When someone chooses to drink and drive, the consequences can be devastating, and responsibility for an accident may not end with the impaired motorist. The law allows those injured in a drunk driving crash to hold certain alcohol vendors liable for their role in enabling reckless behavior. If a bar, restaurant, or liquor store illegally served the driver who caused your injuries, a Port St. John dram shop liability lawyer could help you seek accountability and recovery.
At The Umansky Law Firm, we understand the suffering and financial strain caused by road traffic accidents. Our experienced car accident attorneys are dedicated to helping you secure compensation for medical expenses, emotional suffering, and lost income after an alcohol-related collision. We could guide you through every stage of your claim with compassion and our decades of legal experience.
Florida Statutes § 768.125 establishes limited circumstances in which alcohol vendors may be held responsible for injuries caused by intoxicated individuals. An establishment may be liable if it knowingly serves alcohol to an individual under 21 or to a person habitually addicted to alcohol.
A Port St. John attorney from our firm could investigate your dram shop liability claim, compiling evidence that proves the vendor’s knowledge and negligence. We could review transaction records, witness testimony, and surveillance footage to determine whether a business acted irresponsibly.
Under Florida law, an alcohol vendor is generally immune from liability except when it willfully serves a minor or knowingly serves a person habitually addicted (Fla. Stat. § 768.125). Also, personal injury lawsuits generally must be filed within two years (Fla. Stat. § 95.11).
Our attorneys also understand the local area—from neighborhood taverns near U.S. Highway 1 to bars along Grissom Parkway—and use this knowledge to build a comprehensive case rooted in community context and state law.
If a drunk driving accident harms you, you may face long-term challenges, including extensive medical treatment, therapy, and lost income. Florida is a no-fault insurance state, so you must first file a claim through your Personal Injury Protection (PIP). PIP generally covers up to $10,000 in medical bills and 60 percent of lost wages and may therefore be insufficient to match your losses.
If you suffer a serious injury—such as permanent disability, disfigurement, or loss of an important bodily function—you may pursue a civil lawsuit against the at-fault driver. If the driver was drunk, a Port St. John attorney could help you file a claim under dram shop liability law against the establishment that served them. Your damages could include:
In cases of extreme negligence, our attorneys may also pursue punitive damages, which are designed to punish reckless or unlawful conduct. We could work with accident reconstruction specialists and toxicology experts to establish a direct connection between the vendor’s actions and your injuries.
Our team takes pride in offering hands-on representation tailored to each client’s situation. We begin by conducting an in-depth investigation of the incident, including how and where the alcohol was served. We then identify all potential defendants, including the establishment, its employees, and the intoxicated driver.
Throughout the process, we communicate directly with insurance companies, gather expert testimony, and prepare your case for trial if necessary. Our Port St. John attorneys could explain your rights, negotiate settlements, and advocate for the compensation you deserve from the establishment responsible for selling alcohol to the at-fault driver.
We are composed of experienced former prosecutors. Our thorough understanding of both civil and criminal procedures gives us a distinct advantage when evaluating evidence and arguing liability in alcohol-related injury claims.
Alcohol-related crashes can have a lasting impact on the injured individuals and their families. You should not have to carry the financial burden of someone else’s negligence alone. Our compassionate team is ready to help you understand your options and move toward recovery.
A Port St. John dram shop liability lawyer could help you hold a negligent bar or restaurant accountable for the harm you sustained. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and begin seeking justice and fair compensation.
The Umansky Law Firm Criminal Defense & Injury Attorneys
