Largo Drunk Driving Accident Attorney
About 50 percent of the drivers that cause fatal accidents test positive for alcohol and/or drugs. Impairment, which is basically a loss of mental or physical function, usually begins with the first drink, puff, or pill. So, one for the road is always one too many. Only time cures alcohol or drug impairment or intoxication. Quick fixes, like drinking coffee, may temporarily relieve some symptoms, but they don’t permanently address the underlying issue.
Florida has a rather limited DUI law. It applies to alcohol intoxication and a few kinds of drug intoxication. However, it doesn’t apply to alcohol impairment or most kinds of drugs. So the negligence per se rule, which is a violation of a safety law, has limited applicability as well. The ordinary negligence principle, on the other hand, has broad applicability. The duty of care requires motorists to be at their best, physically, mentally, emotionally, and otherwise, before they think about getting behind the wheel.
If a violation of a safety law, or a breach of the duty of care, causes injury, a Largo drunk driving accident attorney from The Reep Law Firm can obtain substantial compensation in court. Sometimes, the tortfeasor (negligent driver) is financially responsible for this compensation. More often than not, a third party, like a bar, restaurant, or other commercial alcohol provider, is financially responsible for damages. Vicarious liability claims force these providers to change the way they do business, and put public safety before corporate profits.
Why Should We Partner With an Attorney?
As mentioned, civil cases force negligent parties to accept responsibility for their errors. We all make mistakes. That’s a fact of life. We must face the consequences of our mistakes. That’s another fact of life. A simple apology, or feeling remorseful, doesn’t suffice. Car crash victims have unexpected bills to pay, and they shouldn’t have to pay these bills out of their own pockets.
Furthermore, criminal drunk or drugged driving matters don’t compensate victims. Only civil claims do that.
How Do We Find the Right Largo Drunk Driver Victim Attorney?
Finding the right lawyer is almost as challenging as the decision to work with a lawyer in the first place. Victims and survivors have many choices in this area. Florida has one of the largest number of lawyers per capita in the country. However, only a few attorneys have the right combination of:
- Commitment: Many attorneys handle both plaintiff work and insurance defense work. Technically, these two areas of law are the same. However, the best personal injury lawyers have a complete commitment to the legal and financial rights of injury victims. They don’t have divided loyalties.
- Experience: Years of experience are important. Over the years, attorneys develop proven methods and learn how to evaluate cases. However, years of experience can also be deceptive. Many attorneys practice law for many years and have almost no trial experience. Instead, they look for a quick settlement and an easy way out. That’s not the kind of lawyer you want in your corner.
- Accessibility: Just like experience is twofold, accessibility is twofold. If an attorney doesn’t promptly respond to your questions, that’s a bad sign. On the other end of the scale, if an attorney can always meet with you at the drop of a hat, there’s probably a reason the lawyer isn’t very busy.
Finding the right attorney is a big decision, especially since most personal injury claims settle out of court. It’s almost impossible to reopen closed cases. So, an attorney only has one chance to get it right.
Work With a Tough-Minded Pinellas County Attorney
Injury victims are entitled to substantial compensation. For a free consultation with an experienced drunk driver accident attorney in Largo, contact The Reep Law Firm. We do not charge upfront legal fees in these matters.
