Four things that will happen to drunk drivers who cause accidents in Gainesville

Gainesville, FL – Causing an accident while under the influence of alcohol or drugs can have life changing consequences for a driver in Florida. Things like insurance issues, criminal charges, and civil lawsuits can create a number of issues that can take lots of time and money to resolve. For these reasons, drivers should always be careful to never drive if they have been drinking or using drugs. Anyone who has been harmed by a drunk driver can contact attorneys near me for advice regarding lawsuits and other related issues.

The crime of driving under the influence

The state of Florida takes drunk driving offenses seriously. Any DUI crime is a criminal charge, and there are mandatory minimums associated with any sentence. Part of these mandatory minimum sentences will include fines, driver’s license suspensions, community service, and the possibility of jail time. Those who are repeat offenders or those who cause accidents that result in injuries or fatalities can face much more serious punishments, such as being punished with felony charges that can potentially result in years of jail time.

Lawsuits from the victim

The victim will likely bring a civil lawsuit for compensation as well if they have experienced any kinds of injuries that require medical treatment or other losses such as time away from their job. In car accident cases involving serious injuries, the victim may attempt to sue a drunk driver for thousands or millions of dollars if they can justify this amount based on things like their medical costs, career losses, and effects on their ability to function as normal.

Insurance issues

Insurance costs can increase greatly for those who have DUI convictions on their record. This can vary greatly based on the specific insurance company and their policies. Some companies may refuse to insure certain drivers if they feel that they have an extensive traffic record and are at high risk due to drunk driving accidents or other issues.

Administrative issues with the department of motor vehicles

Drunk drivers will receive a separate administrative case from the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to deal with their license suspension issues. Certain fees will need to be paid during the process to reinstate a license. There is also a lower burden of proof for an administrative case to suspend a license than a criminal case, so it is possible that the license suspension may be upheld even if the person is never convicted of the crime of DUI.

Accident lawyers in Florida

Koberlein Law Offices is an experienced firm that handles drunk driving accidents and other types of personal injury claims. Anyone who needs assistance in the Gainesville area can contact their attorneys for advice.

Firm contact info:

Koberlein Law Offices

118 Ohio Avenue N, Suite A, Live Oak, FL 32064

386-516-2626