A drunk driver can obliterate someone’s life trajectory in seconds. DUI charges are serious in Florida, but criminal charges don’t compensate victims for lost wages or medical bills so they can move on with their lives. That’s why having an experienced drunk driving accident lawyer fighting for your rights is essential to getting the compensation necessary to recover from your injuries and protect long-term stability during a traumatizing and confusing ime.
How Does Florida Law Treat DUI Accidents?
There are two sides to the legal process for DUI accidents here in Florida. Drunk driving is treated as a criminal offense prosecuted by the state, while victims of the accident can pursue separate civil claims to pay for damages. As an experienced drunk driving lawyer, BCN Law Firm has helped handle the civil side for hundreds of DUI victims with injury claims to recover what is necessary financially to deal with the long-term effects such a devastating accident can have. Some key aspects of a Florida DUI case are:
- Arrest reports and blood alcohol testing
- Police crash investigations
- Disputes with insurance companies
We will utilize each element when building a strong personal injury DUI claim to recover damages.
Why Are Criminal Charges Not Enough?
Criminal cases are intended to punish the driver, while civil cases compensate the victim so they can move on from the accident. Even if a driver is being prosecuted by the state for jail time, that doesn’t do anything for the victim in terms of compensation. A Florida DUI victim lawyer will help you pursue damages through insurance claims or civil court. Here’s what you should know about criminal charges versus civil cases:
- State prosecutors file and manage criminal cases, while injured victims initiate and control civil cases
- Criminal cases focus on punishment, such as probation, fines, or jail time, while in civil cases are about financial recovery for the victim
- Proof beyond a reasonable doubt is the process for criminal cases, while civil cases must determine damages based on evidence of liability.
What Can Victims Recover In Civil Claims?
In civil claims, victims can seek compensation for lost income, medical bills, long-term care, and pain and suffering. While a conviction or guilty plea can assist the civil case, criminal guilt alone doesn’t determine compensation – that’s where a DUI injury attorney needs to prove documented losses. Drunk driving accidents notoriously result in severe injuries that impact victims for a lifetime. Some common damages a lawyer can help you recover are:
- Medical bills for current and future care
- Reduced earning ability
- Lost wages
- Pain, suffering, and loss of quality of life
- Property damage
How A Florida DUI Lawyer Can Protect You
Insurance companies are only interested in their bottom line. Insurers may minimize injuries or try to lowball you with fast settlements because they know you need the money for your injuries. An experienced Florida DUI lawyer will fight for your rights. In DUI civil lawsuits, Florida courts often allow civil claims beyond basic policies. Don’t rely on insurance alone – it may leave you with significantly less than what you need to recover from lasting injuries.
At BCN Law Firm, we help accident victims navigate each step of the process with precision and care. Our team helps you:
- Meet legal deadlines
- Deal with insurers
- Pursue full financial recovery
- Gather evidence and witness testimony to build strong evidence-backed claims to prove the full extent of your injuries and the impact the accident has had on your life
Contact Us Today
Drunk driving accidents can devastate the victim’s life far beyond normal fender-benders. If you or someone you love was involved in a drunk driving accident, call BCN Law Firm to consult with an experienced DUI lawyer today.