1515 N Marion St
Tampa, Fl 33602
A drunk driving accident can change your life in seconds, leaving you with medical bills, pain, stress, and questions about how to move forward. Many accident victims in Tampa suffer severe injuries because impaired drivers make unsafe choices that put everyone on the road at risk. These crashes often cause long-term harm, and victims deserve clear guidance during such a difficult time.
Fiol and Morros Law Group helps you understand your rights under Florida law and gives you strong support after a drunk driving accident. With a skilled Tampa drunk driving accident lawyer on your side, you can focus on your medical care. At the same time, a dedicated legal team works to protect you, provide steady guidance, and pursue fair compensation for the injuries and losses you suffered.
Florida Laws That Apply to Drunk Driving Accident Claims
Florida law sets strict rules for impaired driving and also explains how injury claims work when someone causes harm with a high blood alcohol concentration. These laws affect who is held liable, how much compensation may be available, and what victims must show during a personal injury lawsuit.
Understanding these rules helps accident victims make informed decisions and strengthens their car accident claim.
Florida DUI Statute: Criminal Penalties for Impaired Drivers
Under Florida Statutes § 316.193, a drunk driver can face criminal penalties such as fines, jail time, and license suspension if their blood alcohol concentration is above the legal limit or if their impaired driving causes a car crash or serious injuries.
Florida’s Modified Comparative Negligence Rule
Under Florida Statutes § 768.81, accident victims can recover compensation only if they are 50% or less at fault. If their percentage of fault is higher, they cannot recover damages.
Dram Shop Liability in Florida
Under Florida Statutes § 768.125, bars or restaurants may be held liable in limited cases, such as when they knowingly serve alcohol to someone under 21 or a person known to be addicted to alcohol, and that person causes a drunk driving accident.
Civil vs. Criminal Proceedings in DUI Cases
| Criminal Case | Civil Injury Case |
|---|---|
| Punishes the impaired driver for breaking the law | Helps the victim recover compensation |
| Led by the State of Florida | Filed by the victim or their attorney |
| Can result in jail, fines, or probation | Can result in payments for medical bills, lost wages, pain, and more |
| Focuses on guilt | Focuses on financial recovery |
Types of Drunk Driving Accidents We See in Tampa
Drunk driving often leads to serious accidents across Tampa because impaired judgment, slow reaction time, and poor coordination make the road extremely dangerous. Crashes on I-275, Veterans Expressway, Dale Mabry Highway, and other busy roads often involve high speeds and cause severe injuries. Many victims in Hillsborough County face long recovery times due to the force of these crashes.
Head-On Collisions Caused by Impaired Judgment
Head-on crashes often happen because a drunk driver drifts into the wrong lane or makes a sudden move without thinking clearly. Impaired judgment slows reaction time, making it hard for the driver to stay in their lane or avoid oncoming traffic.
These motor vehicle accidents can cause catastrophic injuries because the impact is so strong, and victims may need long-term medical treatment.
High-Speed Crashes on I-275 and Veterans Expressway
High-speed drunk driving accidents are common on I-275 and the Veterans Expressway, where drivers often move fast and have little time to react. When an impaired driver loses control at high speeds, the crash force can cause severe injuries, major property damage, and life-changing harm. These types of Tampa car accident cases often lead to high medical expenses and long recovery periods.
Hit-and-Run Incidents Involving Intoxicated Drivers
Some impaired drivers panic after causing a car crash and flee the scene, leading to hit-and-run incidents that make the legal process harder for accident victims. Even if the drunk driver leaves, investigators can still trace the vehicle and hold the other driver liable.
Victims can pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional harm once the impaired driver is identified.
Motorcycle and Scooter Collisions With Drunk Drivers
Motorcycle accidents and scooter crashes often happen because impaired drivers fail to see smaller vehicles on the road. A drunk driver may swerve, speed, or make sudden moves that put riders in danger, causing serious injuries such as broken bones, soft tissue injuries, or spinal cord injuries. Victims can file a personal injury claim to recover compensation for the harm they suffered.
Fatal Accidents Leading to Wrongful Death Claims
When a drunk driving accident causes a death, the family may pursue a wrongful death claim to seek justice and financial support. These tragic cases often involve very high speeds or severe impact forces that cause fatal injuries. Families can work with a Tampa drunk driving accident lawyer to recover compensation for funeral costs, lost income, and the emotional pain of losing a loved one.
Injuries Common in Alcohol-Related Traffic Crashes
Alcohol-related crashes often cause severe injuries because impaired drivers drift into lanes, run red lights, or crash at high speeds. Many victims suffer both physical and emotional injuries, and some require long-term care or face permanent disabilities.
Traumatic Brain Injuries and Concussions
Traumatic brain injuries often occur in a drunk driving accident because the impact can throw a person forward or cause the head to strike a hard surface. These injuries may lead to memory problems, headaches, confusion, or long-term harm that affects daily life.
Many accident victims need ongoing medical care, and a personal injury lawsuit may help cover medical expenses and future treatment needs.
