DUI Injury Lawyer
in Plantation

Being injured in an automobile accident can be devastating. Recovering from physical injuries takes time and may require missed days, weeks, or even months away from work. Medical treatments, followup appointments, and physical therapy can be very expensive. The stress of dealing with the aftermath of an automobile accident is further compounded if the accident was caused by a drunk driver. Fortunately, DUI accident victims may seek recourse by filing a claim against the drunk driver. Injured parties in DUI accidents may be able to receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and in some cases, intangible damages like pain and suffering.

DUI accident injuries

As is the case with all other car accidents, the injuries a person my suffer as a result of a DUI accident may vary. Anyone who is injured in an accident should immediately seek medical attention for evaluation regardless how minor an injury may feel at the time of the incident. Sometimes a person may feel uninjured at first, but later experience pain and symptoms. Failure to get examined and properly diagnosed may result in the worsening of a previously unnoticed condition. Examples of injuries that commonly occur as the result of DUI accidents include:

• cuts, bruises, lacerations, and burns
• concussion
• brain injury
• spinal cord injury
• internal injuries
• limb amputation
• whiplash
• disfigurement
• death

Determining fault

The process of determining fault in a DUI accident is typically very straightforward. Intoxicated driving generally meets the standard of negligence and may even be considered reckless in some cases. As a reasonable alternative to driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the intoxicated individual may opt to call a ride, take a taxi, take public transit if available, or simply remain at his or her current location until he or she sobers up.

DUI driving deaths

In cases in which a drunk driving accident causes the death of another person, the individual's family may file a wrongful death claim on their deceased family member's behalf. A wrongful death lawsuit seeks to ensure the family receives compensation to provide financial stability and to cover medical and funeral expenses. Families may also sue for punitive damages to punish the intoxicated driver in some cases.

DUI driving in Plantation

South Florida's coastal scene and warm climate lends itself to leisure activities for most of the year. Plantation is home to permanent and part-time residents, and it attracts travelers from around the world for vacation fun. Many of the leisure activities enjoyed by residents and visitors include alcohol. DUI driving and accidents are a dark downside to the pleasant local atmosphere. While Florida has made recent attempts to educate residents on the dangers of DUI driving, individuals in Plantation should be aware of their rights in the event that they are injured in a DUI-related accident.

Contact a Plantation car accident attorney

Drivers and pedestrians who are injured in an accident should contact a Plantation auto accident lawyer who has extensive experience handling DUI accident cases. It is best to contact an attorney immediately to ensure the claim is properly filed within Florida's statute of limitations. An attorney can help the victim receive the medical examinations he or she will need to properly document any resulting injuries and receive treatment. Family members of accident victims may obtain an attorney on the victim's behalf if the accident causes severe injury or death. Upon contacting a qualified Plantation DUI injury attorney like The Ellsley Law Firm, the lawyer will ask questions to determine the basic facts of the case. The attorney will then inform the victim and/or his or her family of the available legal options. A DUI accident lawyer can help injured parties decide which option is the best approach to obtaining their desired outcome. The case evaluation is free of charge and confidential, and the individual is not obligated to take the lawyer's advice. However, Florida's personal injury laws are very complex; therefore, most people legal representation to successfully navigate settlement negotiations and, if necessary, the trial process. Even filing documents with the court can be complicated; therefore, it is within an accident victim's interest to call an attorney for legal advice and representation. Moreover, having the guidance of an experienced attorney allows the victim to worry less about the intricacies of the legal process and to focus more on feeling better.