Tampa Drunk Driving Accident Attorney

Serious Help After A Drunk Driving Crash In The Tampa Bay Area

A drunk driving crash can change your life in a single night. You may be facing emergency treatment, missed work, and calls from insurance companies, all while trying to process that someone chose to get behind the wheel after drinking and caused this harm. In this situation, having a drunk driving accident attorney who understands both the legal system and what you are going through can make a real difference.

Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers has represented injured people and families in the Tampa Bay area since 1955. Our firm was built to handle serious personal injury and wrongful death cases, and we have recovered more than $675 million for clients across the region. We work to combine thorough case preparation, strong trial capability, and steady communication so that you are never left guessing about what comes next.

We offer free consultations and work on a contingency basis, which means you do not pay attorney fees unless we secure a recovery. If you were injured or lost a loved one because of a drunk driver in or around Tampa, our team is available to talk through what happened and explain your options.

Contact us today at (727) 591-3354 to schedule a free consultation.

What Is a Drunk Driving Accident?

A drunk driving accident occurs when a motor vehicle crash is caused by a driver who is impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of substances. Alcohol slows reaction time, impairs judgment, and reduces coordination—making driving extremely dangerous. Even drivers who believe they are “only a little buzzed” can cause catastrophic injuries or fatalities.

Drunk driving accidents in Tampa often result in severe injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, internal organ damage, burns, and wrongful death. Victims frequently require long-term medical care, rehabilitation, and time away from work.

Florida Drunk Driving Laws

Florida has strict laws designed to prevent impaired driving and protect the public. Under Florida law, a driver is considered legally intoxicated if they have:

• A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or
• Impaired normal faculties due to alcohol, drugs, or controlled substances
• Commercial drivers are held to an even stricter standard, with a legal BAC limit of 0.04%. Drivers under the age of 21 are subject to Florida’s zero-tolerance policy.

A DUI arrest can lead to criminal penalties such as fines, license suspension, probation, or jail time. However, criminal charges are separate from a civil personal injury claim, which allows injured victims to pursue compensation. Our Tampa drunk driving accident lawyer can guide you through the civil claims process while your attorney works independently of any criminal case.

Proving Liability Against a Drunk Driver

To recover compensation after a drunk driving accident, you must establish that the impaired driver was legally responsible for your injuries. A Tampa drunk driving accident lawyer from Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers will gather and analyze evidence to prove liability, which may include:

• Police crash reports and DUI arrest records
• Breathalyzer or blood test results
• Dashcam or surveillance footage
• Eyewitness statements
• Accident reconstruction analysis
• Medical records linking your injuries to the crash

Florida follows a comparative negligence system, meaning your compensation may be reduced if you are found partially at fault. Our attorneys work aggressively to minimize any allegations of shared fault and protect your right to full recovery.

Dram Shop & Social Host Liability in FL

In some drunk driving cases, liability may extend beyond the intoxicated driver. Florida’s dram shop law allows injured victims to pursue compensation from alcohol providers under limited circumstances.

Under Florida law, a bar, restaurant, or other establishment may be held liable if they:

• Knowingly served alcohol to a person under 21, or
• Knowingly served alcohol to a person who was habitually addicted to alcohol

Social hosts may also face liability if they knowingly provide alcohol to a minor who later causes a drunk driving accident. Dram shop and social host claims can be complex, but a knowledgeable Tampa drunk driving accident lawyer can determine whether additional parties may be held accountable.

The Life-Changing Impact of a Drunk Driving Accident

The consequences of a drunk driving accident can last a lifetime. Victims often face:

• Extensive medical bills and ongoing treatment
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Chronic pain or permanent disability
• Emotional trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and depression
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Families who lose a loved one in a drunk driving crash may pursue a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and financial support.

Compensation Available After a Drunk Driving Accident

A Tampa drunk driving accident lawyer at Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers can help you pursue compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, including:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Rehabilitation and therapy costs
• Lost income and diminished earning ability
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Property damage

In some cases, Florida courts may also award punitive damages. These damages are intended to punish especially reckless behavior—such as drunk driving—and deter similar conduct in the future.

Drunk Driving Accident FAQs

What should I do after a drunk driving accident in Tampa?

Seek medical attention immediately, call law enforcement, document the scene if possible, and contact a Tampa drunk driving accident lawyer as soon as possible.

Can I file a claim if the drunk driver was arrested?

Yes. A criminal DUI case is separate from your personal injury claim. You can pursue compensation regardless of the criminal outcome.

What if the drunk driver was uninsured?

You may still have options, including uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage or pursuing other liable parties such as a bar or social host.

How long do I have to file a drunk driving accident lawsuit in Florida?

Florida’s statute of limitations generally allows two years from the date of the accident for personal injury claims. Wrongful death claims also have a two-year deadline.

How much does a Tampa drunk driving accident lawyer cost?

Most personal injury cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless your lawyer recovers compensation for you.

Why Injured Victims Choose Our Firm After A Drunk Driving Crash

When you are deciding who to trust with your case, stability and focus matter. Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers has served Tampa Bay since 1955, and we have built our practice by concentrating exclusively on personal injury and wrongful death. We were the first law firm in Pinellas County to limit its work to injury cases, which reflects a long-standing commitment to people who have been hurt, not to insurance companies.

Our attorneys handle serious injury and wrongful death claims personally from start to finish. We intentionally limit delegation so that a lawyer manages each case, understands the details, and remains directly accessible when you have questions. Many clients come to us worried they will sign with a firm and then never hear from a lawyer again. Our goal is the opposite. We keep you genuinely informed, provide consistent updates, and reach out quickly when something changes.

For drunk driving crashes, trial readiness can be critical. Some insurance companies only take a claim seriously when they know the law firm is prepared to go to court. We build every claim with the expectation that it may go before a jury, which strengthens negotiation leverage and shows that we are prepared to keep pushing when fair outcomes are not offered. Our team includes multiple attorneys who are Board Certified in Civil Trial Law, a distinction held by fewer than two percent of Florida lawyers. That level of training supports our work in high-stakes cases where impaired driving has caused life-changing harm.

People also choose our firm because of our results and our approach to client service. We have recovered more than $675 million for injury victims and families, including many who faced complex medical needs and long recoveries. At the same time, our clients often tell us that they felt supported, listened to, and respected throughout the process. We take the time to understand what this crash has done to your life, and we work to bring both accountability and a sense of structure to a very difficult time.

To speak with our team about your situation, call (727) 591-3354 or contact us online today.