(954) 505-2183
954-505-2183

Free of Charge

Photo of Police Chasing a Drunk Driver

Prevalence of Drunk Driving accidents

Drunk Driving Accidents in Florida

Drunk driving is one of the most dangerous and preventable causes of accidents in Florida. Every year, thousands of lives are devastated by drivers who make reckless choices. As of 2024, for every 100,000 drivers in Florida, about five are involved in fatal drunk driving crashes—putting Florida above the national average for alcohol-related traffic deaths. If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident, the law is on your side. Victims of these tragic accidents can seek compensation for their financial burdens, emotional trauma, and physical suffering to help them recover and move forward.

What other are saying?

Testiomonials

My experience was positive from the first moment I consulted with him. Scott was attentive, thorough, and helpful throughout a very difficult time. Rosie was my paralegal and was with us every step of the way with insight and compassion, always responding quickly and effectively with any questions or issues as they arose.

Kerine

Very Professional

I had a great experience with this Attorney and his team. It wasn’t a short process but it was completely worth it. I would recommend him anytime.

Sandra Fernandez

I would recommend him anytime.

Since the first moment I reached out to this office all the staff was very supporting and trying to help me in every way. The process took the average, I think, and I'm very happy with the result and feeling great.
Would recommend this attorney and his offices.

Monica

Great service

I just had a good experience. Communication was great with staff.

Jorge Hernandez

Communication was great

This office has a great clientele services,communication was outstanding and also I was able to get a good settlement. I can recommend anyone if you need legal help call this office the job and what you need will be done!! Brenda was great and helped me, guided me throughout this process love her!!

Medijah Clairmont

Great clientele services

I had a great experience with this law firm and staff, i had also gotten a good settlement money and can and will recommend anyone who needs an attorney to get the job done . this is it!! Need a lawyer call them!!

Malvina Baker

Great experience

This office was great with my case. Communication was prompt and thorough. They really try to do what’s best for you. Would recommend.

Alex Shelton

Communication was prompt and thorough.

This office did a good job with my case, I am satisfied with the care and services that they offered me. I recommend this office to all who need legal help, also Miss Brenda Rojas helped me and guided me throughout the legal process, is very kind, and had a lot of patience with me .. well I give u 100% here!

Carlos Luis Mendez Brito

Did a good job with my case

Very good services, nice people, very polite and professionals fighting to the end. I will recommend them 100% .

Olivia kennedy

Very polite and professionals

I can recommend this attorney to everyone I know, I got a good settlement and I am very happy!! Happy to have gotten the money that was given to me and also praise the Lord for all of his goodness!! The office was very friendly, Brenda helped me throughout the entire process, she always called me and made sure I was informed of what was going on in my case.. Love and much love to Brenda!!

Bobbie Sheffield

The office was very friendly

Brenda was great ..Called me to check in and let me know exactly what’s going on communicated with me throughout the whole process, I was also happy with the settlement provided and I can and will recommend This office to anyone, please speak to Brenda she will help you a lot and best of all.. I am happy with the results!!

Giovanni Maffeo

I am happy with the results

This office was very professional. My case manger Ada was always available. Highly recommend contacting this office for you’re any of youre accidents.

Lournicha Telfort

This office was very professional

I suffered a tragic loss of my totaled car back in September of 2017. Although the process was extensive, (as expected, these lawsuits usually take yearsss) I received transportation to and from my chiropractor visits as needed, my outpatient back procedure was given by one of the best doctors! (and relieved me of 80% of the pain I was experiencing prior); and Todd helped me out tremendously & talked me through the whole ordeal despite my frustrations. Today I received even more than I was expected to. I can now go purchase a new car! I want to thank Todd especially, as well as the Law offices of Scott Jay Senft! I would recommend them to anyone who is experiencing a loss due to a car accident. Thank me later

Deja Jinks

I would recommend them to anyone

Donna at Scott J Senfts office was truly amazing through this difficult experience. She helped me receive early funding for my immediate needs and bills and was holding my hand literally and figuratively throughout the entire process. The check I received was for much more than expected and I’m truly grateful for choosing this firm and wound recommend them to anyone

Dean Johnson

I’m truly grateful for choosing this firm

Professional law firm, they handled my case very well and I’m very satisfied with the settlement the lawyer was able to obtain. Previous lawyer didn’t compare to how Scott Senft diligently handled my case. Legal assistant handling my file was very understanding and helped me throughout the entire process. I was very satisfied and happy overall.

Joshua

Exceded my expectations

recovering what you deserve

Seeking Compensation After a Drunk Driving Accident

Drunk driving accidents often result in catastrophic injuries, leaving victims with overwhelming medical expenses and long-term suffering. If you have been injured, you may be entitled to compensation for medical treatments, rehabilitation, lost income, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and property damage. Beyond these typical losses, drunk driving cases often qualify for additional financial penalties against the driver, which can significantly increase the amount you receive. These penalties, known as punitive damages, are meant to punish the drunk driver for their reckless actions and discourage others from making the same dangerous choices. Because of the seriousness of these cases, it’s important to explore every possible way to recover the full amount you deserve.

