Florida Drunk Driving Accident Attorney
Fighting for Justice After Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk driving accidents are some of the most preventable yet devastating incidents on Florida’s roads. Although state law clearly warns of the dangers, thousands of individuals continue to risk lives by driving under the influence. Victims and their families face major physical, emotional, and financial hardship in the aftermath. At Kemp Law, we remain committed to helping you rebuild and take the steps forward you need.
With years of experience and a proven record of results, our drunk driving accident attorneys in Florida represent clients in New Port Richey, Tampa Bay, and throughout the state. We know how to hold accountable not just drivers, but all responsible parties and their insurers, fighting to help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve.
Florida’s busy highways and popular nightlife mean local law enforcement holds frequent DUI checkpoints throughout the year. These safety measures lower risks but cannot entirely prevent all crashes. As a firm with firsthand experience in Florida’s courts and legal system, we guide our clients confidently through every phase, from investigation to insurance negotiations. We take the time to explain your rights under Florida law, keeping you informed about every milestone along the way.
Schedule a free consultation today by calling (727) 788-6792 or contacting us online. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
The Consequences of Drunk Driving
Drunk driving remains a leading cause of severe car accidents in Florida. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), impaired drivers caused 5,106 alcohol-related crashes in 2018. These collisions resulted in 810 deaths and thousands of injuries. Tragically, most of these accidents could have been avoided.
Florida’s size and diversity—from urban communities to rural roads—means drunk driving accidents can occur anywhere and at any time. Counties such as Miami-Dade, Hillsborough, and Orange rank among the highest for reported DUI crashes. Many victims suffer catastrophic injuries, including brain trauma and spinal cord damage, which often requires years of recovery or lifelong care.
The Effects of Alcohol on Driving
Alcohol reduces a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely by:
- Slowing Reaction Times: Drivers under the influence may not respond quickly to changes in traffic.
- Reducing Coordination: Impaired motor skills make steering and braking difficult.
- Impeding Judgment: Alcohol clouds decision-making and increases the risk of reckless behavior such as speeding.
After a crash, law enforcement uses field sobriety and blood alcohol tests to measure impairment. Florida courts and insurance companies rely heavily on these results and witness accounts to determine fault. This evidence can directly impact liability and the potential amount of recovery for injury victims.
Common Drunk Driving Accidents:
- Head-on collisions, often from drivers crossing into oncoming lanes.
- Rear-end crashes caused by drivers failing to brake in time.
- Hit-and-run collisions, where intoxicated drivers leave the scene to avoid responsibility.
Drunk driving also causes intersection accidents and pedestrian injuries, especially near nightlife or entertainment areas. Many injured people face challenges with drivers who deny blame or refuse responsibility. Taking immediate action helps police and your legal team gather facts, protect evidence, and strengthen your drunk driving accident claim in Florida.
If a drunk driver caused your injuries, you deserve accountability. Kemp Law is prepared to advocate for you at every step.
Why Drunk Driving Cases Are Complex
Drunk driving cases often appear simple, but legal complexities usually demand counsel who understands every detail. At Kemp Law, we have the resources to help you overcome obstacles and pursue maximum compensation for your injuries.
Each case may involve multiple insurance carriers, active criminal investigations, and potential liability for businesses or third parties. Florida law imposes strict deadlines known as statutes of limitations that limit your ability to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. Timely legal help can prevent you from missing these critical deadlines. We deal directly with insurers, attorneys, and law enforcement so you can focus on recovery while your interests are protected.
Common Challenges in Drunk Driving Cases:
- Proving Liability: Evidence such as police reports and breathalyzer test results is crucial, but complete investigations are often required for clear fault assignment.
- Pursuing Additional Claims: Florida’s dram shop laws allow certain claims against bars or vendors who served alcohol to minors or known habitual drinkers. Identifying all responsible parties can affect your case’s value.
- Handling Insurance Companies: Insurers might minimize the severity of your injuries or make settlement offers far below what you need to move forward.
Thorough evidence collection is essential. Key evidence may include accident scene photos, witness interviews, traffic camera footage, and the outcome of any related criminal proceedings. Our attorneys at Kemp Law manage these complex challenges and take care that nothing gets overlooked.
