In Florida, many people suffer serious personal injuries when they are involved in an automobile accident / trucking accident with a drunk driver. Many accidents are caused or made more serious when a drunk driver is behind the will. Both motor skills and judgment are affected by the consumption of alcohol. If a person is injured as a result of the fault of a drunk driver, the victim can pursue an insurance claim and a civil action against the drunk driver. The decision to prosecute the drunk driver belongs to the local law enforcement agency and the State Attorney’s Office. Restitution may be obtained through the criminal case but usually only for out of pocket economic expenses like medical bills. While drunk driving is an aggravating factor to the case, the value of a personal injury case is still primarily based on the extent of the injuries, medical bills, medical treatment, diagnosis of the injuries, and prognosis of the injuries. It is possible to pursue a claim for punitive damages against the drunk driver; however, it should be kept in mind that insurance companies do not cover punitive damage awards.
If you have been a victim of a drunk driving incident or accident, contact a Florida Personal Injury Lawyer for guidance, consultation, and representation.