Driving under the influence (DUI) is one of the leading causes of serious accidents in the United States every year. If you suffered damages in an accident caused by an impaired driver, an experienced DUI accident victim attorney in Palm Beach can help you pursue the compensation you need and deserve from the liable party.
At The Schiller Kessler Group, we have seen the devastation that often follows DUI accidents. We have the knowledge and experience to put you in the best position possible to recover the compensation you need and deserve. Contact us today by phone or through our website to schedule a free consultation with one of our West Palm Beach car accident lawyers.
No-Fault Insurance Law in Florida
Florida is one of a handful of states that use a no-fault insurance law when dealing with car accident cases. Under this law, all drivers are required to carry personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. If you suffer damages in a crash, your first option for recovering compensation will always be to file a claim with your own insurance provider.
However, you may still be able to submit a claim with the insurance provider of the driver that caused the accident or file a personal injury lawsuit against them if you suffered a serious injury in the accident with damages exceeding your coverage limits.
For an injury to qualify as serious under Florida law, one of the following must be true:
- You suffered significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function
- The accident resulted in a permanent injury
- You sustained permanent scarring or disfigurement
- The injury resulted in death
More people choose The Schiller Kessler Group because they know that we’re a cut above other personal injury law firms.
What a DUI Accident Victim Attorney in West Palm Beach Can Do To Help You Recover Compensation
When you hire a lawyer after suffering an accident in a crash caused by an intoxicated driver, there are a variety of actions they will take in the pursuit of compensation. With an experienced attorney by your side, you can relax and focus your attention on healing from your injuries.
Whether attempting to recover compensation through a car accident lawsuit or an insurance claim, your attorney will ensure that all the necessary steps of the process are completed correctly and on time. Some of the actions your lawyer will likely take on your behalf include:
- Investigating your accident to determine liability
- Gathering evidence
- Figuring out which compensatory damages you are eligible to recover
- Calculating the full value of your case
- Submitting all necessary paperwork
- Negotiating with the insurance company or opposing counsel for a fair settlement deal
- Arguing your case in court if necessary
At every stage of the process, your attorney will keep you updated on their progress and any new developments. They will present you with any settlement offers put forth by the opposing party and advise you about your rights and the best path forward.
No matter what time of day it is, you can contact The Schiller Kessler Group to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
Recoverable Damages in a DUI Accident Case
After suffering a serious injury in a DUI accident, there are several types of damages you will likely be eligible to claim. Every accident case is unique, which means that the damages that apply will differ from case to case. An experienced lawyer can review the details of your case and help you identify all the damages that apply.
The compensatory damages most frequently recovered in DUI accident cases include:
- Medical bills
- Future medical costs
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Diminished quality of life
- Permanent disability
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Lowered earning ability
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of consortium
Punitive damages may also be available after a crash. While only recoverable in a small percentage of car accident cases, punitive damages are awarded at a high rate in accidents caused by drivers charged with DUI. That’s because these damages are meant to serve as a punishment for drivers guilty of criminal negligence.
File Your Lawsuit Before the Statute of Limitations Runs Out
It is essential that you pay attention to the personal injury statute of limitations when attempting to recover compensation through a lawsuit after an accident.
In 2023, Florida made several changes to the personal injury laws in the state. These changes included decreasing the time that accident victims have to file a lawsuit after an accident from four to two years.
Our Palm Beach DUI Accident Victim Lawyers Work on a Contingency Fee Basis
When you hire a DUI accident attorney from our firm, you will never have to worry about receiving a bill for services you can not afford to pay. This is because our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. We will never charge you a fee to retain our services or for the hours we work on your case.
Instead, the only payment we will receive will come at the end of your case and then only if we succeed in recovering damages on your behalf. This fee will be paid as a fixed percentage of the compensation you recover and will be taken directly out of the settlement or court-ordered payout, meaning you will never pay a penny out of your own pocket.
Under this payment structure, all accident victims can afford to hire legal representation, regardless of their financial standing. Furthermore, you can feel confident that your attorney will do everything in their power to ensure you get as much money for your case as possible since their payment for services will be directly tied to your financial recovery.
Schedule a Free Case Review With an Experienced West Palm Beach DUI Accident Victim Lawyer
At SKG, we have helped countless accident victims recover the compensation they need and deserve after an accident. Our attorneys are ready and waiting to help you get the money you need and deserve after suffering damages in an accident caused by a driver charged with DUI.
Contact us today by phone or by completing our contact form and schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation with a member of our legal team.
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