Tampa DUI Accident Lawyers
Drunk Driving Accidents are sadly too common of an occurrence in Florida. WFLA News reported in 2023 that Florida had the 16th highest percentage of car crash deaths involving drunk driving in the nation. If you’ve been injured by a drunk driver, our team of experienced Tampa DUI accident lawyers can help you get the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident, Papasov Law Group’s experienced DUI accident lawyers understand the significant physical, emotional, and financial toll these accidents take on victims and their families. We are committed to offering compassionate, personalized legal representation to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Drunk driving accidents often involve complex legal issues, requiring highly specialized knowledge and a commitment to understanding your unique circumstances. We will thoroughly investigate the accident, gather evidence, and navigate the legal process to build a strong case on your behalf. Whether you are dealing with medical expenses, lost wages, or emotional trauma, we’ll work tirelessly to protect your rights and secure a fair settlement.
At Papasov Law Group, we treat each client like family, providing the attention and dedication your case deserves.
Contact us for a free consultation, and let us help you take the next steps toward recovery. You don’t pay unless we WIN!
Your Trusted Local Tampa DUI Accident Attorney
At Papasov Law Group, we understand that when you've been injured in a DUI accident, you deserve more than just legal representation—you deserve a team that genuinely cares about your recovery. What differentiates us from other DUI accident lawyers is our personalized approach and commitment to ensuring you receive the attention you need every step of the way.
Unlike larger firms, we provide direct access to your lawyer—from your initial consultation to the final resolution, you’ll have direct communication with your attorney, ensuring that your concerns are heard, your questions answered, and your case is handled with the attention it deserves. We believe in building a relationship with our clients, offering not only legal expertise but also a sense of trust and support.
Our focus isn’t just on winning; it’s on securing the best possible settlement for you. We understand that navigating the aftermath of a DUI accident can be overwhelming, and we’ll do the heavy lifting of working with insurance companies to put you on an equal footing. We fight aggressively to negotiate a fair settlement, aiming to resolve your case efficiently so you can move forward. If needed, we’re also fully prepared to take your case to court and will help you prepare to testify, ensuring you’re ready to tell your story.
Unlike larger firms, where you may be passed off to paralegals or junior attorneys, we offer a high level of service you won’t find elsewhere. We are deeply invested in the Tampa area and understand the local issues and nuances of DUI accidents in this community. This local expertise allows us to provide a more tailored and effective approach to your case.
At Papasov Law Group, you’re not just a case number—we’re about getting to know you and fighting for what you deserve. Let us be your trusted advocates in this challenging time.
Contact us for a free consultation, and experience the difference of working with a firm that truly puts you first.
What Damages You Could Be Entitled to if you are Hit by a Drunk Driver
If you’ve been injured by a drunk driver in Florida, you may be entitled to various damages that can help cover the costs and impacts of the accident. These damages generally fall into two categories: economic and non-economic.
Economic Damages
Economic damages have a clear, monetary value and can be calculated with receipts, bills, and other documentation. These typically include:
Medical Expenses: Current and future
Lost Wages: Including loss of future earning potential
Property Damage: Vehicle repairs or replacement
Rehabilitation: Including therapy and physiotherapy costs
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are more subjective and relate to the pain and suffering caused by the accident. These include::
Pain and Suffering: Physical and emotional distress
Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Due to stress and trauma
Permanent Disability or Disfigurement: Life altering after-effects of a DUI crash
Mental Anguish: Including emotional trauma
In addition to these damages, we can help you apply for additional compensation through the Crime Victim Compensation Fund, which is available to victims of drunk driving accidents. This state fund can provide financial assistance for medical expenses, lost wages, and counseling services, particularly when the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.
At Papasov Law Group, we are here to help you navigate the complex legal process and pursue all available forms of compensation to support your recovery. Contact us today for a free consultation.. Contact us today for a free consultation.
How to Prove Liability in Tampa DUI Personal Injury Cases
Proving liability in DUI personal injury cases in Florida involves identifying responsible parties beyond just the intoxicated driver. While the drunk driver's liability may not be at issue, other negligent parties, such as the bar or establishment that served alcohol to the driver, may also be held accountable under Dram Shop laws.
Florida's Dram Shop law, outlined in Florida Statute §768.125, is restrictive but still provides an opportunity for victims to pursue claims against third parties. The law states:
“A person who sells or furnishes alcoholic beverages to a person of lawful drinking age shall not thereby become liable for injury or damage caused by or resulting from the intoxication of such person, except that a person who willfully and unlawfully sells or furnishes alcoholic beverages to a person who is not of lawful drinking age or who knowingly serves a person habitually addicted to the use of any or all alcoholic beverages may become liable for injury or damage caused by or resulting from the intoxication of such minor or person."
In Florida, bars, restaurants, or social hosts are not automatically liable for accidents caused by intoxicated individuals unless they knowingly serve someone who is already intoxicated or serve alcohol to a minor or a habitual alcohol user.
