Need A Venice Personal Injury Lawyer? Connect ASAP ↓
Venice florida car accident lawyer
Google Rating
5
Based on 115 reviews

Venice DUI Accident Lawyer

DUI accident lawyer in Venice, Florida

Alcohol-impaired driving crashes are some of the most devastating cases I see in my practice. National traffic safety data shows that thousands of people across the United States, and tragically many here in our Sarasota area, are seriously injured or killed every year in crashes involving a drunk driver, and many more are left with life-changing injuries. Behind every statistic is a real person whose life was turned upside down because someone chose to drink and then get behind the wheel.
I am David Harris, a
personal injury
and DUI accident lawyer serving clients in Venice, Florida. At David Harris Law, I focus on helping victims of drunk driving crashes and their families pursue the justice and compensation they deserve. If you or someone you love has been injured in a DUI-related accident in Venice, FL, you are dealing with far more than property damage and paperwork. You may be facing hospitalization, painful rehabilitation, missed work, and a future that looks very different than it did before the crash.
My role is to step in, protect your rights, and pursue every dollar the law allows from the drunk driver and any other responsible parties. You should not be left to shoulder the financial and emotional burden of a DUI crash that was completely preventable.

The impact of a DUI accident on your life and your family

A drunk driving accident is different from other car crashes in one key way: it never had to happen. The impaired driver made a series of choices that put everyone on the road at risk. That sense of injustice can be just as hard to process as the physical injuries.
The impact of a DUI accident can touch every part of your life:
  • You may face emergency surgery, hospital stays, and months of medical appointments.
  • You might not be able to work, or you may have to change careers or reduce your hours.
  • Daily tasks like driving, lifting your children, or even walking unaided may suddenly be impossible.
  • You may struggle with anxiety, fear of driving, or reliving the crash.
  • Your family might be forced to take on caregiver responsibilities and additional financial stress.
For families who lose a loved one in a DUI crash, the loss is permanent and immeasurable. No settlement can truly make up for that. But a strong civil claim may bring financial stability, hold the drunk driver accountable in a meaningful way, and create some measure of justice.
When I represent victims and families in DUI accident cases in Venice, Florida, I focus on the full picture: your medical needs, your financial future, and the personal and emotional impact this crash has had on your life.

Common injuries in DUI accidents

Because impaired drivers often travel at high speeds, fail to brake, or drift into oncoming lanes, DUI crashes frequently result in very serious injuries. In my practice as a DUI accident attorney in Venice, FL, I regularly see injuries such as:
  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI), including concussions and more severe brain trauma
  • Spinal cord injuries that can lead to partial or complete paralysis
  • Neck injuries, including whiplash and damage to delicate structures in the neck
  • Back injuries, herniated discs, and nerve compression
  • Multiple broken bones and complex fractures
  • Internal injuries and organ damage, sometimes requiring emergency surgery
  • Leg and knee injuries from dashboard or console impacts
  • Shoulder, wrist, and hand injuries from bracing for impact
  • Severe cuts, lacerations, and deep bruising
  • Burns from fires or contact with hot surfaces and airbags
  • Chest injuries from seat belts or steering wheel impacts
  • Permanent disability or, in the worst cases,
    wrongful death
Catastrophic injuries such as spinal cord injuries, severe burns, or serious brain injuries can require a lifetime of care. They may permanently affect your ability to walk, work, talk, drive, or enjoy activities that used to be routine.
Part of my job is to work with your medical providers and, when needed, independent experts to fully understand your diagnosis, your prognosis, and the long-term care you may need. That way, your claim is not based only on the bills you have today, but on the reality of what you face long into the future.

Damages in a DUI accident case

When you are injured by a drunk driver in Venice, Florida, you have the right to seek compensation through a civil
personal injury
claim. This is separate from any criminal case against the impaired driver. Even if the driver is arrested, charged, or convicted, you are still responsible for pursuing your own civil claim to recover financial
damages
.
In a DUI accident case, you may be entitled to:

Economic damages

These are the financial losses you can document, such as:
  • Emergency room, hospital, and surgical bills
  • Follow-up visits with doctors and specialists
  • Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other rehabilitation costs
  • Medications, medical equipment, and supplies
  • Future medical care and long-term treatment needs
  • Lost wages if you have been unable to work
  • Reduced earning capacity if you can no longer perform your old job or work full-time
  • Property damage, including repair or replacement of your vehicle

Non-economic damages

These
damages
recognize the human side of your losses, including:
  • Pain and suffering, both physical and emotional
  • Loss of enjoyment of life and hobbies you can no longer pursue
  • Loss of independence and dignity when you need ongoing help
  • Anxiety, depression, and emotional distress
  • Scarring and disfigurement
  • Loss of companionship and strain on family relationships
Insurance companies often try to reduce
non-economic damages
to a simple formula. I take a different approach. I work with you and those close to you to understand how the DUI accident has truly changed your life and then tell that story clearly and convincingly.

