Your Rights as a Victim of a Drunk Driver
Local law enforcement agencies in Coral Springs, Weston, Margate, Miramar, Pembroke Pines, Davie and Plantation have clamped down on drunk drivers, imposing harsher penalties for the crime, but while the incidences of drunk driving have decreased a bit, they are still too high.
One bad decision by getting behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol may result in an accident that can maim, end an innocent person’s life, and even ruin a family. Sometimes the court will take into consideration a prior “clean” record when evaluating charges as well as the character of the driver before he/she is sentenced, the results of this evaluation may result in more lenient charges and sentence for the defendant.
Families who have suffered a loss or have had a member of their family injured at the hands of a drunk driver may find that they may have not received justice from the judicial system due the imposed low penalties based on a case with a lesser charge or sentence resolution. An injured person can claim compensation for a variety of damages: ie. medical expenses; physical pain and mental suffering; loss and or destruction of property and loss of wages. With all this considered punitive damages in a civil suit may be awarded as well against a drunk driver regardless of his record.
A wrongful death claim may be filed against a negligent motorist by the family members of a person who was killed by a drunk driver. I have also seen cases where an employer or a bar that served alcohol to a person who was already notably intoxicated, may be held legally responsible or liable for continuing to serve the inebriated person. Persons who engage in this type of driving should be held legally responsible for their actions.
You should contact an experienced attorney should you or a family member receive personal injury due to a drunk driver to ensure your know your rights and you receive proper compensation.
