Drunk Driving Accidents

Winter Haven Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

For some time now, authorities have endeavored to raise awareness regarding the perils of drinking and driving. Simultaneously, efforts have been made to enhance criminal penalties for individuals convicted of driving under the influence. Despite these initiatives, someone is killed in a drunk driving collision about every 45 minutes in the United States, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA).

While the criminal justice system may mete out punishment to a drunk driver responsible for a collision, the aftermath of such accidents often leaves victims grappling with physical injuries, emotional distress, and financial strains that extend beyond the scope of a criminal prosecution. To seek full and just financial compensation for injuries sustained in a Winter Haven drunk driving accident, victims must initiate a civil lawsuit.

If you were injured in, or lost a loved one because of, a Winter Haven drunk driving accident, you need an experienced Winter Haven drunk driving accident lawyer at your side throughout the legal process. At Kemp Personal Injury Law, we are committed to ensuring that victims receive comprehensive compensation for the financial hardship, emotional turmoil, and physical suffering you have endured because of a drunk driving crash.

What Are Some Common Injuries Resulting from a Winter Haven Drunk Driving Accident?

Severe injuries can arise from any car accident, but the likelihood of serious injuries significantly increases in the context of a drunk driving collision. Intoxicated drivers often exhibit more reckless behavior and frequently fail to employ evasive measures that could mitigate the impact of a collision. As a result, victims of a drunk driving accident are more likely to suffer severe injuries, such as:

  • Spinal cord injuries: Despite the impressive flexibility of the human spine, the force of a collision can induce severe spinal cord injuries, up to and including partial or complete paralysis.
  • Internal organ damage: Symptoms of internal organ damage may not manifest immediately; however, these can be life-threatening injuries that pose a significant risk to the victim.
  • Burn injuries: Severe burn injury can occur when the speed and force of a drunk driving collision causes one or more vehicles to ignite.
  • Head injuries: The involvement of a drunk driver in a motor vehicle accident can increase the possibility of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Without prompt and effective treatment, TBI can lead to profound brain damage or even fatality.
  • Neck injuries: The forceful impact of a drunk driving accident may cause neck injury, including whiplash, herniated discs, and soft tissue damage.
  • Fractures: Bone fractures can occur from the force of a collision alone as well as from the deployment of airbags in a drunk driving accident.
  • Severe emotional trauma: Survivors of drunk driving accidents frequently grapple with enduring emotional trauma, including conditions like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.

Is a Drunk Driver Legally Liable for My Injuries?

Liability for a motor vehicle collision is based on the wrongful or negligent conduct of one or more parties. In the case of a drunk driving crash, liability for the negligent conduct of the drunk driver requires the injured victim to prove:

  1. That the defendant owed a duty of care to the victim.
  2. That the defendant breached the duty of care.
  3. That the breach of duty of care caused the accident.
  4. Damages (injuries)

It is well established law that anyone operating a motor vehicle on a public roadway owes a duty of care to others with whom he shares the roadway. It is equally well established that driving while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance constitutes a breach of the legal duty of care. As such, an injured victim in a drunk driving accident typically needs only to prove that the at-fault driver was, indeed, driving while under the influence for that driver to be held legally liable for the victim’s injuries.

Am I Entitled to Compensation for My Winter Haven Drunk Driving Accident Injuries?

As the victim in a Winter Haven drunk driving accident, you may be entitled to compensation for both the economic and non-economic damages suffered because of the crash. Economic damages provide compensation for the direct expenses of the accident while non-economic damages attempt to compensate a victim for the indirect, subjective injuries the victim suffered. Collectively, you may be entitled to compensation for:

  • Medical expenses
  • Rehabilitation and other care costs
  • Lost income, both to date and future
  • Physical and emotional pain and suffering
  • Disfigurement and scarring
  • Mental anguish

If you are a surviving spouse, parent, or child of someone who was fatally injured in a drunk driving accident, you may also qualify as a claimant in a wrongful death lawsuit and be entitled to compensation for the loss of companionship, care, and support provided by the decedent before the accident.

How Can an Experienced Winter Haven Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Help?

If you have suffered injuries or lost a loved one in a Winter Haven drunk driving accident, Attorney Adam Kemp is committed to ensuring accountability for the responsible party (or parties) and securing fair compensation for all your injuries. Drawing on his background as a prosecuting attorney and as an associate at one of the largest personal injury firms in America, Adam Kemp leverages a wealth of experience to vigorously advocate for injured victims and surviving family members. At Kemp Personal Injury Law, our team strives to cultivate individualized relationships with each client, ensuring you receive the personalized attention you rightfully deserve.

If you were injured in a Winter Haven drunk driving accident, or you lost a family member in one, contact an experienced Winter Haven drunk driving accident lawyer at Kemp Personal Injury Law to discuss your legal options. It is our mission to make sure that victims who were injured in a preventable drunk driving accident are fully and fairly compensated by the responsible party or parties. Contact the team today for your free initial consultation by calling 863-225-0254 or by filling out our convenient online contact form.

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