Drunk driving accidents have serious consequences, with victims often facing devastating injuries, financial hardship, and emotional trauma—all because another driver decided to drink and get behind the wheel. At Martindale Law Group, our Orlando drunk driving accident lawyers have spent decades helping crash victims in Central Florida find stability, accountability, and a way forward after a life-changing accident.
Despite public awareness efforts and harsher penalties, too many lives are still being changed by drunk driving every year. In fact, impaired driving remains one of the most common causes of severe crashes in Central Florida.
Under Florida Statute §316.193, drivers are considered legally impaired with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. For commercial drivers, the threshold rises to 0.04%, and for underage drivers, any measurable alcohol can lead to penalties. Convictions often result in fines, license suspension, and possible jail time, but for victims, the consequences extend far beyond the courtroom. Understanding how Florida law defines impairment is the first step in proving negligence and holding the drunk driver responsible for your injuries.
It’s important to understand that a criminal DUI case focuses on punishing the offender, while a civil injury claim seeks financial recovery for victims. Even if the driver faces criminal charges, you can still pursue a separate civil lawsuit to cover your losses, including medical expenses and pain and suffering.
When a drunk driver is convicted, it can significantly strengthen your injury claim by helping to establish negligence. However, a conviction isn’t required to recover compensation. Your attorney can still build a strong case using police reports, toxicology results, and witness testimony to prove fault and recover damages on your behalf.
Taking the proper steps after a drunk driving crash can make all the difference in protecting your health, your finances, and your right to compensation. The moments after an accident are often chaotic, but knowing what to do can help you stay safe and build a stronger case.
Here’s what to focus on right away:
Always report suspected drunk driving. Police officers can document signs of impairment and administer field sobriety or breath tests that later act as evidence for your case.
Even if you feel fine, get checked out by a doctor. Some injuries, like concussions or soft tissue damage, don’t appear right away, and that medical visit can make all the difference for your health and your claim.
If you can, take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and injuries. Gather witness information and request a copy of the police report.
Insurance adjusters may try to minimize your claim or twist your statements. It’s best to let your lawyer handle all communications to protect your rights.
Reach out to Martindale Law Group as soon as possible. Our team will investigate the crash, preserve critical evidence, and manage every step of your claim so you can focus on recovery.
Responsibility in a drunk driving accident doesn’t always stop with the driver. Depending on the circumstances, several other parties may share blame for allowing or enabling dangerous behavior.
A drunk driver’s negligence is the core of most DUI claims. Civil liability allows victims to recover compensation for all losses tied to that driver’s reckless behavior.
Under Florida’s Dram Shop Law, establishments that knowingly serve alcohol to minors or visibly intoxicated individuals can be held liable for resulting injuries.
When a company fails to screen or supervise employees who drink and drive while on duty, it may be held liable. This is especially relevant for cases involving delivery trucks or rideshare vehicles, similar to those handled by our rideshare accident lawyer team.
Florida’s “dangerous instrumentality” doctrine can hold car owners liable when they lend their vehicles to unfit or intoxicated drivers.
Compensation can include emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, and ongoing therapy. Severe injuries may also require long-term care or rehabilitation.
If your injuries prevent you from working, you can claim wages lost during recovery—and compensation for future earning capacity if your condition is permanent.
These non-economic damages account for the toll a drunk driving crash can take on your day-to-day life. Beyond the physical pain, many victims struggle with anxiety, sleep issues, or PTSD long after the accident.
Property damage compensation goes beyond fixing your car. It covers repairs or replacement for your vehicle, as well as any personal belongings destroyed in the crash—from cell phones and laptops to child safety seats or work equipment.
Florida law allows punitive damages when a driver’s conduct shows extreme recklessness, such as driving with a very high BAC or causing catastrophic harm.
If your crash involved multiple vehicles, including commercial trucks, a semi-truck accident lawyer will ensure every liable party is identified and pursued. These damages are designed to do more than cover bills; they help victims rebuild their lives, regain independence, and plan for the future after a devastating crash.
From the moment you reach out, our team goes to work gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and consulting experts to strengthen your claim. Every step is built around one goal: proving what happened and protecting your right to full compensation.
This hands-on approach allows us to uncover every detail, anticipate the defense’s arguments, and pursue the maximum compensation available. This means you can focus on healing while we focus on results.
Legal cases can feel overwhelming, but our team handles every stage for you so you always know what to expect. Our process breaks down into the following steps:
Your attorney will review police reports, medical records, and witness statements to establish the facts of the crash.
The firm’s lawyers negotiate directly with insurers to reach fair settlements and prevent lowball offers.
If the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, Martindale Law Group is fully prepared to take your case to court and present your story before a jury.
From downtown Orlando to communities across Central Florida, Martindale Law Group has earned the trust of drivers and families who need a strong advocate after a drunk driving crash. Our reputation is built on results, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to our clients’ recovery.
Here is what our team brings to your case:
After a drunk driving accident, the costs and stress can feel overwhelming, from mounting medical bills to time away from work. Our attorneys focus on easing that burden, guiding you through the process, and fighting for the compensation that helps you move forward.
If a drunk driver has hurt you or someone you care about, now is the time to take action. Reach out to Martindale Law Group for a free, no-pressure consultation. We’ll listen to your story, walk you through your options, and start building the path toward the justice and financial recovery you deserve.
Every case we take is personal to us because, behind every claim, is someone’s real story, and we are here to make sure yours ends with justice and a clear path forward.
You can still bring a civil claim, even if the driver is acquitted. Criminal charges deal with punishment, but your case is about getting compensation for what you’ve lost. As long as there’s evidence of impairment or negligence, your attorney can move your case forward.
Yes, you can. Florida uses a comparative negligence system, which means you can still recover money even if you share some responsibility; your compensation just reflects your percentage of fault. Our Orlando DUI lawyers will help make sure your side of the story is fully represented.
Most people have up to two years from the date of the crash to file, but waiting can make your case harder to prove. Evidence disappears fast, and witnesses’ memories fade over time. Speaking with a lawyer early helps preserve crucial details and ensures deadlines don’t stand in the way of your recovery.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance will usually cover part of your medical bills and lost wages, but it’s often not enough after a serious crash. That’s where a civil claim comes in; it helps recover the costs your insurance won’t cover. An attorney can also identify other potential sources of coverage, like the at-fault driver’s liability insurance or uninsured motorist benefits.
In many drunk driving cases, yes. Punitive damages are extra compensation meant to punish especially reckless behavior. If the driver was extremely intoxicated or caused severe harm, your lawyer can pursue these damages on your behalf.
You don’t pay anything up front. Martindale Law Group works on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if we win your case. It’s a simple, risk-free way to get legal help when you need it most.
