Driving under the influence (DUI) is illegal in Tampa, FL. In addition to criminal penalties, a drunk driver could face civil penalties if they cause an accident while driving under the influence. The victims can sue the drunk driver for injuries and damages caused by the DUI accident. However, the victim must prove that the drunk driver caused the accident before they can receive money for a claim.
Our lawyers have over 15 years of combined experience. We have won over 1,000 personal injury cases, recovering millions of dollars for our clients. Contact Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers at (813) 430-3338 to schedule a free consultation with one of our Tampa DUI accident lawyers. You pay no fees unless we win your case.
How Our Tampa Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You With a DUI Accident Claim in Florida
Florida reported 5,109 impaired driving crashes in 2023, with 452 crashes in Hillsborough County. Sadly, drunk drivers cause innocent victims to suffer catastrophic injuries because of impaired driving. Our Tampa car accident attorneys at Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers fight to hold drunk drivers financially responsible for the harm they cause.
When you hire our top-rated car accident lawyers in Tampa, Florida, you can trust we will:
- Investigate the DUI accident to identify the cause of the crash
- Analyze the evidence gathered by law enforcement officers to support your claim
- Gather additional evidence of fault, including working with leading experts and accident reconstructionists as necessary
- Document your damages to determine how much your DUI accident case is worth
- File insurance claims and handle insurance settlements
- Take the case to trial if a fair settlement cannot be achieved
At our firm, we focus our practice on helping injured victims and their families receive the compensation they deserve. We aggressively pursue all sources of compensation for a DUI accident claim to obtain the maximum value for your damages.
If you need help with a DUI accident case, call us today for a free case evaluation.
What Do I Need to Prove to Recover Compensation for a DUI Accident Claim in Tampa, FL?
Even if a driver is arrested and convicted of drunk driving, the accident victim has the burden of proving the drunk driver caused the crash to recover compensation for damages. Generally, accident victims must prove the elements of negligence to establish liability. Therefore, you would need to prove:
- The driver had a legal duty of care, such as the duty to follow traffic laws and use reasonable care when driving a vehicle
- The driver breached the duty of care through their actions or inactions, such as running a red light or driving on the wrong side of the road
- The driver’s breach of duty was the direct and proximate cause of the accident
- You were injured and incurred damages because of the driver’s actions
DUI accident cases may also be based on negligence per se. In these situations, it is presumed that a driver is negligent because the accident occurred while they were breaking the law. Being intoxicated would fit the negligence per se legal theory.
Even though the driver was drunk, you should not assume that a DUI accident case is an easy win. The insurance company may use contributory fault and other defenses to avoid paying the claim. Our Tampa DUI accident lawyers are prepared for these tactics.
What Damages Can I Receive for a Tampa DUI Accident Case?
Drunk driving accidents can cause traumatic injuries, including permanent impairments and life-threatening conditions. Victims may incur substantial financial losses in addition to the overwhelming pain and suffering they experience.
If a drunk driver causes your accident, you could be entitled to economic damages and non-economic damages such as:
- Past and future medical bills
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Lost wages and benefits
- Property damage
- Diminished quality of life
- Rehabilitative therapies
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Impairments, disabilities, and disfigurement
- Reductions in future earning capacity
The value of your damages depends on the facts of your case. Our legal team works with you and your doctors to document the severity of your injuries and damages. We fight to obtain payment of the full amount of all damages.
What Is the Deadline to File a DUI Accident Lawsuit in Florida?
The Florida statute of limitations for most car accident claims is two years from the accident date. The two-year deadline became effective with cases arising on or after March 24, 2023. If you fail to file a lawsuit before the deadline, you could lose your right to hold the drunk driver responsible for your damages.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Tampa Car Wreck Lawyer
If a drunk driver caused you or a family member’s accident, we can help. Contact Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers to meet with a Tampa DUI accident attorney for a free case review. You deserve to be compensated fairly for all damages caused by a DUI accident.