Identifying All Liable Parties Can Increase Compensation

While the drunk driver is the primary party at fault, others may also share responsibility, which can increase the compensation available to victims. Identifying all liable parties is crucial to ensuring you receive the full financial recovery you deserve.
  • Bars, Restaurants, and Liquor Stores – Under Florida’s Dram Shop Law, establishments can be held liable if they served alcohol to a minor or someone with a known history of alcohol abuse, and that person caused an accident.
  • Employers – If the drunk driver was on the job at the time of the crash, their employer may be responsible under vicarious liability laws.
  • Vehicle Owners – Under Florida’s Dangerous Instrumentality Doctrine, a vehicle owner can be liable if they knowingly allowed an intoxicated person to drive their car.
Holding multiple parties accountable can increase the compensation available by accessing more insurance policies and higher financial limits. A drunk driving accident lawyer can investigate all potential sources of liability, ensuring no avenue for recovery is overlooked.

Next Steps After a Drunk Driving Accident

Taking these steps after a drunk driving accident can help protect you, strengthen your claim, and maximize your compensation. Here’s what you should do:
1

Seek Medical Attention

Even if your injuries seem minor, some symptoms take time to appear. Seeing a doctor also creates a medical record that can connect your injuries to the accident.
2

Call Law Enforcement

A police report is crucial in a drunk driving case. Officers will document the driver’s intoxication level, which serves as key evidence.
3

Gather Evidence

Take photos and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. If there are witnesses, get their contact information.
4

Avoid Speaking to Insurance Adjusters Alone

The at-fault driver’s insurance company may try to minimize your claim. Anything you say could be used against you.
5

Consult a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

An attorney will handle negotiations, investigate all liable parties, and fight for the full compensation you deserve while you focus on recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common questions about accident claims and legal representation to better understand your rights and options.
How much does a Florida drunk driving accident lawyer cost?
At The Law Offices of Scott Jay Senft, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay anything upfront, and our fees are a percentage of the final settlement awarded. This allows you to pursue justice and financial recovery without worrying about legal costs. During your free consultation, we’ll go over the details of how fees work and answer any questions you may have.
What is the time limit for filing a claim after a drunk driving accident?
In Florida, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim after a drunk driving accident is typically two years from the date of the crash. However, accidents resulting in wrongful death, delayed injury symptoms, or cases involving multiple liable parties have different timelines.
Can I sue a bar or restaurant for overserving a drunk driver?
Under Florida’s Dram Shop Law, bars, restaurants, and liquor stores can be held liable for a drunk driving accident, but only in specific circumstances. If they knowingly served alcohol to someone under the age of 21 or to a person with a known history of alcohol addiction, they may be responsible for damages caused by that individual. Florida’s law is more limited than in other states, meaning a bar generally cannot be sued just for overserving an already intoxicated adult. However, if liability can be proven, this can open up an additional source of compensation beyond the drunk driver’s insurance.
How long does a drunk driving accident claim take to settle?

The time it takes to settle a claim depends on several factors, including the severity of injuries, the willingness of insurance companies to negotiate, and whether multiple liable parties are involved. Cases with clear liability and minor injuries may settle in months. However, drunk driving cases are usually more complex as they can involve serious injuries, punitive damages, complex evidence, and can take years to settle. If a fair settlement isn’t offered, taking the case to trial can extend the process.

How much compensation can I receive from a drunk driving accident claim?
The amount of compensation you can receive depends on the details of your case, including the extent of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Victims often recover compensation for medical treatments, rehabilitation, lost income, reduced ability to work, and emotional distress. In cases of severe negligence, such as when the driver had an extremely high blood alcohol content or was a repeat offender, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the driver and increase the overall settlement. If the accident resulted in a wrongful death, surviving family members may also recover damages for funeral costs and loss of companionship. Since drunk driving cases often involve reckless behavior, settlements tend to be higher than in standard car accident claims.

Suffered a Personal Injury?

Let Us Fight for You.

FREE CONSULTATION | NO FEES UNLESS WE WIN

CALL (954) 329-0137

South Florida’s Top Drunk Driving accident attorneys

Three personal injury lawyers at The Law Offices of Scott Jay Senft.

Dedicated Advocates

With over 30 years of experience, our team of drunk driving accident lawyers understand the complexities of these accident claims and how to negotiate aggressively with insurance companies. We know what evidence to look for, how to build a strong case, and when to push for punitive damages to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Most importantly, there are no upfront fees—you pay nothing unless we win. While you focus on your recovery, we handle the legal battles, insurance negotiations, and paperwork so you don’t have to. Let us fight for you while you focus on healing.

Free Case Evaluation

954-505-2183