To prove liability in a DUI case, Papasov Law Group will ensure the following evidence is gathered:
Surveillance footage from bars or restaurants showing the driver’s state of intoxication
Witness statements from individuals who observed the driver drinking or acting impaired before driving
Alcohol consumption records from the establishment, such as receipts or logs
BAC test results that confirm the driver’s intoxication
Police reports documenting the driver’s behavior at the scene of the accident
Expert testimony to link the driver’s impairment to the crash
At Papasov Law Group, we investigate every angle of your case, working to identify all responsible parties, whether it’s the intoxicated driver or an establishment that served them. We’re dedicated to securing the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
DUI Penalties in Florida
$5000
Maximum Fine Depending on # of Offenses
5 Years
Jail Time for a Third Offense
50 Hours
Minimum Community Service
12 Months
Probation for first-time offenders
10 Years
Driver’s License Suspension for Third Offense
30 Years
Maximum prison term for DUI Manslaughter
Tampa DUI Penalties by the Numbers
In Florida, DUI penalties increase in severity with each subsequent offense. Here’s a breakdown of potential penalties:
Fines range from $500 to $5,000, depending on the number of offenses. First-time offenders face fines of $500 to $1,000, while second offenders face $1,000 to $2,000, and third-time offenders face $2,000 to $5,000.
Jail time can vary from no jail for a first offense to up to 6 months for a first offense, up to 9 months for a second offense, and up to 5 years for a third offense, particularly if the second or third offense occurs within a 10-year period.
Community service of 50 hours minimum is required for all offenses.
Probation for up to 12 months is possible, especially for first-time offenders.
Driver’s license suspension is 6 months to 1 year for a first offense, 5 years for a second offense within 5 years, and 10 years for a third offense within 10 years.
Ignition interlock device installation may be required, especially if BAC is 0.15% or higher, for second and third offenses.
DUI Manslaughter penalties for causing a fatality can include up to 30 years in prison and substantial fines.
The consequences of a DUI conviction in Florida can be severe, and repeat offenses carry increasingly harsh penalties.
More DUI Accident Injury FAQs
If you have any questions about drunk driving lawsuits in Florida that aren’t answered here, please feel free to contact us and we’ll get back to you with an answer as soon as possible:
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At Papasov Law Group, we understand that the financial burden after a DUI accident can be overwhelming. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay anything unless we win your case. Our fees are only a percentage of the compensation you receive, so you can focus on your recovery without the stress of upfront legal costs. This approach ensures that we are fully invested in achieving the best possible outcome for your case.
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Yes, in Florida, you can sue a drunk driver if their actions caused your injury or property damage. In fact, it is your right to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Florida follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning even if you are partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover compensation. At Papasov Law Group, we will help you navigate the legal process and pursue the compensation you deserve, whether through insurance settlements or a court case.
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The timeline for settling a DUI accident case can vary depending on the complexity of the case, the severity of your injuries, and the cooperation of insurance companies. Some cases may be resolved in a few months, while others may take longer. Typically, cases involving DUI accidents may take longer if the responsible driver’s insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement. At Papasov Law Group, we are committed to fighting for a fair resolution and will keep you informed every step of the way. We will also prepare to take your case to trial if necessary to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation.
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If you cause an accident while drunk in Florida, you may face serious legal consequences, including criminal charges, fines, and license suspension. A DUI conviction can result in jail time, especially if the accident leads to injuries or fatalities. Additionally, you may be held financially responsible for any injuries or damages caused by the accident. If you were injured in a drunk driving accident, you have the right to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible driver. At Papasov Law Group, we help victims of drunk driving accidents seek compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
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Drunk driving remains a significant cause of accidents in Florida. In 2023, WLFA News reported that Florida had the 16th highest percentage of car crash deaths involving drunk driving in the nation. It also noted that:
Florida experienced 4.7 drunk driving fatalities per 100k residents, accounting for 27% of all car crash fatalities.
Fatalities involving drivers with a BAC of 0.15 and above made up 3.2 per 100k residents, which accounted for 67.5% of all drunken driving fatalities.
Florida saw a 43.7% increase in drunken driving fatalities from 2012. T
These statistics highlight the ongoing danger of impaired driving and underscore the importance of seeking justice if you or a loved one has been involved in a DUI accident. At Papasov Law Group, we are dedicated to helping victims of DUI accidents get the justice and compensation they deserve.
Hire a Tampa DUI Accident Attorney Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident in Florida, Papasov Law Group is here to fight for your rights. Our experienced team specializes in DUI accident cases and is committed to securing the maximum compensation you deserve. We understand the serious impact that a drunk driving accident can have on your physical, emotional, and financial well-being, and we are here to guide you every step of the way.
From thoroughly investigating the crash to handling insurance negotiations, we will ensure your case is managed with the attention it deserves. Let us fight for justice on your behalf.
You don’t pay anything unless we win!