A crash resulting from the actions of an impaired motorist can leave you facing painful injuries while medical bills begin to accumulate. You may also miss work or struggle with uncertainty about what comes next. Drunk driving car accidents in Ormond Beach can lead to criminal charges against the at-fault driver. However, a criminal case does not automatically compensate you for the harm you have suffered.
A well-practiced car accident attorney can explain the separate civil claims process and preserve important evidence before it disappears. At Rue & Ziffra, we use more than 50 years of experience to help injured people understand their options. We can handle communication with insurers so you can focus on your physical recovery.
Alcohol can reduce judgment and slow reaction time. It may also affect vision or coordination. When an intoxicated driver causes a vehicle collision after speeding or drifting between lanes in Ormond Beach, evidence of that conduct can help show that the driver failed to act with reasonable care.
Useful evidence may include:
An arrest for driving under the influence and a criminal case may support a civil claim, but the two proceedings serve different purposes. Our legal team will conduct an independent investigation rather than relying only on the outcome of the criminal case.
Florida generally requires injured motorists to seek initial benefits through personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. Under Florida Statutes § 627.736, you must receive initial medical services within 14 days of the collision to qualify for PIP medical benefits. PIP may pay part of eligible medical expenses and lost income, but serious injuries can quickly exceed the available coverage.
When alcohol impairment leads to a car crash in Ormond Beach, additional recovery may be available through the at-fault driver’s bodily injury coverage. Your own uninsured or underinsured motorist policy may also apply. In limited circumstances, state law may permit a claim against someone who willfully furnished alcohol to a minor or knowingly served a person habitually addicted to alcohol.
The value of an injury claim depends on the severity of the harm and the available insurance coverage. It also reflects how the collision has affected your life. A car wreck involving an intoxicated driver in Ormond Beach may support compensation for:
The state follows a modified comparative negligence rule under Fla Stat § 768.81. If the court finds you to be more than 50 percent responsible for your own harm, you generally cannot recover damages in a negligence action. Insurers may try to reallocate blame, which makes careful evidence preservation especially important.
Claims involving alcohol impairment often require prompt coordination with law enforcement and medical providers. Insurance carriers may also begin investigating immediately. If drunk driving in Ormond Beach caused the vehicle accident that injured you, we can obtain records and document your losses. We can also identify available coverage and negotiate for a resolution that reflects the full effect of the crash.
Rue & Ziffra will provide clear communication throughout your case and carefully prepare your claim so insurers understand the evidence and the extent of your damages. We are in your community and on your side.
Drunk driving car accidents in Ormond Beach can cause lasting physical harm and financial strain. Our team at Rue & Ziffra can review the facts of your situation and explain your legal options. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with your local injury attorneys.
Rue & Ziffra – Your Trusted Personal Injury Lawyers
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