In Florida, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious crime. These substances can severely impair a person’s ability to drive safely, heightening the risk of an accident and putting other drivers and pedestrians in danger. If you are injured by a drunk or drugged driver in a Clearwater car accident, the physical, financial, and emotional impact of the collision can be very severe. In these situations, you may be eligible for an insurance claim or a lawsuit against the at-fault driver—and the Clearwater DUI accident attorneys at Salter, Healy, Rivera & Heptner can help.
Why Choose Us
Our Clearwater personal injury attorneys have recovered millions of dollars on behalf of our clients and will fight aggressively to secure maximum compensation in your claim.
Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis for maximum affordability. You will not be charged legal fees unless we secure a settlement or verdict in your case.
We understand how painful a DUI accident can be. We will handle all aspects of your case on your behalf so you can focus on healing and recovery.
Florida DUI Accident Statistics
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) compiles data on motor vehicle crashes throughout the state each year. According to its 2019 annual report, 401,867 crashes occurred in Florida during 2019. Out of these collisions, 4,984 accidents involved alcohol, 730 involved drugs, and 420 involved both drugs and alcohol.
378 people died in alcohol-involved crashes in Florida during 2019.
425 people suffered incapacitating injuries in alcohol-involved crashes.
348 people died in motor vehicle accidents involving drugs.
182 people suffered incapacitating injuries in drug-involved crashes.
342 people died in accidents involving alcohol and drugs.
120 people suffered incapacitating injuries in accidents involving alcohol and drugs.
Filing an Insurance Claim After a DUI Accident
Florida is a no-fault insurance state and requires all drivers to hold minimum amounts of personal injury protection (PIP) and property damage liability (PDL) coverage. PIP coverage pays for your own medical expenses and other financial losses following an accident, regardless of fault. PDL coverage pays for vehicle repairs or replacements if you damage another person’s vehicle in a collision.
If you are injured in a DUI accident, your first option for compensation will be to file a claim under your own PIP coverage. However, if you suffer very serious injuries in the collision, you could file a third-party insurance claim or lawsuit against the at-fault driver. Under Florida law, serious injuries involve at least one of the following.
Substantially full disability for 90 days
Significant disfigurement
Bone fracture
Significant limitation of use of a body function or system
Permanent limitation of use of a body organ or member
Through your lawsuit or insurance claim, you can recover compensation for your financial losses, such as medical expenses and lost wages, as well as your physical and emotional pain and suffering. Your attorney from Salter, Healy, Rivera & Heptner can help you identify the types of compensation you qualify for and accurately estimate your potential award.
Schedule a Free Consultation
If you were injured by a drunk or drugged driver in Clearwater, Florida, the attorneys at Salter, Healy, Rivera & Heptner will fight for your right to recovery. Contact us today to schedule a free case consultation and discuss your next steps with a Clearwater DUI accident lawyer.
