When someone who has consumed drugs or alcohol takes to the road, they create a serious hazard for everyone around them. If you were injured in an accident caused by someone driving under the influence (DUI), you may be entitled to compensation. An experienced DUI accident lawyer in Fort Pierce can assist you in recovering damages from the liable party.
At The Schiller Kessler Group, we have a strong track record of helping individuals injured in DUI-related accidents. Our Fort Pierce car accident lawyers are dedicated to supporting your recovery following an accident. Reach out to us today by filling out our online contact form or giving us a call to set up a free case review with a member of our legal staff.
How a DUI Accident Victim Attorney Serving Fort Pierce Can Assist You in Recovering Compensation After a Collision
Enlisting the help of an experienced Fort Pierce personal injury lawyer for your DUI accident case allows you to concentrate on your recovery from any injuries you suffered. When you hire an attorney, they will handle every aspect of your legal case, maximizing your chances of obtaining compensation from the negligent party.
Whether you are filing a personal injury lawsuit or seeking compensation through an insurance claim, your lawyer will manage all necessary steps and ensure that all paperwork is completed accurately and submitted on time. Here are some of the actions you can your attorney will likely take on your behalf:
- Investigating the accident to determine liability
- Gathering relevant evidence
- Assessing the compensatory damages you can pursue
- Calculating the total value of your claim
- Filing all required documents
- Negotiating with the insurer or opposing counsel to reach a fair settlement deal
- Arguing your case at trial if needed
Your attorney will keep you informed throughout the process, including notifying you of any settlement offers made by the other party. They will ensure you fully understand your legal rights and responsibilities and advise you on the best course of action for pursuing compensation.
More people choose The Schiller Kessler Group because they know that we’re a cut above other personal injury law firms.
No-Fault Insurance Laws in Florida
Florida is one of a handful of states that operates under a no-fault insurance system. This means that all drivers are required to carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. After suffering damages in a DUI accident, you will first file a claim with your own insurer under this policy before you can potentially pursue damages from the party responsible for the accident.
If the cost of your damages exceeds your coverage limits, you may be able to seek compensation from the liable party. Options include submitting a claim with the liable party’s insurer or filing a personal injury lawsuit if you sustained serious injuries in the crash. To qualify as serious, one of the following conditions must apply:
- The injury is permanent and cannot be treated
- You have experienced significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function
- You have sustained permanent scarring or disfigurement
- The injury resulted in death
No matter what time of day it is, you can contact The Schiller Kessler Group to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
Damages You Can Pursue After Sustaining an Injury in a DUI Accident
If you were severely injured in a DUI accident, you may be eligible to pursue a variety of damages from the responsible party. It’s important to remember that each accident is unique, and the applicable damages can vary significantly from case to case. Fortunately, an experienced lawyer can help you identify the specific damages relevant to your situation.
The most commonly claimed compensatory damages following DUI accidents include:
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of companionship
- Mental anguish
- Medical expenses
- Future medical costs
- Emotional distress
- Lost wages
- Decreased earning capacity
- Reduced quality of life
- Permanent disability
- Scarring and disfigurement
Additionally, there is a high probability that you will have the opportunity to pursue punitive damages if you were injured due to an intoxicated driver. While punitive damages are awarded in only a small percentage of car accident cases overall, they are frequently granted in DUI-related incidents.
Punitive damages are intended for cases where the responsible party acted with gross negligence or the intent to cause harm. Your attorney will likely be able to demonstrate that the intoxication of the at-fault driver meets the criteria for gross negligence.
Be Aware of the Statute of Limitations When Pursuing a DUI Accident Lawsuit
When working to recover damages in a personal injury claim following a DUI accident, it’s crucial to be mindful of the applicable statute of limitations. In 2023, several changes were made to Florida’s personal injury laws, including the statute of limitations. These modifications reduced the time frame for accident victims to file a lawsuit from four years to just two years.
If you don’t file your lawsuit within the allotted time, you will likely be out of options for recovering compensation. Hiring an experienced lawyer to represent you in the litigation process as soon as possible is the best way to ensure you meet all the deadlines applicable to your case.
Securing the services of an attorney early will also put them in the best position to build a strong case on your behalf. The earlier they can get started, the easier it will be for them to collect evidence supporting your claim. Furthermore, they will be able to record testimony from witnesses while the events are still fresh in their minds.
The Experienced Personal Injury Lawyers at Our Firm Operate on a Contingency Fee Basis
When you hire a DUI accident attorney from our firm, you won’t need to worry about whether or not you can afford their services. Our lawyers work for you on a contingency fee basis, which means you only pay us if we successfully secure compensation for you. We do not charge an hourly rate or any upfront fees for the services we provide.
Instead, our payment comes solely from a fixed percentage of the amount we recover for you. This fee is taken at the conclusion of your case and is deducted directly from the settlement or court-awarded compensation you receive. You will never have to pay anything out of pocket.
By using this payment structure, we can ensure that all accident victims can afford to hire an experienced lawyer, regardless of their financial circumstances.
Get Your Free Consultation With an Experienced DUI Accident Victim Lawyer in Fort Pierce Today
At The Schiller Kessler Group, we have over three decades of experience and a strong track record of achieving favorable outcomes for our clients. Our Fort Pierce DUI accident victim lawyers are dedicated to helping you obtain the compensation you need and deserve.
Check out our client testimonials to better understand the level of service you can expect when working with our team. Then, contact us today by calling or filling out our online contact form to schedule a free case evaluation with a member of our legal team.
Injured? Call The Aggressive Attorneys Today
