Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Orlando

You were driving down the street, obeying all the laws. You did everything right. But a drunk driver slammed into you anyway, and now your whole life looks different from the way it did five seconds ago.

A drunk driving accident lawyer in Orlando at Blakeley Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers knows how fast these collisions change things. The car may be totaled. The pain may be instant, and the next steps rarely feel clear.

Our Orlando car accident lawyers have recovered over $250 million for injured clients, and we don’t brush off the impact this has had on you. We listen, and we build every case to be taken seriously from the start. Reach out to us today. 

What a Lawyer Looks for in a Drunk Driving Case

A drunk driver made a choice, and that choice put you in the hospital, the ER, or worse. As an Orlando personal injury lawyer team, we know how to connect what happened to the injuries you carry.

We start by asking the right questions. Where did the crash happen? What did witnesses say? Was a police report filed? Did the other driver get arrested or cited for DUI? From there, we track down medical records, insurance policies, and surveillance footage before it disappears.

Every piece of your story matters. And if the driver had a history of reckless behavior, we dig into that, too.

Drunk Driving Accidents in Orlando: What We See Most

Orlando roads stay busy late into the night. Whether it’s I-4, Colonial Drive, or a neighborhood street near downtown, drunk driving crashes tend to share some patterns. We’ve worked with clients hit by drivers who:

• Blew through red lights or stop signs
• Swerved across lanes without control
• Fell asleep behind the wheel
• Sped through pedestrian-heavy areas

We’ve handled cases where passengers were thrown from cars, where seatbelts tore across the chest, and where airbags failed to prevent traumatic brain injuries. These collisions aren’t always high-speed—but they are high-impact. And alcohol often makes the devastation worse.

Why a Drunk Driving Accident Attorney in Orlando May File Two Cases

Not every drunk driving crash leads to criminal charges. But even if it does, that’s not the same as a civil case. Criminal proceedings punish the driver. A civil claim focuses on what the crash took from you.

A drunk driving accident attorney in Orlando may file a civil case to recover damages for:

• Emergency room visits and hospital care
• Surgery, rehab, or long-term treatment
• Lost income or future earning potential
• Pain, trauma, and physical limitations

Sometimes the same incident leads to both courtrooms. We keep our focus on your recovery, your story, and your future, not just what the criminal system chooses to pursue.

Can You Sue a Bar or Restaurant in Orlando After a DUI Crash?

Florida’s dram shop law only applies in limited cases. Under Florida Statutes § 768.125, bars and restaurants usually aren’t liable for a customer’s actions. But if they serve someone under 21 or knowingly serve someone who is habitually addicted to alcohol, they may be held responsible for what happens next.

That doesn’t mean we rule out a claim. A product liability issue (like a defective ignition lock) or a rideshare company policy violation could also come into play. Every case has its own set of details, and our job is to look at all of them.

How Insurance Companies Treat DUI Accident Claims in Orlando

You’d think drunk driving cases would be straightforward. But the insurance company doesn’t always play fair. Some adjusters push back on liability. Others downplay injuries or delay claims until you’re desperate enough to settle for less.

We know the tactics. We’ve seen adjusters try to shift blame, twist your words, or claim the injuries came from something else entirely. That’s why your drunk driving accident lawyer in Orlando needs to build a case that holds up in front of a jury, even if it never gets there.

We prepare every case as if it will go to trial. That changes how insurers respond.

What to Do After a Drunk Driving Crash in Orlando

The scene might have been chaotic, but what you do after matters. Try to:

• Get a copy of the police report, including any DUI charges.
• Take photos of the vehicles, road, and your injuries.
• Keep all receipts and records of medical treatment.
• Avoid speaking to the other driver’s insurance until you have representation.

And don’t throw away what you were wearing. In some cases, blood-stained clothing or damaged shoes help show the severity of the collision.

Deadlines to File a DUI Accident Claim in Florida

Florida law gives you two years to file a personal injury claim under Florida Statutes § 95.11(4)(a). That deadline usually starts the day of the crash, even if you’re still in treatment or haven’t fully understood the extent of your injuries.

Evidence has a way of slipping through the cracks. Security footage might get recorded over. Witnesses move away or struggle to remember the details. Even your own injuries can change, revealing damage that wasn’t obvious in the first few days. What seems minor at first can turn into something much more serious with time.

The earlier you talk to a lawyer, the better chance we have to secure the proof your case needs. We can step in quickly to preserve evidence and document what really happened—before anyone has a chance to change the story.

Speak with a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Orlando Who Calls You Back

At Blakeley Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers, we don’t send you to voicemail for weeks. We return calls. We answer questions. And we stay involved in your case from day one.

Our team has over 40 years of combined experience standing up for clients. But numbers only tell part of the story. We’re known for being the firm that actually listens. The one that tells you the truth—even when it’s hard to hear.

Call now to speak with a drunk driving accident lawyer in Orlando. You don’t need to figure out everything today. You just need to start.