Drunk driving accidents can wreak havoc on every aspect of your life. From physical pain to psychological trauma and financial fallout, DUI injury victims face unprecedented challenges that may seem insurmountable.
Get help from a Melbourne drunk driving accident lawyer at Andrew Pickett Law, PLLC. Founding partner Andrew Pickett, a former prosecutor, is an aggressive trial attorney with extensive courtroom experience. He will meet with you to discuss your personal injury case and help you decide on your next legal steps.
Your Drunk Driving Case Deserves Personalized Representation from a Trial Attorney
Over the past decade, Andrew Pickett has pursued more than 50 jury trials, and he will not hesitate to take your case as far as necessary. Since drunk driving cases can involve both civil and criminal courts, it is ideal to have an attorney who is experienced with handling many different scenarios.
Andrew Pickett and his team of dedicated paralegals are committed to providing personalized attention to each injury case. At Andrew Pickett Law, PLLC, we understand that victims of drunk driving accidents need time to focus on recovery.
You should not have to pay for injuries caused by someone else’s wrongful actions. We will defend your legal right to compensation for your losses through aggressive negotiations and represent your interests in court if necessary.
For a free legal consultation with a drunk driving accidents lawyer serving Melbourne, call 321-503-4014
Drunk Driving Accident Injuries Can Be Catastrophic and Life-Altering
Per the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), more than 2,100 people were arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in Brevard County in 2021. DUIs present a very real danger to drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and bikers in Melbourne and the surrounding areas.
Since alcohol and drugs affect a driver’s state of mind, injuries incurred in drunk driving accidents may be especially debilitating. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), likely effects of DUI include reduced reaction times, compromised judgment, problems regulating speed, difficulty controlling direction, inability to focus on multiple tasks, loss of coordination, and more.
Impaired cognitive function from drugs and alcohol can result in catastrophic injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Face, head, or eye injury
- Crushed and broken bones
- Internal damage and organ injury
- Severe abrasions and lacerations
- Burns
- Permanent disfigurement
- Chronic disability
- Spinal injury
- Paralysis
- Loss of limb
If you or a loved one suffered a severe injury due to someone driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you do not have to face the fallout alone. Speak with a Melbourne DUI attorney to discuss your legal options.
Melbourne Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Near Me 321-503-4014
We Can Help Protect Your Rights After a Drunk Driving Accident in Melbourne, FL
When you are injured in a car accident due to someone else’s wrongful actions, the last thing you need to worry about is negotiating with insurance companies. Andrew Pickett and his team of skilled paralegals will handle the negotiations for you, including phone calls, emails, written correspondence, and legal filings, so you can focus your attention on recovering your health.
With Andrew Pickett Law, PLCC, you gain decades of trial experience and legal resources that we can use to defend your legal right to compensation. Our case results speak for themselves, with millions of dollars recovered on behalf of our injury victims.
We will use the full power of our knowledge to seek justice and fair compensation for your losses from the at-fault party and their insurance company.
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Compensation You May Recover in a Melbourne Drunk Driving Accident
After a Melbourne, FL drunk driving accident, you may face more than just physical injuries and hospital bills. You may also contend with the loss of work, replacing or repairing your vehicle, psychological trauma, and medical treatments that can span years.
A car accident attorney familiar with Florida’s DUI laws can help you seek the compensation you need to cover the economic and non-economic losses associated with your accident. Damages we may seek include:
- Economic damages, like medical bills, lost income, reduced future income, medication, medical equipment, and other damages that can be calculated using tangible bills, pay stubs, and other financial documentation
- Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), mental anguish, loss of enjoyment, and reduced quality of life
- Punitive damages, to discourage the at-fault party and others from driving under the influence in the future
- Punitive damages are rarely awarded in injury cases, but are more likely to be awarded in cases of gross negligence, such as DUI accidents. If punitive damages are awarded, the judge or jury will determine the value they deem appropriate to punish the wrongdoer and hopefully prevent them from engaging in the same harmful behaviors in the future.
We will evaluate your claim to determine which damages you can seek in your injury claim and how much you should demand from the at-fault party and their insurer.
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We Know Florida Laws for Drunk Driving Accidents
To secure a fair settlement for your drunk driving accident, you must prove that the other party was substantially at fault for the accident. Florida Statutes § 316.193 prohibits operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or certain prescription drugs.
Although drunk driving can certainly affect the determination of fault, Florida Statutes § 768.81 establishes contributory negligence as a method of determining settlement values for injury claims.
Your Melbourne drunk driving accident attorney will know how to establish fault and obtain the proof necessary to hold the at-fault party responsible for their actions. Florida Statutes § 316.066 requires police to file a crash report within ten days of the investigation, and your drunk driving lawyer serving Melbourne can use this report to prove that the other party was driving under the influence when the accident occurred.
Other documentation we may use to substantiate your claim includes:
- Photo and video evidence
- Medical records
- Witness testimony
- Statements from medical professionals and economic experts
Statutes of Limitations for Florida DUI Lawsuits
Generally speaking, Florida Statutes § 95.11 allows four years to file a lawsuit against someone for a drunk driving injury. However, the deadline in your case may be longer or shorter, depending on your unique circumstances.
For example, if you lost a loved one due to a DUI driver’s negligent actions, you typically have only two years to file your lawsuit. Our team can help you seek justice and compensation for the loss of your loved one through a wrongful death claim or lawsuit. Per Florida Statutes § 768.21, damages we can seek on your behalf include pain and suffering, emotional anguish, funeral and burial expenses, and loss of companionship.
Schedule Your Free Consultation With a Melbourne Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Today
At Andrew Pickett Law, PLLC, we understand that no financial award can make up for the losses you sustained in a DUI accident. However, our compassionate legal team is here to help you obtain financial compensation to ease the burden of your losses, so you can focus on recovery.
Contact our office today to arrange a free consultation.
Call or text 321-503-4014 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
