Driving under the influence is never a good choice. It often leads to automobile accidents which can result in injury or even death, and which could have been prevented. If you have been injured in a drunk driving accident, you probably have an extensive pile of medical bills. This is where an Ocala automobile accident attorney can help you understand your rights.

Consequences for the Driver

If you have been hit by a drunk driver, you probably want to see them punished. More than 54,000 people are arrested in Florida for driving under the influence each year, and not everyone receives the same sentence. Consequences for driving under the influence depend on a few different factors. To start with, if this is not the person’s first offense, they could end up with jail time and/or a suspended license. Accidents that have led to severe injuries or death could have greater consequences.

Rights of the Injured Party

It is important to understand your rights after a car accident. Before you do anything else, it is critical to call the police and seek immediate medical attention. After that, you may want to speak to an Ocala automobile accident attorney, so they can further explain the next steps. As the injured party, you may have a right to be compensated by the drunk driver. Do not just rely on insurance companies to handle everything for you in these cases.

How an Attorney Can Help

Depending on the nature of the accident, you may be looking at a lawsuit. An attorney can help you possibly recover the costs of some of the damages. This does not necessarily just mean medical bills. If you have suffered a loss of income due to the injuries, an Ocala automobile accident attorney may be able to help with that, as well.

If you’re ready to learn more about your rights after an automobile accident, contact JW Chalkley III, PA today for a free consultation at 352-629-7511 or fill out the online contact from.