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Holding the right people accountable after a DUI accident

On Behalf of | Dec 29, 2015 | Car Accidents, Fort Walton BeachLegal Blog |

Was your holiday season ruined by a drunk driver? Are you wondering how you are going to put your life back together after the accident? Do you want to hold the drunk driver responsible for his or her actions? If you answered yes to any of these questions, keep reading.

Drunk driving is far too common in Florida, and this is especially true during the holiday season when party hosts, restaurants and bars tend to over-serve guests. However, the bottom line is that there is no excuse for drunk driving, and when a drunk driver causes an accident, the liable parties must be held responsible.

The legal process following a DUI accident

Drunk drivers may face criminal charges for breaking the law, and they may face a civil claim filed by the victims and their families. The criminal and civil court procedures are completely separate of one another, and it is possible for a defendant to be found not guilty in the criminal case but liable for damages in the civil case.

A civil lawsuit may be filed against any party responsible for the accident, which could include the driver, the owner of the vehicle, the owner of a bar or restaurant that over-served a patron, or a homeowner who failed to supervise his or her party.

Holding the correct parties responsible in a civil lawsuit is important for at least two reasons: To punish the responsible parties for their behavior and to compensate the victims for the losses they have suffered as a result.

The compensation victims may be entitled to

Victims and their families may be entitled to compensation for past and future medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related damages. If the accident was fatal, family members may be able to file a wrongful death claim on behalf of their loved one.

Of course, there is no amount of money that can fully compensate you for what you have been through and, unfortunately, there is nothing the court system can do to turn back the hands of time. But by holding the right people accountable, you won’t have to worry about your finances while you put the pieces back together.