Cocoa, FL, Can I sue a drunk driver if they caused me to suffer permanent injuries as a result of an automobile accident?

Drunk driving accident victims are generally able to bring a claim (i.e. lawsuit) against a drunk driver in the county in which the accident occurred when they can prove the driver was negligent. If the driver was already convicted of DUI, then proving negligence will likely be much easier for them to do. Now, before you assume that you have a viable case against a drunk driver who caused you to suffer permanent injuries in a collision, it is best you consult with a Cocoa, FL drunk driving accident attorney first.

 

How does the law classify a permanent injury?

 

A permanent injury is “physical or mental damage that will indefinitely restrict the employment or other normal activities of an individual” [Source: Cornell Law School]. For instance, if an injury has led a person to suffer “significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function,” then their injury would be classified as “permanent.” Some examples of permanent injuries include, but are not limited to:

 

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)- A “traumatic brain injury (TBI) is sudden damage to the brain caused by a blow or jolt to the head. Those who survive a brain injury can face lasting effects in their physical and mental abilities as well as emotions and personality” [Source: Mayfield Clinic]. Most TBI patients who suffer a moderate to severe injury will likely “need rehabilitation to recover and relearn skills.”

 

• Spinal Cord Injuries– A spinal cord injury is when any part of the spinal cord or nerves at the end of the spinal canal becomes damaged. A spinal cord injury often “causes permanent changes in strength, sensation and other body functions below the site of the injury” [Source: Mayo Clinic].

 

• Sensory Losses- This is when one or more of your senses (i.e. touch, taste, smell, hear, and see) no longer functions properly.

 

• Amputations- Having a limb amputated as a result of a wreck can be physically and emotionally taxing. A victim may no longer be able to partake in many of the activities they once enjoyed and may even feel self-conscious about their missing limb.

 

• Disfigurement- When one or more parts of the body become disfigured as a result of an accident, it can take a toll on a person’s self-esteem and physical abilities.

 

Life can be extremely difficult to adjust to after suffering a permanent injury in an alcohol-related accident which is why the law allows victims to take legal action against the driver who caused the crash.

How much am I entitled to collect for a permanent injury claim stemming from a drunk driving accident?

 

If you would like to receive an accurate estimate for what your case might be worth, it is recommended that you contact Templeton Law P.A. to speak with an experienced Cocoa, FL drunk driving accident lawyer. Each DUI accident case differs from the next which means your case might be worth much more than someone who didn’t suffer such a severe injury. If you are ready to discuss your accident with a DUI crash lawyer who can determine what your case might be worth, contact Templeton Law P.A. now.

 

403 Brevard Avenue, Suite 2

Cocoa, Florida 32922

Phone:321-261-5517

Website: www.templetonlawpa.com