What are the costs associated with being hit by a drunk driver in Florida?

Boca Raton, FL – When someone is charged with drunk driving, they may have to pay thousands of dollars for fines, court costs, and legal representation. The suspect may also be ordered by a court to attend treatment for drug and alcohol abuse at their own expense. 

However, if they cause an accident, the person they hit may have even larger expenses for vehicle repairs, medical treatment, lost wages and income, and other losses. The costs for a victim of a drunk driver can be very large, and they may need to resort to the legal process to get help with their personal costs even when the driver is charged criminally. 

Damage totals

Various studies have been conducted which reference data that shows drunk driving costs Americans billions of dollars each year. These costs come from a number of different sources. 

A drunk driver typically causes lots of damage when they lose control of their vehicle. Obstacles near the roadside whether they are street signs, enclosures, other cars, or even homes and residential or commercial buildings are regularly damaged by reckless or drunk drivers during an accident. 

Medical costs can also run into thousands or millions of dollars over time if the victim is seriously hurt. 

Insurance increases

Drunk drivers will be penalized on their personal insurance policies, but auto insurance costs also increase for everyone because of drunk drivers. Insurance companies have to factor in the overall risk of being on the roads, and drunk driving is a high risk behavior that comes with a high price tag. All drivers end up paying for drunk driving accidents to a certain degree. 

Retaining a lawyer

Legal help is usually the best way for victims of drunk drivers to get assistance paying for their bills. Personal injury lawsuits can ask for an amount that reflects the total losses associated with the crash. This may be necessary even if there is relevant insurance coverage, as many severe accidents are not entirely covered by an insurance claim. A criminal case brought by the government is for the purposes of punishing the person responsible, rather than paying the victim. While it is possible that there is court ordered restitution for the victim as part of a criminal sentence, these amounts tend to be too small or difficult to collect to make much of a difference. 

Injury lawyers in Florida

Rosenberg Injury Law assists people in Boca Raton, Florida with their accident lawsuits and the process to receive compensation for their injuries. Anyone who needs help from a licensed attorney can call the firm to arrange a meeting and discuss their issues. 

Firm contact info:

The Law Offices of Jeffrey A. Rosenberg

5255 North Federal Highway, 3rd Floor, Boca Raton, Florida 33487

561-508-8800

rosenberginjurylaw.com