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 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) 591-3354 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced St. Petersburg lawyer.
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.
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 at (727) 591-3354 to discuss your case with a St. Petersburg car accident attorney. Your initial consultation is a free, no-obligation appointment. Let’s work together to hold a drunk driver responsible for your injuries. Our law firm is conveniently located near you. We have an office in St. Petersburg at 2560 1st Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33712, United States.
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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“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.
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“What was particularly awe inspiring was the recall of facts and testimonies from medical personnel that Para Legal Ms. Josephine Elizabeth Angelo was able to make. Her memory and acumen for detail was admirable.”- Maylisa Y.
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“Wonderful, impeccable, personalized, authentic, truthful, honest experience. Rare, real, and human firm.”- Sheryl G.
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.
