Tampa Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

When an individual gets behind the wheel drunk, they have a reduced reaction speed, an inability to concentrate, and a greater chance of falling asleep or passing out while on the road. This can lead to serious harm for everyone else around them. When a driver makes these foolish and life-threatening decisions in areas like Tampa Heights or on East Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, an experienced Tampa drunk driving accident lawyer is here to support you. 

Trust Ronald Bone, P.A., Today

At Ronald Bone, P.A., we are committed to recovering the compensation our clients deserve after suffering injury due to the negligence, recklessness, or intentional wrongdoing of another party. For over 30 years, we have established ourselves as key players when it comes to personal injury trials and aren’t afraid of taking your case before a judge and jury.

We have recovered millions of dollars in past cases and want to do whatever we can to achieve a similar outcome for you. While past results cannot guarantee future outcomes, we are ready to pursue fair compensation on your behalf. 

Understanding Drunk Driving in Florida

In Florida, not only is it dangerous to drive under the influence of alcohol, but it is also illegal. According to state law, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol content level, or BAC, of 0.08 percent or higher. If you are injured by a drunk driver, you have the ability to hire an attorney who can bring an injury claim forward against the drunk driver and possibly under the state’s dram shop laws.

In most cases, the party that provided the alcohol to the at-fault driver cannot be held liable. However, there is one possible exception to this rule. In cases where a bar, restaurant, or other similar establishment or individual has provided the alcohol to a minor or to an individual who has a known drinking problem, then liability may be on the part of the provider.

At least 16.3 percent of Florida adults over 18 binge drink at least once a month, and if a known-habitual drinker is served alcohol and then causes an accident, the party who served that alcohol may also be liable. Your attorney can review the situation and help make a determination whether this is the case or not. 

What Should I Do Following a Drunk Driving Accident in Tampa

The aftermath of any motor vehicle accident can be overwhelming. Understanding your rights and what you need to do following an accident caused by a drunk driver is integral to the future of your personal injury claim. If you are involved in a DUI accident in Tampa, and you are physically able to do so, take the following steps:

• Call for emergency services. It is essential that you call 911 following an accident. Even if you do not feel severely injured, being checked out by medical professionals can help identify any invisible injuries and lend an extra air of credibility to your future claim. 
• Seek medical attention. Following the accident, it is important to seek further medical attention with a follow-up visit to your primary care doctor, even if your injuries do not seem severe. It is important that you keep all documentation following your visit and record all diagnoses, tests done, medications, and care instructions. 
• Document the accident. If you can, while you are still at the accident site, document the name and contact information of anyone who might have witnessed the accident. You can also take videos or photos of the accident scene. 
• Consult an attorney. Finally, it is essential that you hire an attorney before you speak with any other party or an insurance adjuster. Do not sign or agree to anything before you speak with a lawyer. 

FAQs

Q: Should I Get a Lawyer for a DUI in Florida?

A: Yes, you should absolutely get a lawyer if you have been hit by a drunk driver in Florida and you have sustained serious injury or damage that has impacted your daily life. When you hire a DUI accident lawyer, they are there to protect your rights to fair and full compensation and allow you to spend your time recovering rather than worrying about the legal issues of your case. 

Q: What Injuries Occur in DUI Accidents?

A: There are many different injuries that can occur in DUI accidents across the United States. These can include whiplash, broken bones, back injuries, shoulder injuries, spinal cord damage, which could result in paralysis, traumatic brain injuries, concussions, severe cuts, bruises, or lacerations, or even death. Every day in the United States, 37 people are killed by a drunk driver. 

Q: How Can I Prove the Liable Party Was Under the Influence?

A: In order to prove the liable party was under the influence at the time of your accident and resulting injury, you will need to uncover evidence that includes witness statements, field sobriety tests, breathalyzer or blood test results, and the police report from the scene of the accident. Your attorney can help you collect this necessary evidence.

Q: What Kind of Compensation Can I Recover in a DUI Accident?

A: There are numerous forms of compensation you may be able to recover from a claim against a drunk driver, depending on how serious your injuries are. These forms of compensation can include all related medical costs, lost wages, loss of your future earning capacity, physical pain and emotional suffering, punitive damages, and wrongful death damages. 

Talk to a
Lawyer Before
It’s Too Late

Contact Us Today

Hire a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Today

If you have suffered because of a drunk driver in Tampa, the experienced team at Ronald Bone, P.A., is here to protect your rights as a victim and seek fair and full compensation. When you hire a drunk driving accident lawyer from our team, you can rest assured you have the right people in your corner.

Since 1997, we have protected victims’ rights to compensation, and we aren’t going to stop now. Contact our St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay-based offices today to schedule your initial consultation.