Drunk driving accidents are among the most preventable yet devastating crashes on Tampa’s roadways. Whether they occur on I-275, the Selmon Expressway, Dale Mabry Highway, or neighborhood streets, accidents caused by intoxicated drivers almost always result in catastrophic injuries, long-term disabilities, or even wrongful death. If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident in Tampa, you may be facing overwhelming medical bills, emotional trauma, and uncertainty about what comes next.
At Slater | Grant, we believe that victims of drunk driving deserve justice. This article explains the steps you must take to protect your rights, strengthen your case, and pursue maximum compensation for your injuries.
Complete the free case evaluation form or call us now at 813-995-6444 to speak directly with an attorney.
Why Drunk Driving Accidents Are More Severe
Driving under the influence significantly reduces a person’s ability to safely operate a vehicle. Alcohol and drugs impair:
- Judgment
- Coordination
- Reaction time
- Vision
- Decision-making
Because impaired drivers often speed, fail to brake, or drift across lanes, these accidents frequently cause severe or fatal injuries. Unlike minor fender-benders, drunk driving crashes are violent and unpredictable.
Understanding Your Legal Rights After a Drunk Driving Accident
Florida law takes drunk driving seriously. Victims have the right to pursue compensation through:
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits
- A personal injury lawsuit against the impaired driver
- Third-party liability claims (in some circumstances)
- Wrongful death claims (if a loved one was killed)
Importantly, Florida law allows victims of drunk driving accidents to pursue punitive damages, which are intended to punish reckless behavior and discourage future misconduct. These damages can significantly increase the total value of your case.
Step 1: Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Your health and safety come first. Even if you feel “okay,” injuries such as:
- Internal bleeding
- Concussions
- Whiplash
- Fractures
- Soft tissue damage
may not appear immediately but can worsen over time. Delayed treatment also gives insurance companies an excuse to deny or undervalue your claim.
Be sure to follow through on all medical appointments, treatment plans, and diagnostic testing. This documentation plays a major role in proving your injuries and damages.
Step 2: Report the Accident to Law Enforcement
After a drunk driving accident in Tampa, you must call 911. Law enforcement will:
- Conduct field sobriety tests
- Make arrests if appropriate
- Document the accident
- Note signs of impairment
- Prepare a police report
This police report is critical evidence in your personal injury case. It may include the driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC), statements from witnesses, and the officer’s observations.
Step 3: Gather Evidence at the Scene (If You’re Able)
If it is safe to do so, gather as much evidence as possible at the scene. Useful information includes:
- Photos of vehicle damage
- Photos of your injuries
- Skid marks, debris, and road conditions
- The impaired driver’s license and insurance information
- Witness contact information
- The location and direction of the vehicles
Even if you cannot gather evidence, Slater | Grant can obtain surveillance footage, witness statements, and additional records during our investigation.
Step 4: Notify Your Insurance Company
Florida’s no-fault system requires you to notify your insurance company of the accident. However:
- Do not give a recorded statement
- Do not speculate about injuries
- Do not accept any early settlement offers
Insurance companies will look for any reason to reduce your payout. Having an attorney communicate on your behalf ensures your rights remain protected.
Step 5: Do Not Speak With the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Company
The impaired driver’s insurance company may attempt to contact you shortly after the accident. Their goal is simple: limit their financial responsibility.
They may:
- Downplay the driver’s fault
- Suggest you share partial blame
- Offer low settlement amounts
- Push for a quick resolution
Do not speak to them. Instead, direct all communication to your attorney.
Step 6: Contact a Tampa Drunk Driving Accident Attorney
These cases are legally complex and often involve criminal charges in addition to your personal injury claim. A skilled attorney can:
- Gather evidence of intoxication
- Work with law enforcement and prosecutors
- Identify all possible avenues for compensation
- Prove negligence and reckless behavior
- Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies
- Pursue punitive damages
- Prepare your case for trial
At Slater | Grant, we fight to ensure drunk drivers and their insurance companies are held fully accountable for the harm they cause.
What Makes Drunk Driving Accident Claims Unique?
Unlike typical car accident cases, drunk driving claims may involve:
1. Criminal Charges
The impaired driver may face charges such as DUI, DUI with property damage, DUI with injury, or DUI manslaughter. The criminal case is separate from your civil claim, but the evidence overlaps.
2. Enhanced Damages
Florida allows punitive damages in cases involving gross negligence or reckless disregard for human life—conditions that often apply in DUI cases.
3. Third-Party Liability
Depending on the circumstances, other parties may share liability, such as:
- Bars or restaurants that overserved the driver (limited under Florida dram shop laws)
- Employers (if the driver was working at the time)
- Rideshare companies (if a rideshare driver was impaired)
Your attorney will explore every possible source of recovery.
Evidence Used to Prove Drunk Driving and Negligence
A successful Tampa drunk driving accident claim requires detailed evidence, including:
Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Results
One of the most powerful forms of evidence.
Dashboard and Surveillance Footage
May show erratic driving or the collision itself.
Witness Testimony
Bystanders may report signs of impairment.
Police Reports
Include officer observations, testing results, and citations.
Receipts and Records
Showing the driver’s alcohol purchases before the crash.
Black Box Data
Logs braking, speed, and acceleration.
Slater | Grant acts quickly to secure and preserve all available evidence.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Victims of drunk driving accidents may be entitled to significant compensation for:
Economic Damages
- Emergency medical treatment
- Surgery and hospitalization
- Physical therapy
- Lost wages
- Future lost earning capacity
- Medication and medical equipment
- Vehicle repairs or replacement
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Permanent disability
Punitive Damages
These are awarded to punish especially reckless behavior and deter future drunk driving.
Why Choose Slater | Grant for Your Tampa Drunk Driving Accident Claim?
Victims of drunk driving crashes deserve strong and compassionate legal representation. At Slater | Grant, we provide:
- Aggressive investigation
- Skilled negotiation
- Trial-ready preparation
- Personalized support
- No upfront fees—you pay only when we win
Our goal is not just compensation—but justice.
Take the First Step Toward Accountability
If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident in Tampa, you don’t have to face the insurance companies or legal system alone. Let Slater | Grant fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Start by completing the free case evaluation form or calling us now at 813-995-6444.
We are ready to stand with you every step of the way.
Sources
1. Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)
Provides statistics on impaired driving and Florida DUI laws.
https://www.flhsmv.gov
2. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Offers research on drunk driving crashes, wrongful death data, and safety recommendations.
https://www.nhtsa.gov
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Impaired Driving
Provides national data on alcohol-related crashes and injury prevention strategies.
https://www.cdc.gov/transportationsafety/impaired_driving
4. Florida Statutes – Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Outlines criminal penalties and legal standards for impaired driving cases in Florida.
https://www.leg.state.fl.us
