<h1>Tampa DUI Accident Lawyer</h1>

Drunk driving accidents are more common than we think. According to the Centers for Disease Control, every day almost 30 people die as a result of alcohol-induced impaired driving, and the cost of alcohol-related crashes every year is around $59 billion. If you or a loved one was seriously injured, or even killed, by a drunk driver, call Pawlowski//Mastrilli Law Group today so that we can help you get the compensation that you deserve. Contact our experienced <strong>Tampa DUI accident lawyers</strong> today.

<h2>The Drunk Driving Problem</h2>

In 2010 alone, 1.4 million drivers were arrested for driving under the influence, and in 2013, 31% of traffic-related deaths were caused by drunk driving. Clearly, there are many drunk drivers on the road, and injuries are oftentimes catastrophic.

<h2>What to Do After Being Hit By a Drunk Driver</h2>

After an accident, once everyone is safe, you should call 911. This is for your safety, but it is also because drunk drivers often try to leave the scene. If it is safe to do so, try to get the other driver’s license plate number in case they try to flee. It is not uncommon for drunk drivers to switch seats with somebody they are travelling with, so if you can, try to take a picture of who is driving the car.

Do not attempt to move somebody if they are seriously injured because this can make matters worse. Also, do not move the cars because doing so will make it more difficult for law enforcement to document the scene of the crime.

Insurance companies will try to offer you the lowest amount they can, so do not accept any offers until you have spoken with an experienced personal injury lawyer. Call Pawlowski//Mastrilli Law Group today for a free consultation.

Take note of any evidence that the other driver has been drinking. For instance, if you smell alcohol on their breath, or if you heard the person say anything to anyone about having had a drink earlier, let law enforcement know. This type of evidence can be used against that party at trial. If possible, take pictures of the damage and the whole accident scene. This will also be helpful at trial.

Remember that the most important thing is your health, so when medical personnel arrive, have them check out your injuries. This is also a way of documenting your injuries. Make sure you cooperate with police, and also report the accident to your insurance company and cooperate with them as well.

<h2>Applicable Laws</h2>

In Florida, the legal limit for blood alcohol content is .08%, and if the driver is below the age of 21, it is only .02%.

If the victim is killed by the drunk driver, the surviving family members can bring suit in the form of a wrongful death action. This is when surviving family members file suit on behalf of the deceased victim. In drunk driving cases, plaintiffs can recover for pain and suffering, medical bills, funeral costs (in cases resulting in death), lost wages, disability, and more. If the plaintiff was married to the deceased victim, he or she can recover for lost services and spousal support.

In certain cases, you can also recover payment from the business that served alcohol to the drunk driver. The laws governing these types of suits are called “dram shop laws.” In special circumstances, you can recover punitive damages, which are meant to punish the driver. It is important to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer to see if any of these laws are applicable to your case. Contact our Tampa DUI accident lawyers for more information.

<h2>Call Us Today for a Free Tampa DUI Accident Consultation</h2>

Call the experienced Tampa DUI accident lawyers at Pawlowski//Mastrilli Law Group today for a free consultation. Litigating a drunk driving injury case can be a complex matter, and experience counts. We pride ourselves on the quality of our legal work, and we make it a point to focus on the quality of representation rather than the number of cases we take. We are not a high volume firm, and we treat our clients as individuals. You will notice the difference. Call us today at 813-803-6518 so that we can help evaluate your case.