Punitive damages

Because drunk driving involves more than ordinary carelessness, some DUI accident cases may support a claim for punitive
damages
under Florida law. Punitive
damages
are meant to punish especially reckless conduct and deter others from making the same choices.
Punitive
damages
are not awarded in every case, and there are specific legal standards that must be met. If your case appears to qualify, I will explain how punitive
damages
work, what additional proof is needed, and how they could affect your overall recovery.
Every
personal injury
claim is governed by a deadline called the
statute of limitations
. In Florida, most
negligence
-based
personal injury
claims, including drunk driving crashes, must be filed within a limited time period measured from the date of the accident or the date of injury discovery.
If you miss this deadline, you may lose the right to bring a claim at all, no matter how strong your case might have been. That is one reason I strongly encourage people injured in DUI accidents in Venice, FL to talk with a lawyer as soon as they can.
Beyond the legal deadline, acting early has practical advantages:
  • Evidence such as surveillance footage, dashcam recordings, and vehicle data can be lost or overwritten.
  • Witnesses may move, change phone numbers, or forget important details.
  • Skid marks, debris patterns, and other physical evidence may disappear.
  • Insurance adjuster
    s may pressure you to accept a low settlement before you understand the full extent of your injuries.
When you contact my office soon after a DUI crash, I can begin preserving evidence, obtaining critical records from law enforcement, and protecting you from insurance tactics that are designed to minimize or deny your claim.

How DUI accident cases differ from other car crashes

All car accidents are serious, but DUI-related crashes have unique legal and evidentiary issues that require a careful approach. As a DUI accident lawyer in Venice, Florida, I pay special attention to factors such as:
  • Criminal case records
    Police reports, breathalyzer or blood test results, field sobriety tests, and bodycam footage can be powerful evidence in your civil case. I work to obtain and review these records and use them where appropriate to prove impairment and
    liability
    .
  • Multiple potential defendants
    In some cases,
    liability
    may extend beyond the drunk driver. Depending on the facts, there may be claims against a bar, restaurant, or third party that contributed to the impaired driving. Part of my job is to identify every potential source of recovery.
  • Insurance company strategies
    Even when
    liability
    seems clear, insurers may argue that your injuries are minor, preexisting, or unrelated to the crash. They may also try to blame you in whole or in part. I push back against these tactics with medical evidence, expert opinions, and careful preparation.
  • Jury perception
    Juries often view drunk driving harshly, and for good reason. However, that does not mean a strong
    verdict
    is automatic. The case still must be meticulously prepared, with clear proof of
    liability
    and
    damages
    .
Because these cases can be complex and emotionally charged, having an experienced DUI accident attorney on your side in Venice, FL can make a meaningful difference in the result.

How I help as a DUI accident attorney in Venice, Florida

Navigating the aftermath of a DUI crash while dealing with pain, doctor visits, and financial stress is incredibly difficult. You should not have to manage the legal side alone. When I represent you in a DUI accident case, I handle the legal burden so you can focus on your health.
Here is how I help:
  • Listening to your story and answering your questions
    Your case begins with a conversation. I want to understand what happened, how you were injured, and what concerns you have about the future. I will explain your rights and outline a strategy tailored to your situation.
  • Investigating the crash
    I obtain police reports, criminal case documents, and any available recordings. I identify and interview witnesses, review photographs and scene evidence, and consult with accident reconstruction experts when necessary.
  • Building the medical and damages picture
    I collect your medical records and bills, communicate with your healthcare providers, and, if needed, work with specialists and life care planners to project future costs. I also document how the crash has affected your work, your family, and your daily life.
  • Dealing with the insurance companies
    I take over communication with
    insurance adjuster
    s so you do not have to. I respond to their requests, push back against low offers, and prevent them from twisting your words or using your statements against you.
  • Negotiating for a fair settlement
    Once I have a clear understanding of your
    damages
    , I present a strong, evidence-backed demand and negotiate for a settlement that reflects the true impact of the DUI crash on your life.
  • Preparing for trial when necessary
    If the insurance company refuses to be reasonable, I am prepared to file a lawsuit and present your case in court. I prepare every case as if it could go to trial, which often leads to better results at the negotiation table.
  • Working on a contingency fee basis
    You do not pay attorney fees unless I recover compensation for you. This allows you to pursue your rights without adding more financial stress at a time when you are already dealing with so much.

Talk with me about your DUI accident in Venice, FL

If you or a loved one has been injured in a DUI-related accident in Venice, Florida, you do not have to face this alone. A drunk driving crash can change your life in a moment, but you still have important rights and options.
I offer free consultations for DUI accident victims and their families. During our conversation, I will listen carefully, review the key facts of your case, and give you my honest assessment of how I can help. If we choose to work together, I will stand beside you at every step, fighting for the accountability and compensation you deserve.
When you are ready to explore your legal options after a DUI accident in Venice, FL, contact David Harris Law and ask to speak with me, David Harris, about your case.