Palm Beach Gardens Drunk Driver Injury Lawyer
Drunk driving is incredibly dangerous behavior which is why Florida, like all other states, has classified it as a serious criminal offense. The criminal penalties, such as fines and jail time, do not provide any compensation to accident victims, though. It is for this reason that injured individuals must file a claim against the drunk driver to obtain compensation for their medical bills, lost income, and more. Below, our Palm Beach Gardens drunk driver injury lawyer outlines the steps to take after a crash and the types of compensation you can recover.
What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident
The moments after a crash involving a drunk driver are stressful and you may not know what to do immediately afterward. The most important steps to take are as follows:
- Remain at the scene until police arrive. Tell them what you know about how the accident occurred, but do not guess. After the police report has been filed, obtain a copy.
- Take pictures and video footage of your injuries, the damage to all vehicles involved, and the accident scene as a whole and from different angles.
- Locate eyewitnesses and ask them for their name and contact information.
- Exchange your name, contact information, and insurance information with all other drivers involved.
- Seek medical attention immediately, either at the scene or at an emergency room as soon as possible after the crash.
- Contact a lawyer who can conduct an investigation and help you file a claim for compensation.
Damages Available After a Drunk Driving Accident
After being involved in a crash with a drunk driver, there are two types of damages, or compensation, you can recover. The first are compensatory damages and these are divided into economic and non-economic damages. As its name suggests, this type of compensation is intended to compensate you for any losses you sustained during the accident. Medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering are just a few of the most common types of compensatory damages.
Punitive damages are the other type of damages you can recover after a drunk driving accident. These damages are not meant to compensate you for the losses you sustained during the crash. Instead, they are meant to punish the defendant for gross negligence or recklessness. Punitive damages are rarely awarded in personal injury cases. However, due to the fact that drunk driving is very well-known as dangerous behavior, there is a better chance of obtaining punitive damages in these cases.
Our Drunk Driver Injury Lawyer in Palm Beach Gardens Can Help You Obtain Full Damages
Drunk driving is extremely dangerous and if you have been hurt, it is important that you hold the responsible party accountable for paying full damages. At Smith, Ball, Baez & Prather, our Palm Beach Gardens drunk driver injury lawyer can prove the other driver was under the influence so you obtain the full and fair damages you deserve. Call or text us now at 561-500-HELP or reach out to us online to schedule a free review of your case and to learn more about your legal options.
