Victims of a DUI Crash
If you were seriously injured by a person driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the justice system seems incredibly unfair. The person accused of a crime, including drunk driving, DUI with serious bodily injury, DUI manslaughter, or vehicular manslaughter, might quickly bond out of jail and be appointed a free attorney to help them fight the criminal charge.
On the other hand, the victim of the crash might face an uphill battle getting fair compensation for their damages including pain and suffering, medical bills, and property damage. Prosecutors don’t always pay enough attention to the victim’s damages and need for restitution.
Personal injury attorneys often charge a high percentage to settle these cases for policy limits. In some cases, just writing a letter to the insurance company is enough to get an offer for 100% of the policy limits. In fact, insurance companies typically offer to pay policy limits quickly in these cases.
Despite this fact, personal injury attorneys often profit by charging victims attorney fees that run between 33.3 percent to 40 percent plus costs of the final settlement amount. The victim of the DUI crash should seek out information on how to get their life back on track without suffering severe emotional and financial burdens.
When the victim finally receives their check, they find out just how much their attorney has charged. As a result, victims often wonder if they might have been better off representing themselves in this type of case.
Before you decide, contact an experienced attorney at Sammis Law Firm. We understand the way these cases are resolved and how the victims of a DUI crash can maximize their money damages to be paid by the driver or their insurance company.
Personal Injury Attorneys for DUI Crash Victims in Tampa, FL
The attorneys at Sammis Law Firm understand how to make sure the driver and their insurance company pay the maximum benefit under the law. We also know how to gather evidence that might help convince the insurance company to pay police limits.
In some cases, several insurance policies might be liable. Additionally, if the alleged perpetrator of the crime is not indigent, the law might require that they contribute to the amount due to the victim, even if that amount is above and beyond the policy limits. What is more, Florida’s dram shop act might require a third party that negligently supplied alcohol or drugs to the at-fault driver to pay additional money damages including punitive damages.
In some cases, you might be entitled to receive compensation from the Florida Bureau of Victim Compensation. We can help you fill out the paperwork to make sure you have the best chance of getting your claim paid to cover your injuries or disability, medical expenses, physical therapy, mental health counseling, and property damage.
In DUI manslaughter cases, those damages might include the loss of support and the loss of wages for time away from work for family members.
Before you decide how to proceed, contact an attorney at Sammis Law Firm.
Call 813-250-0500.
Additional Resources
The Rights of Victims in Criminal Cases in Florida – Attorneys explain how victims of crimes such as DUI with serious bodily injury, DUI manslaughter, or vehicular manslaughter, can seek justice for their pain and suffering, as well as their other money damages. Find out how to opt-in to the benefits provided by Marsy’s Law (Article 1, Section 16 of the Florida Constitution) and apply for benefits from the crimes compensation fund. Learn more about how restitution is awarded in the criminal justice system and might come into play during pre-trial negotiations. The article explains how a dram shop violation by a business that sold alcohol before the drunk-driving crash might result in the victim receiving additional money damages or even punitive damages.
Attorney for the Victims of Hit and Run Accidents – Attorneys explain the best ways for victims of a hit and run crash to receive fair compensation and money damages for their injuries and property damage. In addition to damages in the civil case, you might also be entitled to restitution in the criminal court ordered by the judge. Our attorneys are familiar with the standard operating procedures used during the traffic crash investigation or traffic homicide investigation by local law enforcement agencies including the Tampa Police Department, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Highway Patrol.
This article was last updated on Tuesday, September 13, 2022.
