If you were injured in a DUI accident in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, you may be entitled to significant compensation. When drivers choose to get behind the wheel while impaired, they endanger everyone on the road. These accidents aren’t just tragic, they’re preventable. That’s what makes them especially painful for victims and their families.
At Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers, our Fort Walton Beach DUI accident lawyers have been helping injured victims get justice for decades. With 75 years of combined experience and more than $200 million recovered for our clients, we know how to hold drunk drivers accountable.
We offer free consultations to help you understand your rights and determine the best course of action. Contact us online or call (850) 604-3844 today.
How Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers Can Help After a DUI Accident in Fort Walton Beach, FL
DUI crashes often leave behind more than just physical injuries. They cause lasting emotional and financial harm. Holding the responsible driver legally accountable can provide not only financial support but also a sense of justice.
When you work with Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers, we will:
- Investigate the circumstances of the crash
- Collect and examine police reports, witness statements, and video evidence
- Obtain toxicology reports and field sobriety test data
- Work with accident reconstruction experts and medical professionals
- Calculate the full extent of your damages, including future medical care and lost earning potential
- Negotiate with insurance companies who may try to undervalue your claim
- Prepare to take your case to trial if the at-fault driver or insurer refuses a fair settlement
Our Fort Walton Beach personal injury lawyers have spent decades standing up to insurance companies who want to pay less than victims deserve. We don’t back down, and we don’t let them intimidate our clients into accepting less than full compensation.
Who Is Liable for a DUI Accident in Florida?
In Florida, car accident claims generally begin with your own insurance under the state’s no-fault system. However, DUI accidents are an exception to this rule. If your injuries are severe, you may step outside the no-fault framework and sue the at-fault driver directly.
You’re required to carry:
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): This covers up to $10,000 in medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who caused the crash
- Property Damage Liability (PDL): This covers damage to someone else’s property, such as a car, fence, or mailbox
But in cases where the at-fault driver was impaired and you suffered serious injuries, you can bring a personal injury lawsuit. This allows you to seek full compensation beyond the limits of your PIP coverage.
In some DUI cases, others may also be held liable, including:
- Bars or restaurants that overserved the intoxicated driver (under Florida’s dram shop law, which is limited but may apply in cases involving underage or habitually addicted individuals)
- Employers, if the drunk driver was working at the time of the crash
- Car owners who knowingly lent their vehicle to an impaired driver
Our Fort Walton Beach car accident lawyers can identify all responsible parties and sources of compensation in your case.
What Types of Compensation Can You Recover After a DUI Accident?
DUI accidents often lead to life-altering injuries. Victims may require long-term medical treatment, rehabilitation, and in some cases, permanent lifestyle changes.
A successful personal injury claim can help you recover compensation for:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage
- Wrongful death damages (if a loved one was killed in the crash)
In some DUI cases, punitive damages may also be awarded. These are designed to punish especially reckless behavior and deter future misconduct. Driving under the influence is one of the few situations in which Florida courts may permit punitive damages.
What to Do After a DUI Accident in Fort Walton Beach
If you suspect the other driver was intoxicated, take the following steps as soon as possible:
- Report the accident to law enforcement and request immediate medical attention
- Make note of the other driver’s behavior, such as slurred speech, alcohol odor, or erratic actions
- Take photos or videos at the scene if you’re able
- Request a copy of the police report
- Avoid discussing fault with anyone, especially insurers
- Call an experienced DUI accident lawyer before giving a recorded statement to any insurance company
Even if the driver is arrested or charged, that does not guarantee you’ll be compensated fairly. The criminal process is separate from your civil claim. You must take action to pursue compensation for your injuries and losses.
Contact a Fort Walton Beach DUI Accident Attorney Today for a Free Consultation
If you were hurt in a DUI crash, you’ve already suffered enough. You don’t need to deal with insurance companies or legal red tape alone. At Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers, we’re ready to fight for the justice and financial recovery you deserve.
We’ve built a reputation in Fort Walton Beach for tireless advocacy and exceptional results. Let us help you hold the responsible party accountable and move forward with confidence.
Call now to schedule your free consultation with an experienced Fort Walton Beach DUI accident attorney.