North Palm Beach Hit and Run Lawyer – The good, the bad and the ugly
There is a certain risk anybody has when going out on the road. You never know whom you will encounter. With so many commuters getting on and off the streets at different times, there will always be an interesting mix of personalities. The drive can go as leisurely as possible or it can be hurried due to the fast pace of the traffic. You might experience some motorists giving way or impatiently honking their horn at you. Just always be prepared because like the random people on the road, how they respond to mishaps will also differ.
Immediately following an accident it would be ideal if everyone would politely exchange pleasantries, wait for a police officer to make a police report and provide each other with contact as well as insurance details. It may not happen all the time but fortunately, these things actually do take place. The inconvenience caused is easily ironed out and the people involved quickly settle back into their daily routine without any complications.
There is also the opposite side of the coin.
It is one where the parties to the incident do not see eye to eye on the matter. They fight verbally, physically and most likely legally. This would usually entail a lot of negative emotions, hassle, and drama that nobody really needed to be a part of. Such misunderstandings could have probably been avoided had both parties remained calm, kept an open mind and listened. Then again, not everyone is like that. Given the circumstances of the situation that they were involuntarily subjected to coupled with their disposition at the time it happened, there is really no telling how a person would react.
Regrettably, there are those who would not even try to resolve the problem and take off at the first sign of trouble.
These are the hit and run drivers. They are probably one of the worst motorists on the road. Without even going into the reason why they got into an accident in the first place, it is common courtesy to stop and take responsibility for an accident where they are involved. There could be someone injured or dying who is in dire need of help because of the unfortunate incident that they brought about. Had they stopped and taken the time to provide the urgent assistance required, the victim could have survived.
Nothing to say, something to hide
Hit and run drivers are usually intoxicated or have no legal right to be on the road. For those that are drunk or high, it is easy for them to exit the scene along with their responsibility attached to it. This could be but a reflection of their current state of mind, an escape from reality. Sadly, some of these perpetrators might not even remember the harm that they have caused. They would probably only realize that something happened when they sober up. Seeing the damage on their own car or injury to themselves, they would probably wonder what went on while they were not mentally present.
Those that are illegally driving a vehicle might have an expired or no license.
This as most motorists are quite aware of, can have certain legal repercussions. Hit and run drivers under this category could have had previous traffic offenses that caused their license to be suspended or revoked. Unfortunately, they decided to get behind the wheel anyway.
Someone who is avoiding the expenses that go with being in an accident is likely to leave without warning. He does not want to bear or cannot afford the responsibility. It could be because of the lack of insurance coverage, money or simply refusing to be accountable.
Even if they could afford to pay for the accident they caused, there are hit and run drivers that still refuse to do so because of other reasons. They could be hiding drugs in their car, carrying illegal firearms or other things that can put their freedom in jeopardy. Celebrities have also been known to flee from a car crash. Hoping that they could preserve their image by concealing their identity. Sometimes, people are just plain scared to face up to the unfortunate incident. Whatever may be the reason, owning up to an accident should be first and foremost on people’s minds.
Catch up and find that driver
Since the identity of the culprit is unknown, it would be quite difficult to ascribe liability. It does not mean however that he cannot be located. Our firm at Lichtblau & Goldenberg has expertise in handling such matters. We have a group of specialists that can comb through the Internet for blogs, random comments on websites and social media for anything related to the incident. CCTV recordings and other means required that will pinpoint the identity or whereabouts of the hit and run driver will definitely be used.
Should the offender be able to escape detection, you will still have legal recourse. Due to PIP laws in Florida, anyone involved in an accident can receive financial compensation. The amount might not be on the same level as what could have been collected through a personal injury claim though at least there is something available under the law.
Contact us today if you would like to get started on finding the person responsible for your injuries or damage to your property. We have been servicing the West Palm Beach area for over five decades. Our personal injury attorneys are among the most skilled practitioners in the industry. Dial 561-863-9100 and receive legal assistance that can only be experienced with Lichtblau & Goldenberg.
West Palm Beach Hit & Run Lawyer, Hit By Drunk Driver
Stop, look and listen
Being focused and alert on the road could be challenging these days. With all the things going on it is easy to divert the driver’s attention from his main task, driving. The many billboards, attractive business signs, and even exotic cars can distract almost anyone. Of course, there is the fast rising if not the leading technological culprit, the cell phone. Its use by drivers has led to many accidents because of their need to immediately check their messages or answer a call. While these instances might cause someone to steal a momentary glance, being drunk at the wheel is another thing altogether.
Those who are inebriated while driving do not have all their senses fully intact.
They are dulled by alcohol in their system as well as with their reflexes. Their sense of judgment is most likely impaired and more inclined to emotional outbursts. This combination of factors in addition to those previously mentioned diversions is akin to rolling the dice on the driver’s life and that of others. Everyone’s safety is at risk as long as a drunk driver mistakenly goes on the road.
Whether it is through imprudence, false courage or simply blacking out; someone choosing to operate a vehicle while heavily intoxicated will not be able to fully concentrate on the road. A driver’s focus is necessary to perform the necessary adjustments in acceleration, direction and braking to correctly maneuver his car safely. Any miscalculation on his part has potentially disastrous results attached to them. Every state all across America is well aware of the dangers these types of motorists pose. Florida is no different.
Made an example of
In the West Palm Beach area, many have fallen victim to the failed efforts of drunk drivers. Its residents are cognizant of the fact that injuries as a result of this will merit a higher amount of damages than other accidents. Statutes allow the addition of punitive or exemplary damages on top of actual damages suffered by the victim. The basis for awarding these is to emphasize the need for the defendant to change his erring ways and prevent him from being embroiled in another incident. Take note that punitive or exemplary damages are for the above-mentioned reasons only. It is not considered additional compensation for the plaintiff although he will receive most if not all the amount awarded.
Further, such punitive or exemplary damages are given when the court deems that the compensatory damages granted are insufficient. While still not being an addition to what has already been awarded to the plaintiff, these punitive damages may serve to rectify any deficient amounts that are to be or already received. It is also a remedy against future offenses to help minimize the work and relieve pressure from the criminal justice system.
Let us help you through our expertise
The lawyers at Lichtblau & Goldenberg have had the honor of serving clients residing in the West Palm Beach area. We specialize in the branch of law that deals with personal injuries and accidents. Our legal team takes note of all the details of the case in order to find out if there is indeed negligence or another form of liability that could form the basis of a suit. There is, however, no charge on your initial visit. We want you to be fully appraised of your situation before you decide on pursuing the matter further.
Drunk drivers are certainly looked upon under a reprehensible light.
Their selfishness and irresponsible nature are a menace to society. Do not wait to contact us for assistance. You are actually helping the community in general by seeking our help to go after these violators. Expect that the full extent of the law will be brought down upon them for their acts.
Lichtblau & Goldenberg may be reached at 561-863-9100. We are ready to provide legal assistance to you or your loved one. Find out how, today.