Clearwater DUI Accident Lawyer
Drunk driving is a serious problem in Florida. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that over a 10-year period in Florida, there were more than 8,470 people killed in crashes involving a drunk driver.
When a drunk driver gets behind the wheel, they take their life–and the lives of others–into their own hands at great risk. If you or a loved one has been injured by the actions of a drunk driver, our Clearwater DUI accident lawyers can help.
What to Do After a Crash with a Drunk Driver
If you’ve been involved in a crash and you suspect that the driver was drinking, you’ll need to take action immediately to ensure that the crash is documented, the other driver’s intoxication or impairment is recorded, and that you are treated for your injuries.
The first thing that you should do, if you are able, is to move your vehicle to a safe location and make sure no one is suffering from critical injuries. Then, you should call 911 to report the accident.
As you wait for police to arrive at the accident scene, be sure to document as much as you can about the accident. This should include taking pictures of the accident scene, writing down the names of any eyewitnesses, and recording signs of alcohol intoxication, such as the smell of alcohol on the driver’s breath.
When the police arrive, make sure you note your suspicions of intoxication. If the police have probable cause to do so, they can perform a breathalyzer test, blood alcohol test, or/and roadside sobriety test.
You Deserve to Be Compensated
While Florida maintains no-fault car insurance laws, if your injuries are serious, you reserve the right to step outside of the no-fault system and bring a claim directly against the at-fault party. For your claim to be successful, you’ll need to prove that the other driver was at fault. This is where the documentation that you collected at the scene of the accident, including the police report, can come in handy. Note that even if the at-fault driver did not have a blood alcohol content of .08 percent or above (the legal limit in Clearwater), you can still hold them liable for your damages if you can prove that your accident and injuries would not have occurred but for their negligence.
Call Our Clearwater DUI Accident Lawyers Today
Being involved in a DUI accident can be a terrifying experience, and one that leaves you with serious injuries and losses. If you have been harmed in a crash, our experienced DUI accident lawyers at the office of The Pawlowski//Mastrilli Law Group can help. Our team is passionate about providing excellent legal services to those who need these services the most. We work on a contingency fee basis, and always offer free consultations. Call us today or send us a message to get started.
