The Villages DUI Accident Attorney
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a drunk driving accident in Central Florida, you may be entitled to money damages. Our The Villages drunk driving accident law firm is here to help you seek justice and the recovery you deserve. Led by founding attorney Tim Babiarz, our legal team brings decades of insurance claim litigation and trial experience to help DUI accident victims in The Villages, Ocala, Leesburg, Summerfield, Lady Lake and throughout Marion County, Sumter County and Lake County secure full and fair compensation for their expenses, pain and suffering; and other losses.
While drunk drivers who cause accidents will often face criminal charges for driving under the influence (DUI), in order to recover compensation, victims of drunk driving accidents must assert their rights in civil court. Criminal and civil proceedings are entirely separate; and, while a guilty verdict in a DUI trial may help support the victims’ civil claim for compensation, a conviction alone does nothing to compensate victims directly. DUI accident victims need their own legal representation, and they must take legal action in order to enforce their rights.
If you are struggling to grasp your situation after a DUI accident, you are not alone. The Villages DUI attorney at our firm has represented numerous clients facing circumstances just like yours. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about drunk driving collisions. To learn more, we invite you to schedule a free consultation at our offices in The Villages, FL.
What do I need to do in order to prove that the driver who hit me was drunk?
There are different types of evidence we can use to prove that a drunk driver caused an accident. As mentioned above, a key piece of evidence in some cases will be the driver’s DUI conviction. However, since the burden of proof is higher in criminal cases than it is in civil cases, it is certainly possible to recover compensation even if the driver is not ultimately found guilty of DUI.
Other types of evidence we may be able to use to prove your case include:
- The driver’s statements to the arresting officer
- The results of blood, breath and urine tests
- Eyewitness testimony
- Open containers found in the driver’s vehicle
At the Babiarz Law Firm, PA, an auto crash attorney at our firm can seek to collect this evidence for you. Right now, your priority should be your physical and emotional recovery.
How long do I have to file my claim for compensation?
As a general rule, you have two years to file a personal injury claim in Florida (and also for wrongful death). However, waiting to assert your legal rights in a civil case may not be in your best interest. There are several reasons why you should get started on your case as soon as possible. Witnesses, skid marks, vehicles; and evidence all disappear with the passage of time following a crash.
How much does it cost to hire a DUI accident attorney?
At the Babiarz Law Firm, PA, we handle all personal injury and wrongful death cases on a contingency-fee basis. We do not charge retainer fees. We do not bill hourly rates. You only pay if we are successful. Our fee is calculated as a percentage of your gross financial recovery. Before you settle your case, we will help you understand exactly how much you can expect to take home from your gross settlement.
Contact The Villages Drunk Driving Accident Law Firm to Fight for Your Rights After a DUI Accident
You have rights as a victim of a DUI accident, and our goal is to help you seek justice and compensation. To get started with your case, the first step is to schedule a free initial consultation with The Villages auto crash attorney. You can arrange an appointment at our offices in The Villages, or if you prefer, we will gladly come to you. Home and hospital visits are available. Find out if you may be entitled to compensation for you or your loved one’s DUI accident in Central Florida – call (352) 205-7599 or request a free consultation online now.