Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers in Clearwater, FL

Have you recently been injured in a car accident in Clearwater, Florida, where someone was driving under the influence (DUI)? If so, you may have a legitimate claim for damages against those responsible for your injury. Our accomplished Clearwater drunk driving accident lawyers can help you get the justice and compensation you deserve. 

At Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes, we understand how angry and frustrated you must be after being injured in a drunk driving accident. Knowing your injuries could have been prevented if others had conducted themselves responsibly is difficult to handle. Our experienced car accident lawyers have been through this with many injured clients, and we’ve earned a reputation for success. 

Contact us at our law offices in Clearwater at (727) 591-3354 and schedule a free consultation with our experienced personal injury team. 

Are DUI Accidents Common in Clearwater?

Florida is unfortunately known for its high number of drunk driving accidents. The drunk driving rate and the number of people killed in the state is greater than the national average. Due to its drunk driving problem, Florida has tough laws and penalties for those who drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Here are a few sobering facts about drunk driving in Florida:

• From 2009 – 2018, 7,573 people were killed in accidents involving a drunk driver
• Drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) above Florida’s legal limit of 0.08% are considered alcohol-impaired
• Ignition interlocks are required for convicted repeat offenders and first-time convicted offenders with particularly high BACs
• Sobriety checkpoints in Florida allow police to stop vehicles at visible locations to check for driver impairment
• Most drunk drivers in Florida are between the ages of 21 and 34
• 5.9% of drivers under the influence are male; 1.8% are female

According to the statistics, there were 385 alcohol-related crashes in Pinellas County in 2021. Those wrecks caused 196 injuries and killed 15 people.

With over 10,000 people dying in DUI accidents every year across the United States, it’s no wonder Florida takes the tough measures it does. Fortunately, the state’s efforts seem to be working and drunk driving numbers are beginning to improve.

How Does Alcohol Affect Driving Ability?

While the effect that alcohol has on a person’s system and their ability to drive can depend on a number of factors, there are some general measures of what to expect if your BAC is at certain levels. 

The following guidelines show the typical effect of standard drinks at various levels of BAC:

• 0.02% – Decline in visual functions, inability to divide attention, mood changes, judgment somewhat impaired. This level is usually the equivalent of two drinks.
• 0.05% – Lack of coordination, difficulty steering the vehicle, delayed response in emergency situations, reduced levels of alertness, lowered inhibitions. This level is usually the equivalent of three drinks.
• 0.08% – Inability to process information, short-term memory loss, reduced perception, slow speech, reduced vision, reduced reaction time, and decline in ability to recognize danger. This is the legal limit in Florida and most states.
• 0.10% – Inability to brake properly and stay within lanes, speech slurred, poor control and coordination. This level is usually the equivalent of five drinks.
• 0.15% – Substantial impairment. This level is usually the equivalent of seven drinks. 

With even two drinks causing some reduction in critical functions, it’s wise to take every precaution to avoid driving a vehicle after drinking. When people don’t take those precautions, it can result in DUI accidents that injure victims like you. 

You shouldn’t have to pay for another’s negligence. Our drunk driving accident attorneys in Clearwater will do everything we can to hold the responsible parties accountable for what happened to you.

Common Injuries in DUI Accidents

Every accident is different, and the types of injuries involved depend on a number of factors, including the location of the accident, the speed and type of vehicles, and seat belt use. However, some injuries are fairly common in crashes such as DUI accidents.

Injuries that may occur include:

• Whiplash
• Bone fractures and breaks
• Spinal cord injuries
• Brain injuries
• Contusions
• Burn Injuries
• Cuts and scrapes
• Airbag injuries
• Internal bleeding
• Organ damage

If you’re suffering from the above injuries as the result of a drunk driving accident, don’t hesitate to call our personal injury law firm as soon as possible. We will work to secure you a financial award to help with your injuries and recovery.

Proving Liability Against a Drunk Driver

To successfully recover compensation in a drunk driving accident case, it must be shown that the intoxicated driver was legally responsible for causing the crash. A Clearwater drunk driving accident lawyer at Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers will gather crucial evidence to build a strong case on your behalf.

This may include:

• Police reports and DUI test results
• Breathalyzer or blood test evidence
• Dashcam and surveillance footage
• Witness statements
• Accident reconstruction analysis
• Medical records and expert testimony
• Phone records and surveillance from bars or restaurants

In many drunk driving cases, proving liability is more straightforward than in other car accident cases due to the clear evidence of impairment. However, insurance companies still try to minimize or deny claims. Our legal team knows how to counter these tactics and fight for the full amount of compensation you deserve.

Dram Shop & Social Host Liability in FL

Florida law recognizes “dram shop” liability in certain situations. Under Florida Statute 768.125, a bar, restaurant, or other establishment that sells or furnishes alcohol to a minor, or to a person known to be habitually addicted to alcohol, may be held liable for damages caused by that person.

This means that in some cases, you may be able to pursue compensation not only from the drunk driver, but also from:

• Bars
• Nightclubs
• Restaurants
• Private party hosts (under limited circumstances)

While Florida does not have broad social host liability for serving alcohol to adults, exceptions do exist. A Clearwater drunk driving accident lawyer from Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers can investigate whether a business or individual contributed to the incident by negligently serving alcohol.

This can significantly increase the potential compensation available in your claim.