At Cardoso Law, PLLC, we understand how devastating impaired driving accidents can be. The consequences of these motor vehicle crashes are often severe, leaving people with life-changing injuries and financial burdens. Our mission is to hold those responsible for these accidents accountable and help our clients receive the compensation they deserve.
For over a decade, Ryan Cardoso has developed a reputation for providing high-quality, compassionate legal representation for injured people throughout the Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent Metro Area, the Emerald Coast, and the Florida Panhandle. To quote from a client testimonial:
“Ryan is a fantastic attorney with experience, grit, and integrity. We feel absolutely blessed to have the opportunity to have his guidance, counsel, and professionalism in law. His team was responsive, kind, and thorough. 10/10 will recommend to anyone in need of an attorney. Thank you, Ryan!”
To learn more, contact our firm today to schedule a free consultation.
What Is Impaired Driving?
Impaired driving refers to operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other substances that affect the driver’s ability to control the vehicle safely. In Florida, drivers are considered impaired if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08 percent or higher. However, even alcohol-impaired drivers with lower BAC levels or those under the influence of drugs can be considered impaired if their abilities are noticeably affected.
Impaired driving isn’t limited to alcohol. Prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and illegal substances can all impair judgment, reaction time, and motor skills. When drivers operate a vehicle while impaired, they endanger themselves and everyone around them. Unfortunately, impaired driving accidents are common across Florida, leading to catastrophic injuries and loss of life.
Essential Steps to Take After an Impaired Driving Accident
Being involved in an impaired driving accident can be overwhelming, but it’s important to take specific steps to protect your rights and strengthen your potential claim for compensation:
- Call 911: The first step after any accident is to contact emergency services. Not only does this ensure medical help for anyone injured, but it also leads to a police report, which is crucial evidence for your insurance claim.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine after the accident, it’s essential to get checked by a doctor. Some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, may not show symptoms immediately.
- Gather Evidence: If you are physically able, take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, injuries, and any other relevant details. Collect contact information from witnesses and the at-fault driver.
- Avoid Admitting Fault: Do not admit fault, even if you think you may be partially responsible. Let your lawyer investigate to determine what happened.
- Contact a Pensacola Car Accident Lawyer: Getting legal help quickly is crucial. An experienced car accident attorney can assist you with filing a claim, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you don’t make mistakes that could harm your case.
Common Injuries in Impaired Driving Accidents
Impaired driving accidents often result in serious injuries, many of which have long-term or permanent effects. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Head injuries can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage. TBIs often lead to memory loss, cognitive impairment, and emotional changes.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spine can result in partial or complete paralysis. Even less severe spinal injuries may cause chronic pain and mobility issues.
- Broken Bones: Fractures are common in high-impact collisions and can require extensive recovery times, often needing surgery or physical therapy.
- Internal Injuries: Internal bleeding and damage to organs are life-threatening injuries that require immediate medical intervention.
- Whiplash: This common injury results from the sudden jerking motion of the head and neck during an accident. Whiplash can cause pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.
- Burns: In some cases, impaired driving accidents result in fires or explosions, leading to severe burns that require skin grafts and long-term medical treatment.
These injuries often leave victims with significant medical bills, loss of income, and long-term physical or emotional trauma. At Cardoso Law, PLLC, we’re dedicated to helping you recover compensation to cover these losses through a personal injury claim.
Compensation Available for Victims of Impaired Driving
People injured in impaired driving accidents in Pensacola may be entitled to compensation for all the losses they incurred due to the accident. These can include:
- Medical Expenses: This covers all medical bills related to the accident, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and future medical needs.
- Lost Wages: If you’re unable to work due to your injuries, you may be compensated for your lost income. If your injuries prevent you from returning to work in the future, you may also receive compensation for lost earning potential.
- Pain and Suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and the overall impact of the accident on your quality of life are considered when calculating pain and suffering damages.
- Property Damage: You may be reimbursed for repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other property damaged in the accident.
In cases where the at-fault driver acted with extreme recklessness, such as driving with a high BAC or under the influence of drugs, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the driver and deter similar behavior. Although these damages are meant as punishment for the at-fault party, they would be paid to the injured person. Your attorney will know whether you should request punitive damages from the court when your case goes to trial.
Statute of Limitations to File a Car Accident Claim
In Florida, the statute of limitations allows two years an injured party two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. This may seem like a long time, but beginning the legal process as soon as possible is crucial for several reasons:
- Evidence preservation: Important evidence may be lost or destroyed over time.
- Witness recollection: Memories fade, making it harder to gather accurate testimony.
- Insurance company tactics: Delays can give insurance companies more time to build a case against you.
- Medical documentation: Prompt medical attention creates a clear link between the accident and your injuries.
While two years may seem like a long time, building a strong case takes time and careful preparation. The sooner you contact Cardoso Law, PLLC, the better positioned we’ll be to help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Contact Our Pensacola Car Accident Attorney to Learn More
At Cardoso Law, PLLC, we are committed to helping victims of impaired driving accidents recover the compensation they’re entitled to. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident caused by an impaired driver, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We understand how challenging this time can be, and we’ll be with you every step of the way, fighting for your rights.
Contact our office today for a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you. We’ll take care of the details so you can focus on what truly matters—your recovery.