Contact us online or by calling (727) 788-6792 today!
Compensation for Drunk Driving Accident Victims
After a drunk driving crash, victims and families often face huge medical costs, lengthy time off work, and lasting pain. At Kemp Law, we pursue every dollar of compensation that Florida law allows.
In Florida, accident compensation depends on the specific facts. Immediate expenses often include emergency care, hospitalization, and rehabilitation. Many clients require ongoing therapies or long-term support for daily life. Lost income or reduced future earning power can have a major effect on your family’s future. Emotional damages often reflect pain, distress, and loss of enjoyment. Our team works with trusted local healthcare professionals and economists to fully document your needs after a drunk driving accident.
Types of Compensation Available:
- Medical Costs: Covers hospital care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future medical expenses.
- Lost Wages: Provides for income lost if you cannot work, plus loss of future earning potential if injuries limit your ability to earn a living.
- Pain and Suffering: Accounts for the physical pain and emotional distress after your injury.
- Property Damage: Pays to repair or replace your vehicle and damaged personal property.
- Wrongful Death Damages: If a family member was killed, you may claim compensation for funeral costs, financial support, and companionship loss.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence, Florida courts may award money as punishment and deterrent to the drunk driver.
Other recoverable losses may include transportation costs for medical care, home modifications, and psychological counseling. For the most reckless cases, Florida courts may grant extra punitive damages as a warning to others.
Our attorneys at Kemp Law assess every factor so you can focus on recovering, not worrying about the financial impact of your injuries.
Critical Steps to Take After a Drunk Driving Crash in Florida
Taking smart steps after a drunk driving crash can protect your recovery, finances, and legal rights. The following actions matter:
- Call 911: Always report the accident to police. Officers secure the scene, check for injuries, and collect statements from witnesses.
- Document Everything: Photograph the vehicles, the road, your injuries, and the crash site. Share contact and insurance info with the other driver if possible.
- Seek Prompt Medical Care: See a doctor immediately for even minor injuries. Medical documentation helps your case and ensures injuries are not overlooked.
- Ask for the Police Report Number: Request the report number so you or your attorney can gather details quickly.
- Avoid Statements That Admit Fault: Speak only to the facts with police and insurers. Never apologize or make guesses about the accident’s cause.
- Consult an Attorney: Early legal guidance minimizes risks and helps protect your claim. An attorney can explain insurance letters, settlement offers, and your rights under Florida law.
In populated areas, emergency responders may arrive quickly, but always put safety first by moving to a secure place if you can. The right actions in the first day protect your health and the value of your claim.
Common Injuries & Long-Term Impacts from Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk driving accidents often cause severe, life-changing injuries for people across Florida. Some of the most common injuries from these crashes include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Complex bone fractures and orthopedic trauma
- Internal organ injuries
- Severe burns or lacerations
- Emotional trauma, such as PTSD or anxiety disorders
Many victims need months or years of treatment, therapy, or daily care. Injuries like TBI or paralysis can change speech, memory, movement, or daily independence. Chronic pain and emotional distress interfere with work and normal activities. Because Florida’s active communities value outdoor living, mobility challenges can feel especially isolating. Covering all treatment needs and home adjustments helps victims regain as much independence as possible.
FAQs
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Drunk Driving Accident Lawsuit in Florida?
In Florida, you generally have four years from the date of a drunk driving accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If the accident resulted in a fatality and you pursue a wrongful death claim, you usually have two years from the date of death to file. Timely action protects your legal rights.
Can I Still Recover Damages If the Drunk Driver Was Not Convicted?
Yes, you can recover damages through a civil lawsuit even if the impaired driver was not criminally convicted. Civil cases have a lower burden of proof and focus on compensating victims rather than criminal punishment.
What Should I Bring to My Consultation with a Drunk Driving Accident Attorney?
Bring all documents related to the accident, such as the police report, medical records, bills, insurance correspondence, and any photos or witness contact information. These materials help the attorney evaluate your case and provide tailored guidance from the start.
How Kemp Law Backs You Every Step of the Way
When you hire Kemp Law, you gain a dedicated legal advocate who will handle every part of your case, allowing you to focus on healing.
