Jacksonville DUI Accident Lawyers

Florida Laws on DUI Accidents

Florida has stringent laws aimed at reducing DUI incidents. In addition to criminal penalties for impaired drivers, victims of DUI accidents have the right to pursue civil claims to recover damages for their injuries and losses.

Key aspects of Florida’s DUI laws include:

• Criminal Penalties for Drunk Drivers: Penalties can include jail time, fines, license suspension, and mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device.
• Civil Liability: DUI offenders may be held financially responsible for the harm they cause, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• Dram Shop Laws: Under Florida’s dram shop statute, establishments that serve alcohol to minors or visibly intoxicated individuals may also be held liable for damages caused by those individuals.

For more information on liability, visit our page on proving negligence in personal injury cases.

Common Injuries in DUI Accidents

Drunk driving accidents often result in severe injuries due to impaired reaction times and reckless behavior. Victims may suffer:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Broken bones and fractures
• Internal injuries
• Severe burns and lacerations
• Emotional trauma and PTSD

These injuries often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation, placing a significant financial burden on victims and their families. Discover more about catastrophic injuries.

Proving Negligence in DUI Accident Claims

Establishing liability in a DUI accident requires proving that the at-fault driver’s intoxication directly caused the accident and resulting injuries. Our experienced attorneys gather critical evidence, including:

• Police reports and DUI arrest records
• BAC test results
• Eyewitness statements
• Surveillance and traffic camera footage
• Accident reconstruction analysis

We also examine whether other parties, such as bars or restaurants, contributed to the accident by overserving the intoxicated driver. Learn how we build cases for highway accidents.

Compensation for DUI Accident Victims

Victims of DUI accidents in Jacksonville may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, including:

Economic Damages:

• Medical expenses, including surgery and rehabilitation
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Vehicle repair or replacement costs

Non-Economic Damages:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of companionship for family members

In cases involving gross negligence or reckless behavior, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish the offender and deter future misconduct. Learn more about the types of damages you can recover.