Jacksonville Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer 

Fighting For Drunk Driving Accident Victims in Florida

At Edwards & Ragatz, P.A., we understand the traumatic impact of being involved in a drunk driving accident. Jacksonville faces significant challenges with drunk driving incidents, and our committed team is here to provide the legal support you need during this difficult time. Backed by over 150 years of combined experience, we are dedicated to helping victims secure justice and the compensation they deserve.

Call Edwards & Ragatz, P.A. today at (904) 295-1050 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our drunk driving accident attorney in Jacksonville.

Florida Drunk Driving Laws

Florida takes drunk driving very seriously. Driving under the influence (DUI) is a criminal offense in Florida, and penalties can be severe. Key points include:

• Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits: Drivers 21 and older are considered legally impaired if their BAC is 0.08% or higher. Commercial drivers face a 0.04% limit, while drivers under 21 are subject to a zero-tolerance standard of 0.02%.
• Penalties: Penalties for DUI can include fines, license suspension, mandatory DUI school, probation, and in severe cases, jail time.
• Aggravated DUI: DUI resulting in serious injury or death carries harsher penalties, including felony charges.

Understanding these laws is critical because they can directly impact your personal injury claim. Even if the at-fault driver has a DUI, Florida law allows victims to pursue civil claims to recover damages for injuries, property damage, and other losses.

Proving Liability Against a Drunk Driver

To hold a drunk driver accountable, your Jacksonville drunk driving accident lawyer must establish that the driver was negligent and that this negligence caused your injuries. Evidence may include:

• Police Reports: Official documentation of the accident and any DUI arrests.
• Witness Statements: Testimony from passengers, bystanders, or other drivers.
• Medical Records: Documentation linking your injuries to the accident.
• Surveillance or Traffic Camera Footage: Visual proof of the incident.
• Driver’s BAC Results: Blood alcohol test results can strongly support your case.

Our Jacksonville drunk driving accident attorney will compile this evidence, work with accident reconstruction experts if necessary, and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive full and fair compensation.

Dram Shop & Social Host Liability in FL

In Florida, individuals or businesses that serve alcohol to someone who later causes an accident can, in some cases, be held legally responsible under dram shop laws or social host liability rules:

• Dram Shop Liability: Bars, restaurants, and other establishments may be liable if they serve alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person who then causes a crash.
• Social Host Liability: Individuals hosting private parties may be held responsible if they knowingly provide alcohol to minors or visibly intoxicated adults who later injure someone.

These laws allow victims to pursue claims not only against the drunk driver but also against third parties who contributed to the accident. Our team can help determine whether dram shop or social host liability applies in your case.