St. Petersburg DUI Accident Lawyer
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can result in fines, imprisonment, and other criminal penalties under Florida Statute §316.193. A drunk driver who causes a DUI accident can also face civil penalties. If you are the victim of a drunk driving accident, you could be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Our St. Petersburg DUI accident attorneys at Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes have over 300 years of experience handling accident claims. We have recovered millions of dollars in compensation on behalf of our clients since 1955.
We want to help you recover compensation after a drunk driving accident in St. Petersburg, Florida. Contact our law firm at (727) 591-3354 to schedule a free consultation.
The Dangers of Drunk Driving in St. Petersburg
Drunk driving remains a serious issue across Florida, including in St. Petersburg and throughout Pinellas County. Impaired drivers suffer from delayed reaction times, poor judgment, limited concentration, and decreased coordination. These factors make it extremely difficult for a drunk driver to safely operate a vehicle, greatly increasing the risk of high-speed collisions, head-on crashes, and pedestrian accidents.
There were 328 alcohol confirmed crashes in Pinellas County during 2019. Crashes involving drug use totaled 43 that year. There were also 17 confirmed crashes involving drugs and alcohol.
In 2019, there were 4,984 alcohol-related crashes statewide, including 378 fatalities. Thousands of people were injured in these DUI accidents.
Many drunk driving accidents occur on busy roads such as I-275, U.S. Route 19, and major neighborhood streets, especially during weekends, holidays, and nighttime hours. These crashes are not “accidents” in the true sense—they are preventable, reckless acts that deserve serious legal consequences.
If you were injured by a drunk driver, a St. Petersburg drunk driving accident lawyer at Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers can guide you through the legal process and pursue maximum compensation.
Florida Drunk Driving Laws
Florida treats drunk and impaired driving very seriously. Under Florida law, a person is considered legally intoxicated if:
- Their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher
- They are impaired by alcohol, illegal drugs, prescription medication, or a combination of substances to the point that normal faculties are affected
- Drivers under the age of 21 are subject to a zero-tolerance law, meaning a BAC of 0.02% or greater can result in charges.
If a drunk driver causes an accident that results in injury or death, they may face enhanced criminal penalties such as:
- DUI with property damage
- DUI with serious bodily injury (felony)
- DUI manslaughter (felony)
- Driver’s license suspension or revocation
- Steep fines and potential prison time
While criminal charges punish the drunk driver, they do not automatically compensate you for your injuries. That is where a civil claim comes in. Our team can help you pursue a personal injury claim separately from any criminal proceedings.
Proving Liability Against a Drunk Driver
To successfully recover compensation after a drunk driving accident, your attorney must prove that the impaired driver was negligent and that their actions caused your injuries. Our legal team conducts a detailed investigation that may include:
- Obtaining police reports and toxicology test results
- Reviewing dashcam, surveillance, or traffic camera footage
- Interviewing eyewitnesses
- Analyzing the accident scene and vehicle damage
- Consulting accident reconstruction experts
- Gathering medical documentation of your injuries
Drunk driving is a clear form of negligence per se, meaning the driver violated the law and that violation directly led to your injuries. This often makes it easier for your St. Petersburg drunk driving accident lawyer to establish liability and strengthen your case.
In some situations, multiple parties may be held responsible, including the driver, a vehicle owner, or a business that over-served alcohol.
Dram Shop & Social Host Liability in FL
Florida’s Dram Shop Law allows victims to pursue compensation from establishments or individuals who unlawfully provided alcohol to someone who later caused a drunk driving accident.
Under Florida Statute 768.125, a business (such as a bar, nightclub, or restaurant) may be held liable if:
- They knowingly served alcohol to a person under the legal drinking age of 21, or
- They knowingly served alcohol to a habitually addicted person
Additionally, a social host, such as a homeowner hosting a party, may be held liable if they knowingly serve alcohol to a minor who later causes an accident.
Dram shop cases can be complex, requiring evidence such as:
- Bar receipts
- Witness testimony
- Video footage
- Social media activity
- Prior history of alcohol abuse
Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes knows how to uncover this evidence and determine whether a bar, club, restaurant, or host can be added to your claim.
Common Injuries Caused by DUI Crashes in St. Petersburg, FL
The injuries caused by drunk driving accidents depend on the type of crash and the severity of the crash. However, there is always a risk of catastrophic injuries and fatalities when a drunk driver gets behind the wheel.
DUI accident injuries include, but are not limited to:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Spinal cord injuries
- Injuries to internal organs
- Traumatic brain injury
- Neck and back injuries
- Chest injuries
- Lacerations and puncture wounds
- Blunt force trauma
- Paralysis
- Injuries from seatbelts and airbags
- Amputations and loss of limbs
- Wrongful death
After a DUI accident, prompt medical care is necessary to document injuries. Medical records help prove that the car crash caused your injuries. Make sure you report all symptoms to your doctor, regardless of how minor the symptoms might appear to you.
We treat you like family.
If you can’t come to us, we’ll come to you.
Representing Accident Victims in Tampa Bay since 1955
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“Friendly knowledgeable and kept me informed about my case. Any offer, bill or question was readily answered. Would definitely recommend and refer people to Bryan Caulfield and his team!!”- Betty B.
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“Mrs Bryant works her butt off to make sure you get what is do to you in medical and beyond! They won’t take your case if they don’t feel you haven’t been wronged.”- Christine R.
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“Working with Mark Perenich on my auto injury case was an absolute game-changer. From the very beginning, he brought a level of professionalism, expertise, and care that immediately put us at ease.”- Kerry B.
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“Lorrie and Allyson are phenomenal. I highly recommend them to anyone. It seemed like a never ending journey but I can’t thank them enough for diligently fighting my case with the greatest integrity, support and prayers.”- Former Client
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“Allyson has been so helpful with navigating the disability process for my husband!”- Kaitlyn S.
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“It honestly couldn’t have gone better. Pretty much perfect.”- Andreas B.
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“From the first day we met this law group I felt very comfortable and knew we would be well taken care of. This was our first experience filing for SSD, and was not disappointed. The lawyers are awesome and very professional.”- Shari J.
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“Very nice they worked with you. Never ignored me with my case. Always on top to work with you. Thank you so much for all that you have done to help me! Very highly recommend.”- Margarita O.
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“My appointed attorney was Jacqueline, Bryant. She is very compassionate about her client and work. When it comes to negotiation, she's a Beast and she gets the job done.”- Alaina J.
We’ve been proudly serving Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and the Tampa Bay area for generations. As the first personal injury law firm in Clearwater, our dedicated legal team brings over 300 years of combined experience to each and every case. If you’ve been injured and need support, please reach outtoday for a free consultation, we are here to help you.
