TAMPA DUI Accident Attorney
You Ride Free. We Fight Fierce
Injured by a Drunk Driver in Florida? Here’s What You Need to Know
When Someone Else’s Bad Decision Becomes Your Burden
You weren’t drinking. You weren’t impaired. You were just in the wrong place at the wrong time—and now you’re paying the price. At CDB Injury Law, we represent victims injured by intoxicated drivers, helping them recover the compensation they deserve under Florida law.
Drunk or drugged drivers shatter lives. But we make sure they don’t shatter your future.
Get a FREE Case Evaluation Today!
Free Download: DUI Crash Recovery Toolkit
When you’re hit by a drunk or impaired driver, everything can feel confusing. That’s why we created a free DUI Crash Recovery Toolkit. This simple guide helps you:
- Understand your legal rights after a DUI crash
- Know what documents to collect
- Avoid insurance mistakes
- Track your injuries and recovery costs
- Get ready to talk to a lawyer if needed
The Problem: DUI Crashes Hurt the Innocent—Not Just the Impaired
In Florida, driving under the influence is both a criminal act and a civil wrong. When an impaired driver causes a crash, they are legally at fault—period. DUI is considered a form of negligence per se, meaning that the very act of driving impaired is evidence of negligence in a civil case.
Victims of these crashes often suffer life-altering consequences:
- Severe orthopedic injuries (fractures, spinal trauma)
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Emotional trauma and PTSD
- Death of a loved one
Your physical injuries are just the beginning. You may also face medical debt, missed work, anxiety about driving, and long-term health setbacks—all because someone else broke the law.
Agitation: You’re the One Left to Pick Up the Pieces
And then comes the insult to the injury: the insurance company doesn’t treat you like a victim.
Even when fault seems clear, insurers are trained to:
- Downplay your injuries
- Push fast, lowball settlements
- Assign “comparative fault” where it doesn’t belong
- Drag out the process until you’re too tired to fight
That’s where we come in. You don’t need to be a legal expert—you just need to take action.
Common DUI Crash Scenarios
Rear-End at a Stoplight
You were hit while sitting at a red light. The driver may have been too impaired to stop. We show how their BAC (blood alcohol content) and behavior led to the crash.
Pedestrian Hit by Drunk Driver
Even if you were crossing safely, impaired drivers often don’t react in time. We investigate and work with witnesses to hold them responsible.
Wrong-Way or Head-On Collisions
DUI often causes wrong-lane accidents. We push for full compensation, especially for serious injuries.
Passenger in the Drunk Driver’s Car
Even if you knew the driver, you still have rights. We explain your options and protect your claim.
Crashes into Property or Homes
Some DUI cases involve property damage. We make sure your claim includes full repair and injury costs.
Solution: You’re Not at Fault—And We’re Here to Prove It
Florida’s personal injury law recognizes the harm caused by impaired drivers and allows you to pursue compensatory and punitive damages when you’re injured by one. At CDB Injury Law, we:
- Launch a rapid investigation to preserve crash evidence
- Coordinate with law enforcement and prosecutors to strengthen your civil claim
- Document your full medical and emotional damages
- Push for maximum compensation, not just reimbursement
- Seek punitive damages when the DUI behavior was especially reckless
What If I’m Worried I Was Partially at Fault?
Florida is a modified comparative fault state. As long as you are not more than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages. But in DUI-related crashes, the impaired driver usually holds clear legal responsibility. If there is any concern about shared fault—like if you weren’t wearing a seatbelt, or if road conditions were a factor—we’ll assess and build your case accordingly.
Note: If you were the driver and had consumed alcohol or other substances, your case may fall under a different analysis. In those situations, we evaluate both personal injury and criminal liability through Chris DeBari’s integrated defense practice. But this page is about protecting the innocent victims of DUI drivers—and that’s the focus of our work here.
Chris DeBari: Legal Strategy from Both Sides of the Aisle
Chris isn’t just a personal injury attorney. He also runs a respected criminal defense practice in Tampa. That gives him a unique advantage in DUI injury cases:
- He understands how DUI prosecutions work
- He knows how to use toxicology and arrest data to strengthen your case
- He can anticipate defense strategies that may try to minimize fault
That dual perspective means stronger cases, better settlements, and smarter courtroom strategy.
What To Do After a DUI Crash in Florida
- Get medical help right away—even if you feel okay
- Report the crash to police and get a copy of the report
- Take photos and collect names of witnesses
- Don’t speak to the other driver’s insurance alone
- Contact CDB Injury Law—we’ll help with everything else
These first steps protect your health and your case.
Time Limits Apply—Don’t Wait
Florida law generally gives you two years to file a personal injury claim (as of 2023 reform), but DUI-related evidence disappears quickly. Dashcam footage gets overwritten. Witnesses move. Medical records get buried.
We begin working the moment you call. The sooner we’re on your team, the more powerful your case becomes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I still recover damages if I was a passenger of the drunk driver?
Yes. Even if you were in the same car, you may be able to recover damages, depending on the situation.
What if the driver was on drugs, not alcohol?
Florida DUI law includes drugged driving. We treat these cases the same as alcohol DUIs.
Can I get more than just medical bills covered?
Yes. We pursue pain, lost income, emotional trauma, and sometimes punitive damages.
How long do I have to file?
Usually 2 years from the crash, but it’s best to start as soon as possible while evidence is fresh.
What if the drunk driver wasn’t convicted?
Even without a criminal conviction, you can still file a civil injury claim.
