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When people choose to drive under the influence of drugs and alcohol, they don’t consider the consequences until it’s too late. When an intoxicated driver hits you, it can turn your life upside down. The added stress of paying bills and recovering from an injury can take a toll on you when you’re already at your lowest.
If you try to navigate the legal process alone, it can be overwhelming. Viles & Beckman are ready to hold the negligent driver accountable and help you recover. If you or a loved one were hit by a driver who was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, a personal injury attorney in Fort Myers will fight for justice and the compensation that you deserve.
How Drunk Driving and Driving on Drugs Compare
Driving under the influence, whether it’s drugs or alcohol, is dangerous and can cause tragic accidents. But how do drunk driving and driving on drugs compare? The effects of drugs and alcohol on drivers are quite similar, but some substances have different effects.
Alcohol’s Effects on Driving
Alcohol is classified as a depressant that delays reaction times and concentration ability, which both can lead to an accident. The numbing effect of drinking alcohol has is a result of the reduction of function of the nervous system and brain. In social situations, it can lead to people revealing things they wouldn’t have if they were sober because they are very relaxed.
However, when people drive drunk, this relaxation can result in more dangerous behaviors. Drunk drivers often swerve, fall asleep at the wheel, and lack spatial awareness.
Drugs’ Effects on Driving
Different drugs have a range of effects they can have on drivers. Drugs like cocaine, Adderall, methamphetamine, and ecstasy are classified as stimulants that increase the functions of systems in the body. If a person takes a drug that is a stimulant and drives, they may partake in reckless driving behaviors such as speeding and taking dangerous risks.
Drugs that are hallucinogens alter a person’s perception of reality and can cause them to hear or see things that aren’t there. LSD, ketamine, and DMT are some examples, and the effects can be very dangerous because they can alter the ability to make sound decisions.
For example, a person who drives after taking hallucinogens may make sudden stops because they think they saw something or may excessively speed because they feel like they are being watched.
Regardless, if a person drinks alcohol or takes any of the drugs above, it can result in an accident. The severity of injuries can depend on what drug the person took or how much alcohol they drank. If a driver under the influence hit you, our DUI accident attorneys in Fort Myers can help you get compensation for your injuries.
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Common Injuries from a DUI Accident
When drivers are under the influence, they can cause severe and fatal injuries. Some injuries will heal over time, while others may require lifelong care. Our attorneys have helped clients in DUI accidents who suffered:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Fractured or broken bones
- Internal organ damage
- Spinal cord damage
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Head injuries
- Severe burns
- Concussions
- Amputation
- Lacerations
- Road rash
- Paralysis
- Bruising
- Wrongful death
We cover a wide range of injuries, so there’s no need to worry if your injury qualifies for a claim. However, if you’d like to feel secure, know that your case is valid, and get an estimation of your damages, we offer a free case review.
(239) 334-3933
The Amount of Time You Have to File a DUI Accident Claim
From the day of the accident, you have four years to file a claim against the negligent party who was under the influence under Florida Statutes § 95.11(3)(a). The claim will count as a felony charge because you sustained a serious injury. It’s best to file as soon as you can so that you can increase the chances of getting the maximum settlement.
However, each case is different. So, you may have a longer or shorter amount of time to file a claim depending on the details of your case. Your car accident lawyer can tell you the exact amount of time you have to file your claim when you schedule a meeting.
Click To ContactDamages You Can Recover After a Driver Under the Influence Hits You
Drunk driving or driving under the influence of drugs is never acceptable. It puts other innocent motorists directly in harm’s way due to a completely selfish and reckless decision. Our attorneys will passionately advocate on your behalf and ensure that justice is served.
While you will never be able to go back in time before the accident, we can prepare you for the future by helping you get the financial resources you need to live a healthy, happy, and financially independent life. Some of the damages you can recover if you were hit by a driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol include:
- Loss of wages
- Medical expenses
- Loss of guidance
- Physical therapy
- Vehicle repairs and replacement
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages
Punitive damages are often awarded in cases where the party at fault was grossly negligent. This type of damage is to punish and discourage the defendant from repeating their actions. Driving under the influence accident attorneys in Fort Myers can determine if your case qualifies for you to receive compensation for punitive damages.
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Alcohol and Drug-Related Fatality Statistics in Florida
It’s never okay to drive while drunk or while on drugs, and 2020 fatal DUI accident statistics prove this. A crash facts sheet from Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles states that there were 4,554 car crashes where alcohol was involved. And there were 349 fatal car accidents due to alcohol use.
The FLHSMV also reported that there were 708 car accidents where drugs were involved. Drug use also contributed to 353 car accidents that were fatal. While there was a slight decrease in fatal and non-fatal accidents compared to the previous year, driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol continues to take the lives of hundreds of Floridians each year.
Our DUI Accident Attorneys Protect Your Rights and Fight for Your Compensation
If you’ve been harmed by a drunk driver, you deserve justice and compensation. At Viles & Beckman, our Fort Myers DUI accident lawyers will work to hold the responsible party accountable for their negligent and reckless actions.
Whether through an insurance payout, settlement, or court decision, we will fight for every single penny that you are owed. Our attorneys have a comprehensive understanding of this practice area as well as the laws related to drunk driving in Florida. To start your free case review, give us a call or fill out the form on our contact us page.
Call or text (239) 334-3933 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
