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 car accident, you could be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Our St. Petersburg DUI accident lawyers at Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers 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) 796-8282 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced St. Petersburg lawyer.
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How Our St. Petersburg Car Accident Lawyers Can Help You After a DUI Accident
St. Petersburg DUI accidents can result in severe injuries for innocent victims. They can cause property damage to vehicles and result in medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering for those involved. Fortunately, an injury victim can file a personal injury claim against the drunk driver to recover compensation for these damages.
Our legal team at Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers can fight to get you the money you deserve after your DUI accident.
When you hire our personal injury attorneys in St. Petersburg, FL, you can expect us to:
- Conduct an independent accident investigation to gather evidence proving causation and liability
- File insurance claims and communicate with the insurance company
- Work with your physicians to document your injuries and damages
- Negotiate for a fair settlement
- File a personal injury lawsuit if the insurer won’t play ball
Contact our law office to request your free consultation with one of our DUI accident lawyers in St. Petersburg, FL.
How Often Do DUI Accidents Occur in St. Petersburg, Florida?
The legal blood alcohol limit in Florida is .08% for most drivers. Commercial drivers have a lower BAC limit of .04%, and underage drivers have a BAC limit of .02% or higher. If your BAC is above the legal limit, you are presumed to be intoxicated.
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.
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.
What Damages Can I Recover for a DUI Accident Claim In St. Petersburg, Florida?
Once you prove that the other driver caused the car accident, you could be entitled to compensation for economic damages and non-economic damages.
Examples of damages include:
- Medical bills
- Physical pain
- Emotional distress
- Lost wages
- Mental anguish
- Reduced earning potential
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent impairments and disabilities
- Reduced quality of life
In addition to the above damages, you may also receive punitive damages for a DUI accident case. Punitive damages “punish” a defendant for gross negligence or intentional misconduct. Driving under the influence is generally considered gross negligence and intentional misconduct.
What Should I Do After a DUI Accident in St. Petersburg, FL?
Do not confront a drunk driver. Intoxicated individuals are unpredictable. Instead, call 911 to report the crash and inform the operator you suspect the other driver could be intoxicated. The police officers will handle the matter.
Try to document the accident scene by taking photographs and making a video. If anyone witnessed the accident, ask them for their contact information. However, never place yourself or others at risk of injury to document the accident scene.
Seek medical attention for your injuries. If you do not require emergency medical treatment, follow up with your doctor as soon as possible after the crash.
Reaching out to a St. Petersburg accident lawyer for legal advice is also wise. An attorney can help you avoid mistakes that could hurt your DUI accident claim.
Other Common Motor Vehicle Accident in St. Petersburg
At Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers, we handle all types of car accidents in St. Petersburg including:
- Head-on collisions
- Rear-end collisions
- Hit and run accidents
- Lane change crashes
- Intersection accidents
- Speeding accidents
- Distracted driving
- And more
Give our attorneys a call today to discuss your case and see how we can help.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our St. Petersburg Car Crash Lawyer
Our legal team can answer your questions about DUI accident claims. Contact our office to discuss your case with a St. Petersburg personal injury attorney. Your initial consultation is a free, no-obligation appointment. Let’s work together to hold a drunk driver responsible for your injuries.
