St. Augustine Drunk Driving Accident Attorney
Drunk Driving Accidents in Florida
Motor vehicle accidents involving drunk drivers are often more serious and complex than typical car crashes. At the scene of the crash, drunk drivers may be belligerent and unaware of the damage they have caused. Victims are often shaken and understandably upset by the actions of the drunk driver who caused the accident.
Moreover, these circumstances are often the best-case scenario. Frequently, drunk driving accidents are so severe that those involved suffer serious injuries or die at the scene. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), of the 4,984 alcohol-confirmed crashes in 2019 (the latest year for which data are available), 351 were fatal and 262 resulted in incapacitating injuries. Another 1,462 resulted in non-incapacitating injuries. These numbers reflect ongoing statistics that show that every year in Florida, hundreds of people are killed and thousands more are seriously injured by drunk drivers.
If you were injured or if your loved one was killed by a drunk driver, it is important that you contact an attorney who is experienced in drunk driving accident cases. At Canan Law, we have more than 60 years of combined experience and have handled over 250 jury trials. We know what it takes to protect our clients’ rights, and we are ready to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Get in touch with our team today to request a free, no-obligation consultation. Call (904) 849-2266or submit an online contact form.
How Drunk Driving Accident Claims Are Different from DUI Cases
How an Experienced Attorney Can Help You Fight for Justice
At Canan Law, we understand the extreme emotional and physical toll of a drunk driving accident. Our attorneys have over 60 years of combined legal experience dealing with complicated auto accident cases on city roads and interstates, including I-95, in St. Augustine, St. Johns County, and throughout Northeast Florida. We know what needs to be done, who to talk to to get results, and how to help you get your life back on track.
Our lawyers often:
- Negotiate with the insurance company: When negotiations fail to produce a satisfactory settlement offer, we can file a claim against the drunk driver’s car insurance carrier demanding full compensation for the losses and injuries you sustained due to the collision.
- Leverage the driver’s DUI conviction: If the drunk driver is convicted of a crime or leaves the accident scene, this can be used to leverage a better outcome in your civil suit for damages. Note that the outcome of a criminal case does not necessarily affect your civil claim.
- File a wrongful death suit: If the drunk driving accident resulted in a fatality, we might be able to help recover compensation on behalf of your loved one. By bringing a wrongful death lawsuit, you can work to hold the negligent person or party accountable and obtain justice for your loved one and your family.
- Pursue compensation through your policy: If the drunk driver does not have automobile insurance coverage, we can help you work to obtain coverage under a specific provision of your plan. This may include filing a PIP claim, an uninsured motorist (UM) claim, or seeking alternative coverage.
- Seek punitive or “punishment” damages: When a drunk driver negligently and recklessly causes an accident resulting in bodily injury or death, it may be possible to recover punitive damages. These are damages that go above and beyond standard compensatory damages.
Don’t Be a Victim Twice
If a drunk driver injures you or a loved one, it is imperative that you take steps to protect your rights now and in the future. All too often, insurance companies take advantage of victims, disputing or even outright denying their claims. Without the right legal team on your side, you could be left without the compensation you need and deserve.
At Canan Law, we are passionate about standing up for the rights of those affected by negligent and wrongful conduct. We care about our community and its members and make a considerable effort to help our fellow neighbors recover rightful compensation—and deter serious accidents and drunk driving crashes from happening again.