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A driving under the influence (DUI) crash can upend daily life in minutes. Representation from a Clearwater drunk driving accident lawyer helps turn confusion into a plan. In addition to the usual damages of a negligent collision, DUI collisions carry additional money damages called punitive damages. An attorney will organize the claim, manage insurer calls, negotiations, and handle key legal steps while you focus on your recovery. An experienced car accident lawyer could also explain each stage in plain language so you know what is happening and why.
At Herman & Wells, access and communication set the tone. We check in with clients at least once every 30 days, so you will know what we are doing, what we need from you, and how it supports your case. We offer complimentary consultations by phone, video, or in person.
Communication is our commitment, not just a slogan. We return calls, explain options in plain language, and provide regular updates at least once a month. Fees and case details are transparent from the beginning. Our Clearwater legal team gives honest information about value factors, risks, and timing, allowing you to make informed and deliberate decisions about your drunk driving accident claim.
Recent results include a $2.5 million verdict for a rear-end collision client and a $1.275 million settlement for a T-bone collision. Across practice areas, our attorneys have recovered over $50 million for clients.
In a DUI case, evidence, not assumptions, proves alcohol and drug impairment. A drunk driving accident attorney in Clearwater works to secure the crash report, body-cam and dash-cam videos, 911 audio, field sobriety documentation, and any breath or blood test results. Nearby business cameras, dash-cams, and roadway cameras may capture driving behavior before the impact. Medical records link symptoms to the collision, and wage documents show time missed at work. If the at-fault driver was working, employer policies and dispatch records can help establish responsibility for the negligent person or company.
Expect early calls from adjusters. Keep your statements short and accurate, and avoid making any guesses about your pain, recovery, or fault. A seasoned injury lawyer could handle communications, prepare you for any recorded statement or exam, and set up simple systems to track out-of-pocket costs, mileage to treatment, missed shifts, and provider instructions. This organization helps reduce stress and documents how injuries impact your daily life.
Most negligence lawsuits have a two-year filing deadline from the date of the accident, as outlined in Florida Statute § 95.11. Separate contract-based claims against uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may have a five-year window. It is advisable to consult a knowledgeable attorney to discuss specific statutes of limitations relevant to your drunk driving accident claim in Clearwater.
Bars or other alcohol retailers are not automatically liable for serving adults in the state. Limited claims may exist under the Florida Dram Shop statute when a vendor willfully serves a minor or knowingly serves a person habitually addicted to alcohol.
Depending on the circumstances of your case, compensation for DUI collisions may cover a wide range of financial and personal losses, such as:
A skilled drunk driving injury lawyer in Clearwater typically documents the losses from these accidents using medical records, pay stubs, and, when necessary, provider or specialist testimony.
Representation by a Clearwater drunk driving accident lawyer could help preserve key evidence and keep your claim on schedule while your treatment continues. We take the important calls, build the record, and maintain momentum.
Reach out to Herman & Wells for a free consultation. We could review your accident, outline the best course of action, and manage tasks that take up time and energy, allowing you to focus on recovery. Contact us today to have your questions answered and move forward with your case.
