A drunk driving accident can leave victims facing painful injuries, overwhelming medical bills, missed time at work, and uncertainty about the future. Whether the crash happened on South Beach in Miami, along I-95, or near the University of Florida campus in Gainesville, these preventable accidents continue to change lives across Florida every day. Victims are often left trying to recover physically and emotionally while insurance companies look for ways to minimize payouts.
You should not have to carry that burden alone. For more than 50 years, Meldon Law has fought for injured Floridians and recovered hundreds of millions for clients and their families. Our Florida car accident attorneys understand what is at stake after a serious crash. The drunk driving accident attorneys in Florida with our firm wonāt back down when it comes to fighting for the compensation you deserve. Contact our team today for a free consultation.
How a Florida Drunk Driving Accident Claim Can Become Complicated
Drunk driving accident claims are often more complicated than many victims expect. While the impaired driver may face criminal charges, that does not automatically mean the insurance company will offer fair compensation. Victims are still responsible for proving their injuries, documenting their losses, and negotiating with insurers that may try to reduce or deny a claim.
These personal injury claims can also involve multiple layers of liability and evidence, including:
- Catastrophic injuries
- Disputes over insurance coverage
- Multiple liable parties
- Police investigations and toxicology reports
- Surveillance footage and witness statements
- Long-term medical treatment and future expenses
A Florida personal injury attorney can help protect your rights, preserve important evidence, and pursue the full compensation you deserve while you focus on your recovery.
What Compensation Can Victims Recover After a Florida DUI Accident?
Drunk driving crashes can leave injury victims facing enormous financial and emotional burdens. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be able to recover compensation for both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages cover the direct financial losses caused by the auto accident. These may include:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospitalization and surgeries
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Future medical care
- Prescription medications
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
Serious injuries can require months or even years of treatment. Some victims may need ongoing care, adaptive equipment, or assistance with everyday tasks. A claim should account for both current and future losses related to the accident.
Victims may also recover compensation for non-economic damages, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Trauma and PTSD
- Permanent disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
These damages recognize the lasting personal impact a serious accident can have on every aspect of a victimās life.
Sadly, some drunk driving accidents end in tragedy. When families lose a loved one because of an impaired driverās actions, they may have the right to pursue damages.
Wrongful death compensation may include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills related to the final injury
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of companionship and guidance
- Emotional suffering experienced by surviving family members
While compensation cannot undo the loss, it can provide families with financial stability during an incredibly difficult time.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Florida Drunk Driving Accident Case?
The drunk driver is often the primary liable party in a DUI accident claim. However, other individuals or entities may also share responsibility depending on the circumstances of the crash.
Potentially liable parties may include:
- A vehicle owner who allowed the driver to use the vehicle
- An employer if the driver was working at the time of the accident
- A bar or restaurant under Floridaās dram shop law
Our legal team can investigate the crash and determine who should be held accountable.
How Meldon Law Helps Drunk Driving Accident Victims in Florida
After a serious accident, victims should be able to focus on healing instead of battling insurance companies and handling complicated legal issues alone. That is where Meldon Law can help.
At Meldon Law, we believe personalized attention matters. We are not a case mill. We intentionally limit our caseload so we can provide the level of care and communication our clients deserve. We also offer bilingual support and can even arrange hospital visits when needed.
When we decide to work together, our attorneys investigate your accident and gather evidence that strengthens your claim. Depending on the circumstances, this may include:
- Police reports
- Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) test results
- Witness statements
- Surveillance footage
- Crash scene evidence
- Medical documentation
We also determine the full value of your losses, including future medical needs and long-term financial impacts. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or pressure victims into accepting quick settlements that do not fully account for their damages. Our team pushes back against those tactics.
We prepare every case for trial, whether we reach a fair settlement or not. Our firm approaches every case with determination, compassion, and a commitment to protecting our clientsā best interests.
Plus, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no upfront costs. We only get paid our attorney fees if we recover compensation for you.
Get the Legal Help You Need ā Reach Out to a Train Accident Lawyer Now!
Call UsWhat to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident in Florida
The steps you take after a drunk driving accident can affect both your health and your legal claim. If possible, try to:
- Call 911 immediately
- Cooperate with responding officers
- Take photos of the accident scene and vehicle damage
- Preserve any evidence related to the crash
- Seek medical attention right away
- Follow your doctorās treatment recommendations
- Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies
- Avoid accepting a quick settlement offer
Then, reach out to the accident attorneys at Meldon Law.
How Long Do You Have to File a Drunk Driving Accident Claim in Florida?
Floridaās statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is two years. While deadlines can vary depending on the circumstances of the case, waiting too long can seriously affect your ability to recover compensation.
Evidence can disappear over time. Surveillance footage may be deleted, witnesses may become harder to locate, and memories can fade. Acting quickly gives your attorney the best opportunity to investigate the crash and preserve important evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file a claim if the drunk driver is already facing criminal charges?
Yes. A criminal DUI case is separate from your civil injury claim. While prosecutors pursue penalties against the impaired driver, a civil claim allows victims to seek compensation for their financial and personal losses.
What if the drunk driver does not have enough insurance coverage?
You may still have options for compensation. Depending on the situation, additional liable parties could include a vehicle owner, employer, or an establishment that violated the dram shop law. You may also be able to seek compensation through uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.
What should I bring to my free consultation with a Florida drunk driving accident attorney?
Helpful materials may include crash reports, medical records, insurance information, witness contact information, and photos or videos from the scene. Even if you do not have all these items, you can still discuss your situation with an attorney.
Speak With a Florida Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Today
Nobody should have to suffer because someone else chose to drive drunk. Victims deserve accountability, financial recovery, and compassionate legal support during one of the most difficult times in their lives.
Meldon Law understands the challenges victims face after a serious DUI accident, and we are ready to help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Contact our team today for a free consultation. There are no upfront fees, and you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
"Some of the staff have been there for many years and they always make me feel welcomed when I contact them. They have been so much help over the years. Meldon Lawās knowledge and experience always gets the job done right and my results haven amazing."
Catherine P.
December 2024
"It has been a real pleasure to deal with Jeffery and Stacy. Jeffery is all about his clients. What is best for the clients well being. He is a great attorney. If you need an accident attorney or a referral this is the man to be talking with. He will now be my attorney for life. Jeffery and Stacy, thank you ever so much."
Hazel J.
March 2025
"Jeffrey and his team were great throughout the whole process of my settlement for an auto accident! They handled everything which made it much easier on me! They were able to navigate the ins and outs of the insurance companies and helped me receive my settlement in a timely manner! Great customer service all around. Would definitely recommend them! They made it much easier to move on from my auto accident! Thanks again!"
Justin W.
April 2024
"My first experience with meldon was amazing. The whole staff willing to talk and listen. They were very helpful and guided me threw the whole process. If you went anywhere else Iām sorry for you !!!!!"
Jabari A.
June 2024
