Winter Haven DUI Accident Lawyer

Winter Haven, Florida and surrounding areas are prime tourist destinations, attracting more than 5 million visitors to Polk County annually. Adding in Winter Haven’s estimated population of over 55,000, there is a tremendous level of activity on the city streets daily.

Winter Haven benefits greatly from the food and beverage revenues generated by both vacationers and residents. But with this increased activity within bars and restaurants can come an increase in drinking and driving and the potential for serious car accidents. A DUI car accident lawyer in Winter Haven from JustCallMoe can help if you sustain injuries in an alcohol-related crash.

Florida Drunk Driving Car Accident Statistics

These shocking statistics from 2022 illustrate the impact driving under the influence has on Florida motorists:

• Alcohol-confirmed crashes: 5,262
• Alcohol-confirmed fatal crashes: 388 accidents, killing 423 people
• Alcohol-confirmed injury crashes: 1,745 accidents, injuring 3,084 people
• Alcohol and drug-confirmed crashes: 368

These collisions affected drivers, passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and other non-motorists.

Driving Under the Influence Laws in Florida

Florida DUI laws encompass impairments due to alcoholic beverages, controlled substances, or chemical substances. For adults, any blood or breath alcohol level over 0.08% is illegal; this limit is only 0.02% for drivers under 21.

Violators can face fines, driver’s license suspensions, and other court-assessed penalties. These consequences may be worse if a passenger in the vehicle is a minor. However, these potential repercussions aren’t enough to deter some intoxicated drivers from operating a motor vehicle.

Common Injuries From Drunk Driving Accidents

Common injuries from DUI crashes include:

• Broken bones
• Cuts and bruises
• Whiplash and concussions
• Traumatic brain or spinal cord injuries
• Internal organ bleeding or damage

In many cases, drunk drivers don’t hit the brakes or correct their steering to avoid obstacles. This can result in strong impacts and often more serious injuries.

What to Do if You Have Been Hit by a Drunk Driver

After any car crash, there are several things you should do to protect your health and potential personal injury claim:

• Report the accident by calling 911
• Accept or seek medical treatment and obtain a copy of the documentation
• Take photos and videos of the accident scene, injuries, vehicle placement and damage, eyewitness statements, and any other relevant details
• Follow the advice of medical professionals regarding treatments, medications, and restrictions during your recovery
• Contact JustCallMoe, your DUI accident lawyer in Winter Haven, to request your free consultation. We can help whether you are a resident or visitor

There are also a few things you shouldn’t do. Don’t:

• Admit any fault for causing the crash
• Post anything on social media
• Speak to insurance company investigators unless your attorney is present
• Accept an insurance company’s initial settlement offer without your lawyer’s participation

Insurance companies know what your case is worth, but they hope you don’t. They often offer low amounts, hoping to minimize their payouts.

Whether your injuries are mild or severe, you need to focus on recovery and leave the other accident-related tasks to your lawyer. When you hire a competent Winter Haven DUI accident lawyer from JustCallMoe, we can serve as your spokesperson in all insurance company dealings. We will also negotiate to get a favorable settlement for our clients.

Punitive Damages in Drunk Driving Cases

In DUI accidents, the at-fault driver (usually through their auto insurance company) is responsible for your accident-related expenses. These expenses may include medical bills, lost wages, replacement services, and property damage.

You may also qualify to obtain compensation for anything that diminishes your quality of life, such as pain and suffering, anxiety or depression, and losing your ability to enjoy life. These non-economic damages are sometimes challenging to prove, but your JustCallMoe attorney has the expertise to obtain and present evidence to support your case.

While the damages noted above compensate you for losses, punitive damages intend to punish the at-fault driver further. Not every car accident claim qualifies for punitive damages.

Courts must grant permission for you to seek this type of compensation. You have to prove the at-fault driver was reckless, wanton, or intentional in jeopardizing your safety or causing harm. Ask your DUI accident lawyer in Winter Haven if your case qualifies.

Proving Liability for a Winter Haven Drunk Driving Car Crash

Claiming that someone injured you isn’t enough to hold them liable for your damages. You have to prove they were negligent if you want to hold them accountable.

Every driver has a duty of care to practice safe driving behaviors to avoid harming themselves or others.

To prove negligence, your attorney will gather evidence to prove the following:

• Someone owed you a duty of care
• That party breached their duty of care
• The breach directly caused your injuries
• You suffered damages as a result

The drunk driver is not the only person who can be held liable for damages resulting from an alcohol-related accident. Your Winter Haven DUI accident lawyer will investigate that person’s actions prior to causing your accident to determine if others may have contributed in some way.

Potentially liable third parties under Florida’s Dram Shop law include establishments or persons serving alcohol. This may include social hosts, bars and clubs, liquor stores, or restaurants. This law is especially harsh if the intoxicated person is under the legal drinking age of 21.

Why Do You Need a Winter Haven DUI Accident Lawyer?

Insurance companies have attorneys to represent their interests, and those interests may conflict with yours. You deserve compensation for your injuries and the adverse impacts on your life, but you will likely need to fight for your rights.

Your attorney from JustCallMoe won’t let insurance companies take advantage of you. We will fight aggressively on your behalf to ensure you have a favorable outcome.

How Our Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers in Winter Haven Can Help

We are so confident in our ability to help that you don’t pay fees unless we win. If you need a DUI accident lawyer in Winter Haven, reach out to us at JustCallMoe. We are available 24/7 to answer questions. Request your free consultation today by calling, using live chat, or submitting our contact form.