your life turned upside down by a drunk driver can be devastating. Not only are the injuries you sustained physically catastrophic, but the emotional toll can leave you overwhelmed, unable to focus, and traumatized. When you add an excess of medical expenses and other extreme financial losses on top of your physical and emotional distress, it is easy to see why you may feel as though the weight of the world is on your shoulders.
Fortunately, you can take action and hold the liable party accountable with a comprehensive Florida drunk driving accident claim. By taking legal action against the drunk driver and other parties who may have contributed to the car accident, you can get the financial help you need when you need it most.
When you are struck by a drunk driver whether while crossing the street as a pedestrian, riding your bicycle, traveling in a car, or by a commercial truck driver, you have the right to demand the at-fault party be brought to justice. You should not be expected to cover the costs of someone else’s decision to drink and drive while intoxicated. The defendant may face criminal charges under Florida’s drunk driving statute per Florida Statutes 316.193, but you can also take matters into your own hands.
With the help of a reputable personal injury attorney, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against them. At trial, we will need to introduce evidence that proves the defendant’s liability based on a preponderance of the evidence, according to the Florida Courts. If we meet the burden of proof, the jury should return a verdict in your favor, which will hopefully include a sizable compensation settlement.
Dealing with the insurance company is not going to be easy. Even though the drunk driver may be at fault, Florida follows no-fault insurance laws as described by Florida Statute 627.7407. Instead of filing a claim against the drunk driver’s insurance policy, you are filing a claim against your own. You might initially think this is in your best interests, as you have an existing auto insurance policy. Unfortunately, insurance companies are not known for prioritizing their policyholder’s needs.
If or when the insurance company denies your claim or refuses to compensate you for the total value of your losses, you will need a highly experienced legal advocate to challenge its decision. We are not afraid to renegotiate settlement terms or call out insurance companies who are engaging in bad-faith insurance tactics.
You do not have an unlimited amount of time to pursue your Florida drunk driving lawsuit. The statute of limitations is already counting down, leaving you with no more than two years from the date of the accident to get your lawsuit filed as described under Fla. Stat. § 95.11(4). After everything you have been through, you should not have to deal with legal nuances like these to demand justice.
Working with a highly experienced Florida drunk driving accident lawyer from Shapiro | Delgado may be the best way to ensure your claim is filed before the statute of limitations expires so you can make the liable party pay. Let us handle the legal details on your behalf so you can recuperate without the stress of litigation and insurance negotiations. Fill out our online contact form or call us to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation as soon as today.
