DUI Victim's Rights and Liability

In a perfect world nobody would ever get behind the wheel of an automobile while they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Unfortunately, each year tens of thousands of innocent people throughout the United States fall victim to the irresponsible and criminal actions of drunk drivers.

As an attorney with 23 years of trial experience I have successfully sued drunk drivers and the bars and restaurants who were serving them before the accident. Many times, the drunk drivers themselves do not have enough insurance or the money to pay your claim. I have succeeded in cases against the bars and restaurants they were drinking in by hiring toxicologists and other expert witnesses to testify in court.

You should hire an attorney who has assisted Orlando and Central Florida residents with DUI accident claims if you find yourself in that position. I am committed to protecting the legal rights of each and every client and I always strive to provide the highest standard of legal representation.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of an auto accident due to a DUI, make sure your legal rights are protected by seeking the legal advice of an experienced Orlando DUI Victim's Rights attorney by contacting Scott D. Santos, P.A., by calling (321) 972-6340, or by using our online submission form.

Even if the drunk driver is not charged or is not convicted of a DUI crime, you can still bring a civil lawsuit for compensatory and punitive damages if you have proof of drinking and driving, or that the individual responsible was under the influence of illegal or prescription drugs. The burden of proof is less in civil court than in criminal court, and a drunk driver will not have the right to refuse to testify. Cases against drunk drivers have been successfully brought in civil court even when the drunk driver left the scene of the crash and there was no arrest, no blood alcohol test, and no DUI conviction. Thus, it is important to have skilled legal counsel review your case.

If the drunk driver has bodily injury liability insurance coverage (BI), this may cover your claim for compensatory damages. However, it will not cover a punitive damage claim. A bodily injury policy will also be subject to policy limits. Sometimes more than one policy of insurance can apply and you may waive your rights to collect other available money by accepting insurance money without following the statutory requirements. This is why it is very important to always consult with an attorney before accepting any settlement from an insurer. Insurance companies look out for their best interest, NOT YOURS!

Scott D. Santos, P.A., aggressively defends the legal rights of DUI accident and injury victim's, while addressing all related issues that should be taken into consideration when pursuing a personal injury liability claim, including, but not limited to:

• Injuries or death as a direct result of the accident;
• Lost Wages;
• Medical Bills;
• Pain and Suffering;
• Permanent or long-term loss of quality of life;