Drunk driving accidents are unfortunately all too common in Florida, posing a significant threat to road safety. According to the Crash Dashboard from the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, as of August 2024, there have been 2,868 drunk driving-related crashes in the state. Drunk driving accidents are notoriously dangerous, and this can be proven through the 1,762 fatalities that have been caused by drunk driving accidents this year. This stark data underscores the severe danger posed by driving under the influence of alcohol, highlighting the urgent need for stricter enforcement of DUI laws, as well as public awareness campaigns to combat this reckless behavior. The high number of drunk driving crashes and fatalities serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating impact drunk driving can have on individuals and communities.
When victims of drunk driving accidents or their families seek compensation, they often look up examples of drunk driving settlements to determine an average amount of compensation. While each settlement is unique due to the specifics of each drunk driving accident, understanding commonalities in these settlements can provide valuable insights. The average settlement for drunk driving accident typically covers not just physical damages, but also emotional ones as well. While we cannot say what the average drunk driver settlement is, we can say what examples of drunk driving settlements include.
Common Damages Included In Average Settlement For Drunk Driving Accident
Drunk driving car accident settlements are designed to address the broad spectrum of impact an accident has on a victim’s life after being hit by a drunk driver. These drunk driving settlements include compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages cover financial losses that can be assigned a specific dollar amount, reflecting the direct financial burden of the accident. Non-economic damages, on the other hand, address more intangible damages, that are aimed at providing compensation for various aspects related to pain and suffering. By knowing all aspects of compensation included in these settlements, you can better understand what you may be entitled to when pursuing your own drunk driving settlement in Florida.
Economic Damages Included In Drunk Driving Settlements
Economic damages play an important part in drunk driving settlements in Florida by alleviating the financial burden associated with recovering from injuries caused by a drunk driver. They help cover various expenses that were a direct result of being hit by a drunk driver, providing essential financial support during and after the recovery process. The following are the types of economic damages that are recoverable in drunk driving accident settlements:
- Medical Expenses – These expenses include the cost of hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, rehabilitation, and prescription medications. This also includes any necessary medical equipment or treatments related to the injuries sustained.
- Lost Wages – These damages comprise income lost due to the victim’s inability to work during their recovery period. This will also include any potential future earnings affected by long-term injuries.
- Property Damage – Drunk driving settlements will also address the costs associated with repairing or replacing personal property damaged in the accident, such as the vehicle or other belongings inside the vehicle that were damaged.
- Rehabilitation Costs – Any costs associated with physical therapy, occupational therapy, or other rehabilitation services required to aid in the victim’s recovery and improve their quality of life can also be claimed. This is to financially assist with any future costs associated with the injuries caused by a drunk driver.
- Home Modifications – Any modifications or adjustments that need to be made to the home to accommodate disabilities or mobility issues resulting from injuries sustained in the accident can be financially compensated for in a drunk driving accident settlement.
These economic damages are important in addressing the financial impacts of recovering from a drunk driving accident and ensuring the victim receives appropriate support.
Non-Economic Damages Included In Drunk Driving Accident Settlements
Non-economic damages play a crucial role in drunk driving settlements, as they help alleviate the emotional and physical burden victims face during recovery. These damages provide essential support by addressing the more personal and profound effects of being injured by a drunk driver.
- Pain and Suffering – Claiming compensation for the physical discomfort and emotional distress experienced as a result of the accident and injuries is just as important as economic damages.
- Emotional Distress – This is often claimed in drunk driving accident settlements as it covers the psychological impact, including anxiety, depression, and trauma, that may arise from the accident.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life – When injuries are significant or life altering, it’s possible to claim damages for the inability to engage in activities and hobbies that were once a source of pleasure.
- Loss of Consortium – Victims can also claim compensation for the negative effects on their relationships with their spouse or family, including loss of companionship, affection, and support.
- Permanent Disfigurement or Disability – Damages can be sought in accident settlements when the victim suffers lasting physical changes or disabilities that affect their quality of life.
Learn More About the Average Settlement for Drunk Driving Accident
To learn more about the average settlement for drunk driving accident in Florida, it’s important to consult with a car accident lawyer near you. An experienced Florida car accident attorney can provide personalized insights based on the specifics of your case, and help you understand the potential compensation you may be entitled to and guide you through the legal process.
