Tampa’s Best Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Drunk driving cases are often thought of as one of the easiest cases to make. How much complexity could there be in a car crash involving a DUI? But then the questions start to pile up. Can anyone identify the driver of the car that caused the accident? Did the at-fault driver show clues of impairment immediately after the accident, and during the roadside sobriety tests? Did the at-fault driver take or refuse a breath test? That’s why you need a great drunk driving accident lawyer.

 

I’m Michael R. Herron, and as a former DUI Prosecutor, I am uniquely qualified to represent those injured by drunk drivers. I have handled over a 1000 cases involving DUIs and those injured by drunk drivers. The well rounded experience I’ve gained prosecuting these cases make me uniquely qualified to lead the way in supporting you through your case and getting you the settlement you deserve.

 

These trials can often be harrowing. Car accidents are scary enough without the involvement of drivers under the influence. A lawyer with experience can be a big help, both in your case and for your state of mind. Getting good representation, and getting it early, can make all the difference in how successful your case is, and how stressful your experience is in bringing it to court.

FAQ:

I’ve been hurt in a drunk driving accident, what do I do?

If you’ve been injured in a drunk driving accident, the first thing to do is take a deep breath. Once you’ve collected yourself, call the police. Not only is this required legally, but it will also create an accident report which will prove useful for potential claims and lawsuits. This will also alert law enforcement to the drunk driver, who can then be dealt with. People driving under the influence are a danger to the public at large, so reporting them is important to maintain public safety. 

 

It’s also best to keep your distance from the other driver. If they are under the influence, they may become aggressive when confronted. It’s best to wait for the police to arrive, and not to escalate the situation any further. 

I was hit by a person driving under the influence, can I sue?

The short answer? Yes. The long answer? In Florida you can file a personal injury claim on  the person responsible in the case of a car accident cause by driving under the influence. Unfortunately, this can be quite difficult, which means hiring a personal attorney is often a crucial step in proceedings of this nature.

How much money should I expect to receive in a personal injury claim for a DUI related accident with injuries?

This question is obviously a difficult one to answer, as the factors that are involved in determining compensation can vary. Damages are usually paid in accordance to loss of wages, the cost of medical care, pain and suffering, even wrongful death. In Florida, all injured persons, regardless of who’s at fault, will be compensated for lost wages and medical expenses starting at $10,000 from their PIP (Personal Injury Protection) Insurance. 

 

Drunk driving accident and injury cases can be tricky:

Some of the unique issues in a DUI injury case are:

1. Can anyone identify the driver of the car that caused the accident?
2. Did the at-fault driver show clues of impairment immediately after the accident?
3. Did the at-fault driver show signs of impairment during the roadside sobriety tests?
4. Did the at-fault driver take or refuse a breath test?
5. Did the Officer videotape the roadside sobriety tests or the breath test?
6. Did the Police reconstruct the accident?
7. Was the intoxalyzer 8000 properly maintained?
8. Were the statements by the at-fault driver obtained legally?

If you are the victim of a Tampa Bay Auto Accident involving a drunk driver DO NOT hire a DUI defense attorney (defense lawyer) for legal representation, without asking about his/her experience in handling DUI cases as a drunk driving accident lawyer (State of Florida)!

You are welcome to call us or fill out this form for a free consultation regarding your accident case.