Drunk driving accidents should never happen, but unfortunately, they are far too common. Because of one motorist’s negligent decision, you may be forced to endure severe injuries that derail your life, threaten your career, and bring hardships to your family.
When you are injured in an accident with a drunk driver, you have the right to seek economic and non-economic damages. Our drunk driving accident lawyers in Fort Myers will help you prove the at-fault driver’s negligence and recover the compensation you deserve.
Our legal team at the Blakeley Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers is here for you when disaster strikes. Our car accident lawyers in Fort Myers have helped recover more than $250 million in awards and settlements for injury victims in Florida. Call for your free consultation and tell us about your accident.
Drunk Driving Accident Claims in Florida
Every licensed driver in the state of Florida has a legal duty to operate their vehicles safely. Choosing to drink and drive is a clear violation of that duty and shows negligence that can make the drunk driver liable for damages caused in accidents.
However, because of certain nuances of Florida law, a car accident case involving a drunk driver can get complicated. In addition, insurance companies may seek ways to undervalue your claim or avoid paying you altogether. Don’t try to handle your claim on your own.
You need a legal advocate in your corner who understands the applicable Florida statutes and knows how to deal with insurance companies. Our personal injury lawyers in Fort Myers will make sure you are treated fairly and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
How Our Team Can Help
No car accident is easy, but one involving a drunk driver can be especially stressful. Some of the ways our team can relieve your burden include:
- Explaining your rights and the laws that will come into play in your case.
- Investigating the crash to discover evidence that shows the other driver’s liability
- Accurately assessing your damages so your hardships are fully accounted for.
- Managing your case from start to finish and dealing with insurance companies.
- Negotiating with insurers for a fair settlement that fully covers your losses.
- File a civil lawsuit if necessary and possible, and fight for your award in court.
We charge for our services on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront, and we only take our fee once we recover compensation for you. If we don’t win, you don’t pay.
Fort Myers Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Near Me
Get Free CONSULTATIONNo-Fault Auto Insurance in Florida
Florida is a no-fault auto insurance state. That means drivers are responsible for making a claim with their own auto insurance policy when they are in an accident, no matter who was at fault. Depending on the extent of your damages, this may be enough.
However, there are limitations to what your auto insurance will cover, and in serious accidents, your damages could be far beyond what your policy will allow. In those cases, you may be able to hold the at-fault driver liable for damages beyond what your policy covers.
Our drunk driving accident attorneys in Fort Myers will review your insurance policy and your damages. We will fight to hold the negligent drunk driver accountable for your injuries and prove that their negligence caused the accident and your hardships.
Comparative Negligence in Florida
Florida also follows modified comparative negligence for personal injury cases such as car crashes, as outlined in Florida Statutes § 768.81. The law allows you to recover compensation even when the accident was partially your fault, as long as you aren’t more than 50% responsible.
Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. However, if you are deemed more than 50% accountable for the accident, you are barred from recovering any compensation at all. Insurers often use this law to their advantage and blame you for the crash.
It might seem unlikely in a drunk driving case, especially if the driver is also facing criminal consequences, but this tactic is just one more reason it’s smart to have a strong legal team on your side. Our Fort Myers drunk driving accident lawyers are ready to fight for you.
Talk to Our Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys in Fort Myers
Despite the known dangers and serious legal consequences, drunk driving continues to be a major issue on the roadways. Motorists who choose to get behind the wheel while they are intoxicated are committing a breach of their duty to operate their vehicle safely.
If their actions cause an accident, they may face criminal charges. Our drunk driving accident attorneys in Fort Myers can help you hold them civilly accountable as well. We will pursue maximum compensation and seek a settlement or award that makes a difference in your life.
With nearly four decades of combined legal experience behind us, Blakeley Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers stands strong for every client who puts their trust in us. Get in touch with us today by phone or online to schedule your free consultation and discuss your drunk driving accident case.