Average Settlement for Drunk Driving Accidents in Florida

February 23, 2024

Drunk driving accidents lead to some of the worst car crashes in Florida. The victims can suffer serious injuries, some of which can have a life-altering impact. According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there were more than 5,200 drunk-driving-related crashes in 2022. The numbers are even higher for accidents that involve both alcohol and drugs. 

While nothing can undo what happened, the victims have the legal right to seek compensation for their suffering. If you have a strong case, you could get a high settlement as compensatory damages. Let us explore what settlement amount you should expect from a drunk driving accident in Florida. 

Average Settlement Amount of Drunk Driving Accidents 

Compared to the average car accident case, drunk driving accidents are often more serious and can result in property damage, severe injuries, and fatalities. The average settlement amount for such cases is $50,000 to $100,000. However, every case is different so you could get more or less than this amount depending on the specifics of your case. 

If you suffered minor injuries as a result of the drunk driving accident, the settlement amount could only be a few thousand dollars. However, if you suffer serious bodily harm that requires expensive treatment or long-term care, the settlement amount would be much higher. Some drunk driving cases can result in millions of dollars in settlement amounts.

Factors that Influence Settlement Amount 

Your personal injury lawyer can help you determine the settlement amount you can expect from your case. One of the most important factors in determining the settlement amount to seek is the severity of your injuries. Surgeries, ongoing rehab costs, and long-term care can get expensive. Injury victims often underestimate their long-term costs, and this is one of the reasons you may want an experienced attorney on your side. 

You can also recover your medical expenses in your claim. This includes the cost of hospital stays, medical, surgeries, and any other expenses required to treat your injuries. If you suffered property damage, that can also be factored into the settlement amount. 

Injuries from accidents can also disrupt your income. If you suffered lost income or loss of future earning capacity, that’s an important factor to consider in your demand for compensation. 

You may be entitled to all your expenses that were a direct result of the accident. However, you will have to prove that the opposing party is liable for your damages. In addition, you will need to present proof of the damages you suffered. This is easier for economic expenses, such as medical bills or lost income. However, proving non-economic losses such as pain and suffering can be more challenging. These damages are subjective and can often be a contentious matter in lawsuits. 

How Can an Attorney Help? 

A car accident lawyer can help you get a maximum settlement amount for your case. They can use their negotiation skills and understanding of personal injury law to get you full and fair compensation for your suffering. The key is to get the lawyer involved early in the process so they have a maximum impact on your drunk driving accident case.

Have you been in a drunk accident in Florida?  Consult with an experienced lawyer from Lewis & Castagliola, P.A. We have extensive experience in car accident cases including drunk driving accidents.