Drunk driving accidents change lives in an instant. If you or someone you love has been hurt by a drunk driver in Northwest Florida, you may be feeling overwhelmed, angry, and unsure of what to do next. It's a frightening situation, especially when you’re left dealing with physical injuries, emotional trauma, and growing medical bills.
As a personal injury law firm rooted in this community, we understand how devastating these situations can be. This guide is here to help you take the right steps, protect your rights, and move toward the recovery and justice you deserve.
Prioritize Your Health First
If you haven’t already received medical attention, do so immediately. Even if your injuries seem minor, symptoms of trauma – especially internal injuries, whiplash, or concussions – can take hours or even days to appear.
Getting checked out right away not only protects your health but also strengthens your injury claim. Medical records serve as critical evidence that the crash caused your injuries.
Report the Accident and Cooperate with Authorities
When law enforcement responds to a crash involving suspected impairment, they’ll document key details, conduct field sobriety tests, and often administer a breathalyzer. The car accident report they generate can serve as vital evidence in both the criminal and civil case.
Make sure to get a copy of the report when it becomes available. If the police didn’t arrive at the scene, you can still file an accident report with the Florida Highway Patrol or with local law enforcement in the area where the crash happened.
Gather Evidence While It's Still Fresh
If you're physically able, or if a trusted friend or family member can assist, gather as much information as possible:
- Photos of the vehicles, crash site, and visible injuries
- Contact information for witnesses
- The drunk driver’s name, license plate, and insurance details
Preserving this information early can be incredibly helpful in building a strong claim later on.
Understand Your Legal Options as a Drunk Driving Victim in Florida
Drunk driving is a criminal offense in Florida, but victims also have the right to pursue compensation through a civil personal injury claim. While the criminal case focuses on punishing the offender, a civil claim is about making you whole again – compensating you for:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
In some cases, you may also be entitled to punitive damages, which are awarded to punish particularly reckless behavior, such as driving under the influence.
PIP, Deadlines, and Why Timing Matters
Florida currently follows a no-fault system, which means your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage typically pays for initial medical expenses and lost wages – regardless of who caused the crash. However, if you suffered serious injuries, you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim against the drunk driver for additional compensation beyond what PIP provides.
It’s also important to act quickly. In Florida, you generally have two years from the crash date to file a personal injury lawsuit. Miss the deadline, and you may lose your right to compensation, no matter how strong your case is.
Don’t Rely on the Insurance Company to Protect You
Insurance companies, even your own, are not on your side. Their goal is to minimize payouts – and when a drunk driving crash is involved, they may act fast to offer a low settlement.
Before you accept any offer or give a recorded statement, talk to an attorney who can help you understand the full value of your claim. Once you accept a settlement, you can’t go back and ask for more later, even if your injuries turn out to be worse than expected.
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you're found to be more than 50% at fault, you may be barred from recovering compensation. That’s why it's especially important to challenge any attempt by insurers to shift blame unfairly.
When the other driver was clearly impaired, liability often falls squarely on them. An attorney can push back against blame-shifting tactics and ensure your voice is heard.
Why Legal Guidance Matters After a Drunk Driving Accident in the Florida Panhandle
These cases can be complex, especially when multiple insurance policies, criminal proceedings, or uninsured motorists are involved. A personal injury lawyer with experience handling drunk driving accidents in Northwest Florida can help you:
- Investigate the crash and preserve crucial evidence
- Communicate with insurance companies on your behalf
- Coordinate with medical providers and experts
- Pursue full compensation, including pain and suffering
You shouldn’t have to fight this battle alone while you’re trying to recover.
What About Victim Support Resources?
In addition to legal guidance, it’s okay to seek emotional support. Groups like Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and local victim services programs offer help, counseling, and community.
Dan Stewart, who founded the Santa Rosa County chapter of MADD in 1992, has dedicated decades of service to supporting drunk driving victims and advocating for safer roads. His experience working directly with injured families inspired the creation of that chapter, which has since expanded across Northwest Florida.
At Dan Stewart Law Firm, we understand the long-term effects these tragedies can have, and we support those seeking both justice and healing. Whether it’s connecting you with supportive organizations or walking you through the legal process, we’re here to help.
You don’t have to go through this process in isolation.
Talk to Someone Who Understands
Dan Stewart has spent over 60 years living in Pace and more than 30 years practicing law right here in the Florida Panhandle. From the beginning, he’s remained committed to serving the people of Santa Rosa, Escambia, Okaloosa, and Walton Counties with the same personal, hands-on approach that defines our firm. At Dan Stewart Law Firm, we’ve been helping injured clients throughout these communities for decades.
When you meet with us, you're not just another file – you'll meet the people working on your case, and we’ll establish a clear line of communication from day one. Whether you bring a folder full of records or just your story, we will meet you where you are and give you a system designed to support and protect you through every step of the process.
Our mission is to stand with those who have been harmed by reckless and preventable actions. If you’ve been hurt by a drunk driver, we’re here to help you understand your rights and take the next step forward.
This isn’t just about legal claims. It’s about helping you rebuild, one step at a time.
If you're ready to talk, we’re ready to listen.
Reach out to Dan Stewart Law Firm today or fill out our contact form to schedule your free consultation and get the guidance you need.
Legal Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice. Reading this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different, and the specific facts of your situation may affect the legal options available to you. For advice regarding your individual circumstances, please contact a qualified attorney.