Broken Bones and Crush Injuries
Broken bones and crush injuries are common in a car crash caused by impaired driving, especially when the impact is very strong. Victims may suffer fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, or hips, which can take months to heal and may require surgery. These injuries often lead to high medical bills and lost wages, and a car accident claim can help victims recover compensation.
Internal Organ Damage and Severe Bleeding
A drunk driving crash can cause internal bleeding or harm to organs like the liver, lungs, or kidneys, which can be life-threatening if not treated right away. These auto accident injuries may not be visible at first, making emergency medical care very important. Victims who suffered harm from internal injuries may file a personal injury claim to cover medical treatment and long recovery times.
Spinal Cord and Back Injuries
Spinal cord injuries and serious back injuries can happen when the force of the crash damages the spine or nerves. These injuries may lead to limited movement, severe pain, or even permanent disability, making it hard for victims to return to work or normal life.
An experienced Tampa drunk driving accident lawyer can help pursue compensation for medical expenses, physical therapy, and long-term needs.
Long-Term Disabilities and Emotional Trauma
Many accident victims face long-term disabilities after a car accident caused by an impaired driver, including problems with walking, lifting, or performing daily tasks. Emotional trauma, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder, can also affect the victim’s well-being for years.
A personal injury lawsuit can help cover ongoing care, therapy, and support for both physical and emotional injuries.
Compensation Available After a Drunk Driving Crash
After a drunk driving accident, victims may file a personal injury claim or car accident lawsuit to recover damages for medical treatment, property damage, lost income, and emotional harm. Compensation can help cover medical bills, long-term medical care, and other losses resulting from the accident.
Emergency Medical Treatment and Future Care Costs
After a drunk driving accident, many people need emergency medical treatment right away, which can lead to high medical bills. Some victims also need long-term care, follow-up visits, or therapy for months or years.
A car accident claim can help victims recover compensation for both the treatment they need now and the care they may need in the future.
Lost Wages and Diminished Earning Ability
A serious accident can force victims to miss work while they heal, which causes lost wages and financial stress. Some people also suffer injuries that make it hard to return to the same job or earn the same income. A personal injury claim can help replace lost income and cover the loss of future earning ability.
Pain, Suffering, Mental Anguish, and PTSD
Drunk driving crashes can cause severe physical pain and serious emotional harm, including fear, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. These forms of suffering may persist long after the accident and can affect every part of a person’s life. Victims may seek fair compensation for both physical and emotional harm in a personal injury lawsuit.
Punitive Damages Against Drunk Drivers
Florida Statutes § 768.72 allows punitive damages when a drunk driver acts with extreme carelessness or reckless behavior. These damages are meant to punish the impaired driver for the danger they caused and to discourage similar conduct in the future. Victims may seek these damages when the drunk driving accident shows clear and harmful misconduct.
Wrongful Death Damages for Families
Under Florida Statutes § 768.21, families can seek damages when a loved one dies because of a drunk driver’s actions. These damages may cover funeral costs, lost financial support, and the emotional pain of losing someone close. A wrongful death claim helps families recover compensation during a very difficult time.
Florida’s Statute of Limitations for DUI Injury Claims
Florida law sets strict deadlines for filing a car accident claim or personal injury lawsuit after a drunk driving crash. Acting quickly protects your rights and helps the Tampa car accident lawyer gather evidence.
Standard Time Limits for Injury and Property Damage
Under Florida Statutes § 95.11, most injury claims must be filed within two years, and property damage claims must also meet specific time limits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need a lawyer after a drunk driving accident?
Yes, a lawyer helps protect your rights and deal with insurance companies that may try to reduce your compensation.
Do I need Tampa car accident attorneys for a DUI crash?
Yes. Tampa car accident attorneys can guide you through the legal process and help you deal with insurance companies so you can work toward a fair settlement.
What if I carry personal injury protection?
PIP covers some medical expenses, but you can still pursue a claim against the impaired driver.
What if insurance companies blame me for the crash?
Insurance companies often try to use driver negligence or distracted driving claims to reduce payouts. A lawyer can protect your rights and help show what really happened at the accident scene.
Can I still file a Tampa car accident claim if my own insurance company is involved?
Yes. You can file a Tampa car accident claim even if your own insurance company provides some coverage, and you may still bring a claim against negligent drivers.
What should I do after an accident in Tampa to help my auto accident case?
Stay calm, get medical care, take photos of the accident scene, and avoid talking too much to insurance adjusters. These steps help protect your auto accident case and support your claim for a fair settlement.
Is the consultation free?
Yes, Fiol and Morros Law Group offers a free consultation and works on a contingency fee basis.
Contact Our Tampa Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
If you were hurt in a drunk driving crash, you do not have to deal with the stress alone. Our personal injury attorneys at Fiol and Morros Law Group are here to guide you with clear support and honest direction during this hard time. We help people with many personal injury cases and work to provide strong legal representation that protects your rights from the start.
Our team provides lsimple-to-understand egal services and we stay focused on helping you in all drunk driving cases. We work hard to help you successfully win compensation and move forward with strength.
Contact us today for a free consultation so we can begin your legal claim and help you take the next step toward healing.
