Steps to Take If You Were Injured by a Drunk Driver

Being injured by a drunk driver is a traumatic experience that can leave lasting physical, emotional, and financial consequences. These accidents are especially devastating because they are entirely preventable. When someone chooses to drive under the influence, they put everyone on the road at risk. If you were hurt by a drunk driver in Florida, the steps you take immediately after the accident — and in the weeks that follow — can have a major impact on your health, your recovery, and your ability to pursue compensation.

The first and most important step is to seek medical attention right away. Even if injuries do not seem severe at the scene, adrenaline can mask pain and symptoms may appear later. Drunk driving crashes often involve high speeds or reckless behavior, increasing the risk of serious injuries such as concussions, internal injuries, spinal damage, and broken bones. Prompt medical care not only protects your health but also creates critical documentation linking your injuries to the accident.

Law enforcement should always be called to the scene of a suspected drunk driving accident. Police reports, field sobriety tests, breathalyzer results, and arrest records can become powerful evidence in both criminal and civil cases. If the driver is arrested for DUI, that information may significantly strengthen a personal injury claim. If possible, obtain a copy of the accident report once it becomes available.

If you are able, gather evidence at the scene. Take photos or videos of the vehicles, damage, road conditions, traffic signals, and any visible injuries. Get contact information from witnesses who may have seen the driver’s behavior before or after the crash. Witness statements can be especially important in drunk driving cases, where behavior such as swerving, speeding, or running red lights is often disputed by insurance companies.

After leaving the scene, avoid speaking with the at-fault driver’s insurance company before understanding your rights. Insurance adjusters may contact you quickly, asking for recorded statements or offering early settlements. These offers are often far lower than what a claim may truly be worth, especially in drunk driving cases involving serious injuries. Statements made early on can also be used to minimize or deny compensation later.

Drunk driving accidents often involve damages that go far beyond basic medical bills. Victims may face extended time away from work, ongoing rehabilitation, emotional trauma, and long-term limitations. In Florida, injured individuals may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, future treatment, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In some cases, additional damages may be available due to the reckless nature of drunk driving.

It is also important to understand that drunk driving accidents can involve multiple avenues of accountability. In addition to a claim against the driver, there may be other responsible parties depending on the circumstances, such as a bar or establishment that overserved alcohol. These cases require careful investigation and a thorough understanding of Florida law.

Marissa Stockwell of Stockwell Law represents individuals injured by drunk drivers and understands the serious impact these accidents have on victims and their families. Drunk driving injury cases require strong evidence, detailed documentation, and a proactive approach to dealing with insurance companies that often fight aggressively to limit payouts.

Time matters in drunk driving injury cases. Evidence can be lost, witnesses can become difficult to locate, and legal deadlines apply. Taking action early helps preserve your rights and strengthens your ability to pursue full compensation. While the criminal case against the drunk driver may proceed separately, a civil personal injury claim focuses on helping you recover financially and move forward.

Being injured by a drunk driver is not just an accident — it is the result of a dangerous and irresponsible choice. If you were hurt, you have the right to protect yourself, seek accountability, and pursue the support you need to recover. Taking the right steps can help you regain stability and hold the responsible party accountable for the harm they caused.

Call Stockwell Law today for a free consultation and get the dedicated representation you need to move forward.