DUI Accident Lawyer Tampa – Fighting for Justice After Drunk Driving Crashes
Every year, drunk driving shatters lives in an instant, leaving victims and families facing devastating consequences. The CDC reports that nearly 30 people lose their lives each day in alcohol-related crashes across the United States. These preventable accidents often lead to severe injuries, long-term medical needs, emotional suffering, and overwhelming financial burdens. If you or someone you love has been injured by an impaired driver, you need a dedicated DUI accident lawyer, Tampa, who understands Florida’s DUI laws, knows how to challenge insurance company tactics, and has the experience to pursue maximum compensation.
At The Pawlowski // Mastrilli Law Group, our skilled legal team has decades of experience representing victims of drunk driving accidents throughout Hillsborough County. We combine thorough case investigation, aggressive representation, and compassionate client care. From gathering evidence and negotiating with insurers to fighting in court when necessary, we are committed to helping you recover physically, emotionally, and financially.
Why You Need a DUI Accident Lawyer Tampa After a Drunk Driving Crash
Being hit by a drunk driver is not the same as a standard accident. DUI collisions are preventable, and the at-fault driver often faces criminal charges. While the state prosecutes the offender, your civil case for compensation is separate, and you’ll need a DUI accident lawyer, Tampa to navigate it effectively.
An attorney can:
- Investigate the crash and collect evidence like police reports, witness statements, and surveillance footage.
- Document your injuries, medical expenses, and lost income.
- Prove the other driver’s intoxication through breathalyzer results, blood tests, and officer testimony.
- Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies to secure a fair settlement.
- Represent you in court if the insurer refuses to pay what you deserve.
Without a skilled DUI accident lawyer tampa, you risk being pressured into accepting far less than your case is worth.
Common Causes of DUI Accidents in Tampa
While alcohol impairment is the central factor, DUI crashes often involve additional negligent behaviors:
- Excessive speeding on high-risk roads like I-275 and I-4.
- Running red lights at busy intersections such as Dale Mabry Highway and Hillsborough Avenue.
- Wrong-way driving late at night.
- Failure to maintain lane control on streets like Fletcher Avenue and Bruce B. Downs Boulevard.
Our firm has handled numerous cases involving these dangerous situations, and our familiarity with Tampa’s most accident-prone areas helps us build stronger claims for our clients.
What to Do Immediately After Being Hit by a Drunk Driver
Your actions after a crash can make a huge difference in your recovery and your case outcome. Our DUI accident lawyer tampa team recommends:
- Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical help. Police will document the scene and test the other driver for impairment.
- Stay safe – Do not confront the drunk driver. Remain in a safe location until law enforcement arrives.
- Gather evidence – Photograph vehicle damage, road conditions, skid marks, and any visible signs of intoxication (open containers, slurred speech).
- Get witness contact info – Independent witnesses can be crucial in proving fault.
- Seek medical attention – Even if you feel fine, internal injuries or concussions may not be immediately obvious.
- Contact a DUI accident lawyer, Tampa immediately – The sooner an attorney is involved, the better they can protect your rights and preserve key evidence.
Florida DUI Laws Every Victim Should Know
Understanding state law helps explain why having a DUI accident lawyer, tampa, is essential:
- Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) Limits: For drivers 21 and older, .08% or higher is illegal; for those under 21, .02% applies.
- Felony DUI: If serious injury or death occurs, the driver can face felony charges.
- Wrongful Death Claims: Families can sue for funeral costs, lost financial support, and loss of companionship if a loved one is killed.
- Dram Shop Laws: In certain cases, bars or restaurants that overserve visibly intoxicated patrons can be held liable.
- Punitive Damages: Courts may award these to punish egregious conduct, such as extremely high BAC levels or repeat offenses.
An experienced DUI accident lawyer, Tampa can identify every legal avenue for recovery, including claims against third parties.
High-Risk Tampa Roads for DUI Crashes
Some roads see far more impaired driving accidents than others. Our case files show recurring patterns:
- I-275: Heavy congestion and high speeds increase crash severity.
- I-4: Known nationwide for danger, especially at night.
- Dale Mabry Highway: Busy commercial zones mixed with nightlife spots.