Our clients have direct attorney involvement from the very first meeting. You work closely with our experienced legal team, not just with staff or intermediaries. We assess your goals, communicate progress, and help you make informed decisions about settlement offers and next steps. Our familiarity with Florida’s legal system allows us to anticipate potential challenges and keep your claim on track, whether negotiating a settlement or preparing for court.
Our Comprehensive Approach Includes:
- Free Consultation: We listen to your story, review your situation, and offer honest advice on your legal options.
- Collecting Evidence: Our team gathers relevant evidence to demonstrate fault, including police reports, witness statements, and BAC results.
- Exploring Dram Shop Claims: We investigate whether bars, restaurants, or sellers contributed to the crash by overserving alcohol.
- Calculating Damages: We work with healthcare professionals, economists, and planners to document the long-term effects of your injuries.
- Negotiating with Insurers: We push for a settlement that covers the full scope of your losses.
- Litigating if Necessary: If settlement talks fail, we prepare your case for trial and work to present a strong case for recovery.
We encourage you to keep thorough records of your appointments and challenges after the crash. These details support your claim and help us seek the best outcome. With our deep experience in Florida’s courts, we keep your interests front and center at every stage, from negotiation to litigation.
From start to finish, Kemp Law manages your case with professionalism, compassion, and resolve.
Florida’s Drunk Driving Laws
Florida treats drunk driving as a serious offense. State law prohibits driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at or above 0.08%. For commercial drivers, the limit is lower at 0.04%. Those caught driving impaired may face criminal penalties, but criminal charges are handled separately from your civil claim for compensation.
Court records show Florida judges handle thousands of DUI cases each year. Penalties may include jail, license loss, and fines. The state enforces implied consent laws, which means refusing a sobriety test results in automatic license suspension. Despite these tough laws, impaired drivers continue to cause preventable harm. A civil claim helps victims seek compensation for their injuries, separate from any criminal prosecution against the driver.
Dram Shop Liability
Under Florida’s dram shop law, injured people can hold bars or restaurants liable if those businesses serve alcohol to:
- A minor (under age 21)
- A person known to be “habitually addicted” to alcohol
Although Florida limits dram shop liability compared to other states, these cases can make a meaningful difference in helping victims recover. Our attorneys investigate the facts, including receipts and witness statements from establishments involved. Pursuing every accountable party gives your case a better chance of success and supports meaningful compensation for your losses.
These claims provide additional options for compensation. At Kemp Law, we actively pursue every responsible party under Florida law as part of our commitment to our clients.
Why Choose Kemp Law?
Kemp Law has earned a reputation as one of Florida’s most trusted personal injury firms, providing results-driven advocacy and exceptional client service.
Our clients often choose us because they want direct attorney involvement with their case—never just a case manager. Our firm founder works directly with every client, ensuring a personal approach from day one. We keep you informed, answer all questions, and address your concerns at every stage. As an established presence in the Florida legal community, we know the courts and procedures in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, and across the region, ready to use that experience for your benefit.
What Sets Us Apart:
- Award-Winning Attorneys: Our team includes members of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, representing the top 1% nationwide.
- Personalized Attention: Every client receives consistent communication, updates, and care.
- Proven Results: Kemp Law has secured millions for injury victims throughout Florida.
- Contingency Fee Promise: You pay nothing up front. We only receive payment if we recover compensation for you.
We take pride in explaining the law clearly, providing honest answers, and building lasting client relationships. Every client’s recovery and peace of mind matter to us, and we measure success by the long-term support and solutions we provide.
When you choose Kemp Law, you choose a trusted advocate who is dedicated to your rights and well-being.
Contact Kemp Law for a Free Consultation
With us in your corner, you do not have to face the aftermath of a drunk driving accident alone. You can trust us to pursue the compensation and closure you need. If you or someone you care about was injured by a drunk driver, do not wait to speak with an attorney. The drunk driving accident lawyers at Kemp Law in Florida will guide you every step of the way and help you protect your future.
Act quickly to protect your legal rights. Florida law sets strict deadlines for both personal injury and wrongful death claims, and waiting could harm your ability to recover. We offer consultations throughout the state, in large metro areas and smaller towns alike, and we are committed to minimizing stress so you can focus on your recovery.
Call us today at (727) 788-6792 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.
