St. Petersburg Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Injured by a Drunk Driver in Tampa Bay? You Deserve More Than the Minimum.
When Another Driver's Choice Leaves You Paying the Price
Drunk driving accidents are not ordinary car accident cases. When a driver chooses to get behind the wheel impaired, that decision opens the door to consequences that go well beyond standard insurance settlements — including punitive damages designed to punish reckless conduct. Florida law recognizes the difference, and so do we.
These cases also move fast. A DUI arrest generates police reports, breathalyzer results, and witness statements that are critical to your civil claim — but that evidence doesn't wait. The sooner an attorney is involved, the better positioned you are to build a case that reflects everything that was taken from you.
What Our Clients Say
What You Can Recover After a Drunk Driving Crash
Florida personal injury law allows victims of drunk driving accidents to pursue compensation that goes beyond what a typical collision might yield. Depending on the facts of your case, recoverable damages can include:
- Medical expenses, both current and future
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering, including emotional distress
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Punitive damages, when the driver's conduct warrants them
Punitive damages are not available in every personal injury case, but drunk driving is one of the clearest examples of the kind of willful, reckless behavior Florida courts have found appropriate to punish financially. We evaluate every case for punitive exposure from the start.
Who May Be Held Responsible — and It's Not Always Just the Driver
One of the most important things we do early in a drunk driving case is identify every party who may share liability. Florida's dram shop laws allow injured victims to pursue claims against bars, restaurants, and other licensed alcohol vendors who served a visibly intoxicated person who then caused an accident. If the driver was served at a private party, there may be additional avenues depending on the circumstances.
This matters because drunk drivers are often underinsured or uninsured. Expanding the pool of responsible parties can be the difference between a settlement that covers your actual losses and one that falls far short. Our attorneys have handled these cases for decades and know where to look.
How We Build a Drunk Driving Accident Claim
The strength of a drunk driving case depends on how thoroughly it's documented in the hours and days after the crash. Our team moves quickly to preserve the evidence that matters most.
- Obtaining the police report and DUI arrest records
- Securing breathalyzer and toxicology results
- Gathering surveillance footage from the scene or nearby businesses
- Identifying and interviewing eyewitnesses
- Issuing preservation letters to bars or restaurants that may have served the driver
- Coordinating with accident reconstruction specialists when liability is disputed
With nearly 200 civil injury trials between our attorneys, we know what it takes to present a drunk driving case to a jury — and insurance companies know it too.
Answers to Questions We Hear from Drunk Driving Victims
Does a DUI conviction guarantee I'll win my civil case?
A criminal conviction is powerful evidence in your favor, but the two cases are separate proceedings with different standards of proof. We can pursue your civil claim even if the driver isn't convicted — or before the criminal case resolves.A criminal conviction is powerful evidence in your favor, but the two cases are separate proceedings with different standards of proof. We can pursue your civil claim even if the driver isn't convicted — or before the criminal case resolves.What if the drunk driver had no insurance or very little coverage?
This is more common than it should be. We look at every available source of recovery, including your own uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, dram shop claims against the establishment that served the driver, and any other liable parties connected to the crash.This is more common than it should be. We look at every available source of recovery, including your own uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, dram shop claims against the establishment that served the driver, and any other liable parties connected to the crash.How long do I have to file a claim in Florida?
Florida's statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. Waiting too long can cost you the right to recover anything, so it's worth getting a case evaluation as soon as you're able.Florida's statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. Waiting too long can cost you the right to recover anything, so it's worth getting a case evaluation as soon as you're able.Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you were less than 51 percent at fault, you can still recover damages, though your award may be reduced by your percentage of fault. We'll give you an honest assessment of how fault may factor into your case.Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you were less than 51 percent at fault, you can still recover damages, though your award may be reduced by your percentage of fault. We'll give you an honest assessment of how fault may factor into your case.What does it cost to hire The Walker Law Group for a drunk driving case?
Nothing upfront. We handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if we recover compensation for you. There are no out-of-pocket costs to get started.Nothing upfront. We handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if we recover compensation for you. There are no out-of-pocket costs to get started.
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If you or someone you love was hurt by a drunk driver in Tampa Bay, we'd like to hear what happened. There's no obligation, no pressure, and no cost to talk with us. We serve clients throughout the Tampa Bay area, including St. Petersburg, Tampa, Clearwater, Bradenton, Sarasota, and surrounding communities. Reach out by phone or through our online form and we'll get back to you promptly.
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