- Hillsborough Avenue: Frequent east-west DUI crash corridor.
- Fletcher Avenue: Regular late-night and weekend incidents.
- Bruce B. Downs Boulevard: High traffic volume with multiple DUI injury reports.
We use location-specific accident data to help establish patterns of driver negligence in court.
Types of Injuries in Tampa DUI Accidents
DUI crashes often cause more severe injuries due to higher speeds and erratic driving. Our clients have suffered:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and severe fractures
- Internal organ damage
- Burn injuries from vehicle fires
- Wrongful death
An experienced DUI accident lawyer tampa will work with medical experts to calculate future care costs so your settlement covers both current and long-term needs.
Damages You Can Recover With a DUI Accident Lawyer Tampa
Compensation in DUI crash cases can include:
- Medical expenses – ER visits, surgery, rehabilitation, prescriptions.
- Lost wages – Past and future income losses.
- Pain and suffering – Physical pain and emotional trauma.
- Property damage – Vehicle repair or replacement.
- Punitive damages – In cases of extreme negligence.
If the crash resulted in a fatality, wrongful death damages may be available to surviving family members.
How a DUI Accident Lawyer Tampa Builds a Strong Case
Our process includes:
- Reviewing police accident reports for DUI evidence.
- Requesting breathalyzer and toxicology test results.
- Interviewing witnesses to confirm signs of impairment.
- Using accident reconstruction experts to show how the crash happened.
- Gathering medical records to link injuries directly to the accident.
This comprehensive approach gives us leverage in settlement negotiations and, if necessary, trial.
Dealing With Insurance Companies After a DUI Crash
Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. Without a DUI accident lawyer tampa, you may be pressured into quick, unfair settlements. Our legal team handles all communications, ensuring:
- No recorded statements that can be used against you.
- Thorough documentation of damages before negotiations.
- Aggressive counteroffers to lowball settlements.
When Bars and Restaurants Can Be Liable Under Florida’s Dram Shop Law
If a bar served alcohol to a minor or someone visibly intoxicated who later caused your crash, our DUI accident lawyer tampa team may pursue a claim against that establishment. These cases require detailed evidence, including witness statements and surveillance footage.
Time Limits to File a DUI Accident Claim in Florida
In Florida, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim after a DUI accident is now two years from the crash date—reduced from four years under recent legislation passed in March 2023. Wrongful death actions must also be filed within two years of the date of death. Miss these deadlines, and you could lose your right to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering. This is why it’s crucial to speak with an experienced DUI accident lawyer in Tampa immediately; the sooner your attorney gets involved, the stronger your case will likely be.
Frequently Asked Questions – DUI Accident Lawyer Tampa
1. Do I have a case if the driver wasn’t convicted?
A. Yes. Civil liability does not require a criminal conviction. Your DUI accident lawyer tampa can prove fault through independent evidence.
2. Can I recover damages if I was partly at fault?
A. Under Florida’s pure comparative negligence rule, yes, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
3. What if the drunk driver fled the scene?
A. A hit-and-run DUI accident can still lead to compensation through uninsured motorist coverage or other legal avenues.
4. Will my case go to trial?
A. Most settle out of court, but your DUI accident lawyer tampa will prepare for trial to maximize leverage.
5. How much does hiring a lawyer cost?
A. We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win.
Why Choose The Pawlowski // Mastrilli Law Group
- Decades of combined trial experience.
- Proven results in complex DUI injury cases.
- Personalized attention from start to finish.
- Deep understanding of Tampa’s roadways, courts, and insurance practices.
When your future is on the line, you deserve a DUI accident lawyer tampa who treats your case with the seriousness it deserves.
Speak to a DUI Accident Lawyer Tampa Today
If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one due to a drunk driver’s reckless choices, our team is ready to help. We know the emotional, physical, and financial toll these crashes take, and we are committed to pursuing full justice for every client.
Our DUI accident lawyer tampa services cover every stage—from initial investigation to courtroom representation—so you can focus on healing while we handle the legal battle.
Call 813-242-4404 now or fill out our online form to schedule your free consultation.
Your fight for justice starts with a single call. Don’t let an insurance company or negligent driver decide your future—let us protect your rights.
