DUI accidents cause thousands of needless injuries and deaths every year. When someone drives under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they put everyone on the road at risk. DUI accidents can cause serious injuries, lasting trauma, and money troubles for victims and their families. In Orlando, car accident attorneys play a critical role in helping victims recover losses from DUI accidents.
Common Injuries from DUI Accidents
DUI accidents often result in severe injuries because intoxicated drivers have slower reaction times and impaired judgment. Victims can suffer a wide range of physical injuries, from minor abrasions to life-threatening trauma. Common injuries include broken bones, internal organ damage, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
Broken bones are frequent in DUI accidents because of the force of impact. Victims may need multiples surgeries and a lot of rehabilitation to regain normal function. Internal injuries, and bleeding, are also common and may not be readily apparent after the crash. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are among the worst types of injuries from DUI accidents. And a TBI can lead to permanent disability, affecting memory, speech, motor skills, and overall quality of life.
Emotional trauma is another significant consequence of DUI accidents. Survivors often suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These emotional scars are as real as the physical ones.
Financial Impact of DUI Accidents
The financial impact of DUI accidents can be overwhelming for victims and their families. Medical bills quickly pile up due to emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation therapies, and ongoing medical treatment. Victims may also face lost wages from missed work during recovery or permanent loss of earning capacity if the injuries lead to disability. Repairing or replacing a damaged vehicle can be costly and stressful.
In Florida’s no-fault insurance system, victims initially turn to their own insurance coverage for compensation through Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance. But damages from severe DUI accidents frequently exceed these policy limits. When this happens, victims must seek additional compensation directly from the drunk driver or their insurance company through a personal injury lawsuit.
How Orlando Car Accident Attorneys Help Victims of DUI Accidents
Orlando car accident attorneys are essential allies for those injured in DUI accidents. They understand Florida’s complex laws related to drunk driving crashes and know how to build strong cases against negligent drivers.
An experienced and aggressive car accident attorney will investigate the accident very thoroughly by gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, sobriety test results, and medical records. They use this evidence to establish liability. Attorneys also handle negotiations with insurance companies. They usually try to minimize payouts, dispute claims and offer low settlements.
In cases involving severe injuries or wrongful death caused by DUI accidents, attorneys pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost employment, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of companionship. They may also seek punitive damages intended to punish the drunk driver for reckless behavior and deter others from similar actions.
Additionally, experienced attorneys examine all potential sources of compensation. Under Florida’s dram shop laws, establishments serving alcohol irresponsibly—such as bars or restaurants providing drinks to minors or habitual drinkers—can be held accountable if their actions contributed to the accidents.
Martinez Manglardi Orlando car accident attorneys are committed advocates who fight tirelessly for victims’ rights after devastating DUI accidents, so victims receive fair compensation for their losses by holding negligent drivers accountable.
Call 407-846-2240 for a free consultation with an Orlando car accident attorney at the Martinez Manglardi personal injury law firm. Convenient locations throughout Central Florida, including Orlando, Kissimmee, Apopka, Palm Bay, Ocala, Haines City, and Davenport. Call today.
