Drunk Driving Car Accidents in DeLand

When a driver chooses to get behind the wheel after drinking, the consequences can be devastating. Along the city’s busier corridors, including U.S. Highway 17 and State Road 44, DUI-related crashes occur with troubling frequency. Victims of drunk driving car accidents in DeLand are often left facing serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and emotional hardship that can persist well beyond the crash itself.

You should not have to navigate the claims process alone. An experienced auto accident attorney can evaluate your situation, protect your rights, and work to recover the compensation you need, allowing you to focus your energy on healing.

State DUI Laws and What They Mean for Your Claim

Under Florida Statutes § 316.193, it is unlawful to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or higher. Drivers under 21 years of age are held to a stricter standard of 0.02 percent, while commercial drivers are restricted to 0.04 percent.

When a driver faces criminal charges following a crash, those charges can serve as powerful evidence in your civil injury claim. It is important to know that a criminal conviction is not required to pursue compensation. Even if charges are reduced or dismissed, a drunk driving car crash in DeLand may still support a valid injury claim if negligence can be established.

Who Could Be Held Responsible After a DUI Crash?

Liability for a car wreck in DeLand does not always stop with the impaired driver. Under Fla. Stat. § 768.125, an alcohol vendor may be held responsible if they knowingly served a person who was habitually addicted to alcohol. Known as dram shop liability, this can provide an additional path to recovery when applicable.

The state follows a modified comparative negligence standard. As long as you are found to be 50 percent or less at fault, you may still recover compensation, though your damages may be reduced proportionally by your share of fault. Our team can assess all potential sources of liability, gather key evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf.

Compensation Available After an Impaired Driving Accident

The financial and personal toll of an impaired driving auto collision in DeLand can be significant. Recoverable damages in these cases may include:

• Medical expenses, including emergency care, surgery, and long-term rehabilitation
• Lost income from time missed at work during recovery
• Reduced earning capacity if injuries affect your long-term ability to work
• Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
• Punitive damages in cases involving gross negligence or extreme recklessness

The state’s no-fault system requires injured drivers to first use their personal injury protection coverage for initial medical bills and lost wages. However, when injuries meet the serious injury threshold, such as permanent disability, significant disfigurement, or loss of a bodily function, you may file a claim directly against the at-fault driver for full compensation.

Consult Our DeLand Car Crash Lawyers If You Were Injured by a Drunk Driver

At Rue & Ziffra, our team has advocated for injured clients throughout Volusia County for more than 50 years. We investigate carefully, work with medical professionals when needed, and are prepared to take your case to trial when insurers refuse to offer fair settlements. We understand how much is at stake, and we work to make sure your claim reflects the full scope of your losses.

Drunk driving car accidents in DeLand can be challenging, but we are here to help. We are in your community and on your side. Contact us today and schedule a free consultation to discuss your situation.