Loxahatchee Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers

If you were hurt in a collision with an impaired motorist, one of your first calls should be to a drunk driving accident lawyer who can help you navigate the claims process. Your attorney will investigate your case to gather evidence of liability and damages, handle all paperwork, and ensure your claim is as strong as possible before entering settlement negotiations.

Before you hand over the reins, there are a few steps you can take to give your claim the best possible chance of success. For example, you should prepare for the initial consultation by compiling any evidence you have gathered and writing down everything you remember about the crash. Your attorney will use this information to determine the most strategic way to proceed.

If you’re ready to discuss your case, turn to Donaldson & Weston. Our drunk driving accident attorneys will answer your questions, conduct a thorough investigation into the incident, handle correspondence with the insurance company, and calculate your damages. Call 561-299-3999 to schedule your free consultation with one of our Loxahatchee injury lawyers so we can start building your claim.

Your attorney will use the first meeting to determine if you have grounds for a personal injury claim and, if so, how best to proceed based on the circumstances. Therefore, you should be prepared to answer questions regarding what happened in detail.

If you cannot remember the specifics, don’t worry; it’s your lawyer’s job to corroborate anything you say with tangible evidence. Simply share what you can remember, and let your attorney know when you are uncertain about something.

To prepare for the initial consultation, think about or write down your answers to the following questions:

• When police arrived, did they make any arrests or conduct chemical tests at the scene?


• Did you get the names and badge numbers of the responding officers?


• Were there any shopkeepers, pedestrians, passengers, or nearby motorists who witnessed what happened, and did you get their contact information?


• Have you spoken to an insurance adjuster or provided any recorded statements yet?


• Is there a chance that the opposing party can argue you were at least partially liable for the collision?


• Did first responders treat you at the scene?


• Did you seek medical care after leaving the scene?


• What kind of prognosis have you received from your doctor?


• Have you missed a considerable amount of work since the wreck?


• Have you or loved ones posted anything about the accident online?


• Are the injuries preventing you from taking care of your family?

Even if your case seems strong and your injuries are relatively minor, it’s important that your DUI accident attorney is able to perform a thorough investigation before entering settlement negotiations. That means your claim could take several months to resolve even if the insurance company doesn’t dispute liability or damages.

Unfortunately, it’s in the insurance company’s best interests to challenge your claim. If you’ve incurred substantial damages, the insurer might devote significant resources into identifying weaknesses in your case and disputing liability or the severity of your injuries.

If a settlement cannot be reached, it’s possible that your case will proceed to alternative dispute resolution or all the way to trial. Although the vast majority of personal injury cases never make it to trial, it’s sometimes in the victim’s best interests to go to court. This may be the case if the opposing party refuses to cooperate or if you intend to pursue punitive damages, which are often available after alcohol-related crashes given the egregious nature of drunk driving.

Your goal is probably to recover the compensation you deserve as soon as possible so you can move on with life. Although you cannot control whether the insurance company agrees to pay a fair settlement, there are steps you can take that may prevent delays and increase your chances of recovering a fair payout.

Examples include:

• Consult a Loxahatchee drunk driving accident lawyer as soon as possible so your attorney can investigate your crash right away and help you avoid critical mistakes;


• Don’t make any recorded statements to the insurance company since they may be used to dispute your claim;


• Deactivate your social media accounts; and


• Attend all scheduled doctor’s visits, fill your prescriptions, and follow your healthcare provider’s instructions.

There are countless strategies the insurance company might employ to dispute your claim. The approach they take will depend on the facts of your case.

For instance, if it’s obvious that the insurance company will have to cover your damages, they may offer a settlement early in the proceedings. But if you haven’t reached maximum medical improvement, this initial offer might not be sufficient to cover all your healthcare needs. Also, if you haven’t had a chance to speak to a Loxahatchee DUI accident lawyer, it’s possible that you’ve overlooked damages to which you may be entitled, such as pain and suffering or emotional distress.

The insurer might also look for evidence that you were partially liable for the crash. In the state of Florida, a personal injury claimant’s financial recovery is reduced by their own percentage of fault. This is one reason why it’s so important for you to let your attorney handle all correspondence with the insurance adjuster, and to stay off social media.

It’s also possible that the insurance company will contend that you haven’t taken reasonable steps to mitigate your damages. To avoid such a dispute, be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions exactly and avoid any activities that might cause your injuries to worsen.

The Loxahatchee drunk driving accident lawyers at Donaldson & Weston can make sure the insurance company treats you fairly. We are well-versed in the tactics they use to dispute claims, and we won’t let them take advantage of your vulnerable situation.