No one ever prepares for the devastation caused by an impaired driver. In an instant, you may find yourself facing painful injuries, mounting medical bills, and overwhelming uncertainty about what comes next. Meldon Law’s drunk driving accident lawyers in Lake City know that these crashes are entirely preventable, and that victims deserve justice, answers, and compassionate support. For more than 50 years, we’ve stood up for injured Floridians, fighting tirelessly for those harmed by someone else’s reckless choices.
Call us today. When you want a team that Won’t Back Down, we’re here.
Why Injured Victims Trust Meldon Law After a Drunk Driving Crash in Lake City
Choosing the right law firm after a drunk driving accident matters. Our firm brings more than five decades of proven advocacy to every case we handle. Founded in 1971, our firm has recovered hundreds of millions for injured Floridians, earning a reputation for skill, tenacity, and unwavering client care. We offer the personalized attention of a boutique firm with the strength and resources of a statewide practice, ensuring you never feel like just another case number.
When you work with Meldon Law, you get a team that treats your fight as our own. Our Lake City personal injury attorneys take time to learn your story, explain your options in plain terms, and build a case tailored to your needs. We stay in close contact throughout your recovery, providing updates, answering questions, and supporting you every step of the way.
Our commitment to community runs deep. While we are well-known as the Official Law Firm Partner of the Florida Gators, we are trusted throughout North Florida by students and residents alike for our dedication to the families we serve. Whether you need bilingual support, help coordinating medical care, or simply someone who will stand up to powerful insurance companies, you can rely on our values: Compassion, Accountability, Reliability, Excellence, and a Success-Driven approach.
Get the Legal Help You Need – Reach Out to a Personal Injury Lawyer Now!
Call UsYour Financial Recovery Matters. Here’s What You Can Claim.
A drunk driving crash can leave you facing overwhelming medical bills, missed time from work, and life-changing injuries. Our firm believes you should never bear the financial burden of someone else’s reckless decision. Our Lake City team builds every claim around your unique losses—not generic estimates—so you can move forward with the resources you need to heal.
Economic Damages
These are the financial losses you can document, such as:
- Emergency medical care, ambulance transport, hospitalization, and surgery
- Ongoing treatment needs, including physical therapy, rehabilitation, and specialist visits
- Prescription medications and medical equipment, such as braces, crutches, or mobility devices
- Lost wages from missing work during recovery
- Reduced earning capacity if your injury affects your ability to work long-term
- Out-of-pocket expenses, including travel to appointments, home modifications, childcare, or household help
- Vehicle repair or replacement costs
Non-Economic Damages
These losses are just as real but harder to measure without an experienced attorney:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress, including anxiety or trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Loss of independence or mobility
Wrongful Death Damages
If a drunk driver tragically took the life of your loved one, Meldon Law will fight to ease your family’s financial burdens and protect your future. Recoverable damages may include:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Final medical expenses
- Loss of the decedent’s income and financial contributions
- Loss of companionship, guidance, and support
- Pain and suffering
We take the time to understand the full impact of your physical, emotional, and financial injuries, so we can pursue every dollar you deserve. We fight tooth and nail until you have the compensation needed to rebuild your life.
We are here for you 24/7
(Consultations are Free)
Holding the Drunk Driver Liable for Your Injuries
Proving liability after a drunk driving crash may seem simple, but insurance companies often try to shift blame or downplay what happened. That’s why having Meldon Law on your side matters. We build every Lake City case on strong evidence and a clear connection between the driver’s impairment and your injuries.
To establish responsibility, we work to show:
- The drunk driver’s negligence, including intoxication and reckless behavior
- Causation, proving the crash directly led to your injuries
- The full extent of your losses, supported by medical and financial documentation
- Any additional liable parties, such as the vehicle’s owner, the drunk driver’s employer, or a bar under Florida’s dram shop laws
To prove your case, our attorneys will:
- Gather the police report from the Lake City Police Department, toxicology results, and witness statements
- Secure video footage and consult crash reconstruction experts when needed
- Investigate potential overserving by bars or restaurants
- Review roadway conditions that may have contributed to the crash
- Preserve medical evidence tying your injuries to the collision
- Handle all communication with insurers to prevent blame-shifting
We take on the work of proving liability so you can focus on your recovery. With Meldon Law, you have a team committed to uncovering the truth and fighting for the justice you deserve.
What to Do After a Drunk Driving Crash
If you are injured in a drunk driving crash, you may be scared, angry, and confused. However, keeping your wits about you can protect your health and your right to compensation. After a crash caused by a DUI driver:
- Call 9-1-1. Ask the dispatcher to send police officers and paramedics.
- Get the other driver’s insurance and contact information. If they are behaving aggressively, stay in your car until law enforcement arrives.
- Allow paramedics to treat you on the scene, even if you only feel slight soreness or discomfort. Your adrenaline could be covering the symptoms of serious injuries like traumatic brain injuries, internal bleeding, or spinal trauma.
- Do not speculate about what the other driver was doing. Allow the police to do their investigation.
- Get a copy of the police report. This will include any citations that were issued.
- Continue with your medical care.
- Get help from a Meldon Law drunk driving accident attorney.
How Long Do I Have to Take Legal Action After a DUI Crash?
Per Florida Statute § 95.11, you typically have two years to file a lawsuit. This deadline could be paused for an ongoing criminal case, but we recommend that you call us as soon as possible to protect your rights. If you fail to file your lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires, you risk recovering nothing.
Get Help Seeking Justice Today
Being injured by a drunk driver can be isolating and frustrating, but you can seek justice. We can help. Our attorneys refuse to stand by and allow someone’s reckless decision to affect your life while they get off scot-free.
Call us today to get started. You pay the Meldon Law lawyers nothing upfront.
FAQs
Is It Worth Getting an Attorney After a Car Accident?
An attorney will handle every aspect of your case while you focus on your recovery. An attorney can be especially beneficial if you suffered serious injuries, the insurance company is attempting to blame you for the crash, or you don’t feel equipped to manage a case.
Can I Still File a Claim If the Impaired Driver Was Not Convicted?
Yes. The criminal case is separate from your civil case. While the conviction could be used as evidence in your case, it is still possible to recover compensation without it.
Will My Attorney Communicate with the Insurance Company on My Behalf?
Yes. They will communicate and negotiate with the insurer to protect your rights.
Can I Afford a Lawyer?
Yes. When you work with our attorneys, you don’t pay anything upfront and only pay us if we win.