Ocala Drunk Driver Accident Attorney

We all know that drinking and driving is illegal, but many people do it anyway. Many people enjoy partying and don’t want to call someone to drive them home. So they try to drive while intoxicated, while their judgment and reaction time is impacted. This often leads to serious and deadly accidents. If you or a loved one was injured or killed by an intoxicated driver’s negligence, contact an Ocala drunk driver accident attorney today.

What is Drunk Driving?

Drunk driving is when a person drives a vehicle while they have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or above. Under Florida law, if a person is under the age of 21, they can be charged with driving under the influence (DUI) if their BAC is just 0.02% or above. This is just one alcoholic drink. Each drink you have is more and more dangerous to yourself and others on the road.

I Was Hit by a Drunk Driver. What Should I Do Now?

After getting hit by a drunk driver, your first thought may be to file a lawsuit. However, the better option may be to talk to the other driver’s insurance company about a settlement. If you don’t feel comfortable doing so, a personal injury attorney can help. The attorney can tell the insurance company that you are intending to seek compensation for all damages resulting from the drunk driving accident.

You will likely get a large sum for settlement. This is because insurance companies don’t want to take a drunk driving car accident to court. When their insured driver has been convicted of a DUI or DWI offense, taking the case to trial can be an expensive decision. A jury will most likely rule in favor of the victim and award them a huge sum of money. There, a higher-than-average settlement is in the insurance company’s best interest.

Two Types of Cases

A drunk driving accident can lead to both a criminal and a civil case. A person convicted of a DWI or DUI offense can face jail time, hefty fines, license loss, and other penalties. This is a criminal case.

A civil case is when you file a personal injury claim against the drunk driver. If a judge finds the driver guilty, they will have to pay you compensation for your damages.

A criminal case and a civil case are not connected. You can have one without the other. Even if the driver is not convicted of a DUI, you can still sue them for damages. They just won’t face any criminal penalties.

Contact an Ocala Hit by Drunk Driver Attorney Today

Getting hit by a drunk driver can be a frustrating issue, especially since all motorists know that driving while intoxicated is illegal. You need to ensure you hold the drunk driver and their insurance company liable for your damages.

The personal injury attorneys at Meldon Law can give you the advice you need to deal with this type of accident. We can help you deal with the insurance company or file a lawsuit, if needed. Schedule a consultation with an Ocala hit by drunk driver attorney by calling (800) 373-3000.