Drunk driving continues to cause wrongful deaths and catastrophic injuries in the Jacksonville region, including Duval County and the City of Jacksonville, FL. A drunk driver can destroy a family in a matter of seconds.
The Jacksonville DUI accident attorneys of Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers have seen firsthand the damages caused when a driver operates a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol. The physical, emotional, and financial damages caused by a drunk driving accident can be debilitating.
Our legal team has over 69 years of combined experience handling drunk driving accidents in Jacksonville. Since 2012, we have recovered tens of millions of dollars in compensation for accident victims and their families.
If a drunk driver caused your accident, contact our law firm to schedule a free consultation at (904) 396-1100 with one of our Jacksonville car accident lawyers. Let us help you recover compensation for the damages caused by a drunk driver.
How Our Jacksonville Car Accident Lawyers Help You After a DUI Accident
Proving liability for a car accident can be challenging. Even though a driver was intoxicated, you have the burden of proving causation and fault before you can receive compensation for damages.
Our Jacksonville car accident attorneys at Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers have extensive experience investigating car accident claims. Our legal team handles all aspects of your case while you focus on healing from your injuries and getting your life back together after a DUI crash.
When you hire our personal injury attorneys, you can expect us to:
- Obtain copies of accident reports, interview eyewitnesses, and search for videos of the collision as part of a comprehensive accident investigation
- Verify insurance coverage and file insurance claims
- Document damages to calculate the value of your injury claim
- Monitor the status of the claims and negotiate settlements
- Keep you advised of the progress of your case
- Prepare to argue your case in court if the other party refuses to settle the claim for a fair amount
We want to help you get the money you deserve for an accident claim. Call our law office to schedule a free consultation with one of our DUI accident lawyers in Jacksonville, Florida.
Who is Liable for a DUI Accident in Jacksonville?
The driver who causes a car crash can be held financially liable for damages caused by severe injuries. Florida Statute §316.193 states that a person is guilty of driving under the influence if they have:
- A substance in their system that impairs their normal faculties;
- A blood-alcohol (BAC) level of 0.08 or more grams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood; or
- A BAC level of 0.08 or more grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath.
However, intoxication does not automatically equate to being at fault for a car accident. You have the burden of proving that the drunk driver’s actions caused the collision. For example, you may have to prove that the driver failed to yield the right of way or crossed the center line and caused your crash. Our legal team gathers evidence that proves the drunk driver was responsible for causing the car accident.
Negligence per se may apply in some DUI accident cases. Under this legal theory, the driver automatically breached the duty of care because he violated the law by driving under the influence. This may help establish liability in a negligence claim.
Injuries and Damages Caused by Drunk Drivers in Jacksonville
Sadly, many of the worst injuries in DUI crashes are sustained by innocent victims. Accident victims may sustain injuries including:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Brain injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Paralysis
- Severe disfigurement and scarring
- Internal organ damage
- Amputations and loss of limbs
Accident victims could incur substantial economic damages, including loss of income, medical expenses, and property damage. They may also be entitled to compensation for their non-economic damages (pain and suffering).
Catastrophic injuries can cause life-threatening conditions and permanent impairments. Individuals can receive additional compensation for permanent disabilities and impairments. For example, they may receive compensation for future lost wages, ongoing nursing care, diminished earning potential, and decreased quality of life.
Punitive damages may also be awarded in some DUI accident cases. These damages are not compensatory damages for the victim, even though the victim receives the money. Instead, punitive damages are intended to “punish” the drunk driver for grossly negligent and intentional acts that harm another person.
How Long Do I Have to File a DUI Accident Lawsuit?
As with other car accident cases, you have four years after the DUI crash to file a lawsuit against the drunk driver. If the Florida statute of limitation expires before filing your lawsuit, you lose the right to pursue the claim in court.
Wrongful death lawsuits caused by DUI accidents have a two-year deadline. Family members may sue the drunk driver for damages caused by the death of a loved one.
Schedule a Free Consultation With A Jacksonville, FL Auto Accident Lawyer At Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers
Call now for your free consultation with one of our experienced Jacksonville DUI accident attorneys. Our legal team is ready to fight to get you the most money possible for your car accident claim.
Other Common Types of Car Wrecks in Jacksonville
If you’ve been recently injured in an auto accident, our legal team can help you. We handle all types of car accident claims in Jacksonville, including:
- Airbag Injuries
- Distracted Driving Accidents
- Head-on Crashes
- Highway Accidents
- Hit and run Crashes
- Intersection Crashes
- Lane Change Crashes
- Left-Turn Accidents
- Multi-Vehicle Accidents
- Parking Lot Accidents
- Red and Yellow Light Collisions
- Rollover Accidents
- Seat Belt Injuries
- Single-Vehicle Accidents
- Speeding Accidents
- Uninsured Motorist Claims
- U-Turn Accidents
- And more.
