Gainesville Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
Injured by a drunk driver in Gainesville or Alachua County? Our DUI accident lawyers hold reckless drivers accountable. Free consultation.
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Gainesville Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
At Mesin & Co., our Gainesville drunk driving accident lawyers fight for victims of DUI crashes. We hold negligent drivers — and sometimes the bars or restaurants that served them — accountable. While a criminal case may punish the driver, a civil lawsuit is how victims and families recover the compensation they deserve.
DUI Accidents in Gainesville and Alachua County
Drunk driving accidents can occur anywhere, but we often see them in:
- High-traffic areas around the University of Florida
- I-75, especially late at night
- Newberry Road, Archer Road, and 39th Avenue
- Local neighborhoods and rural highways in Alachua County
Compensation for Dog Bite Victims
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Permanent disfigurement or death
Criminal vs. Civil DUI Cases
Criminal DUI Case
Handled by the state to punish the drunk driver with fines, jail time, or license suspension.
Civil Personal Injury Case
Filed by victims or their families to recover financial compensation for injuries and losses.
Can Bars or Restaurants Be Held Responsible? (Dram Shop Law)
In certain situations, Florida law allows victims to file a claim against a bar, restaurant, or establishment that knowingly served alcohol to a minor or a visibly intoxicated person who then caused an accident.
Our Gainesville DUI accident lawyers investigate all avenues of liability, including dram shop claims.
Compensation Available in DUI Injury Cases
Victims of drunk driving crashes may recover damages for:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and PTSD
- Property damage
- Wrongful death damages for surviving family members
Why Choose a Local Gainesville Attorney?
Local experience matters:
- Familiarity with Gainesville traffic patterns and accident-prone areas
- Knowledge of local law enforcement, prosecutors, and court procedures
- Ability to respond quickly and build a strong case with community-specific context
What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident in Gainesville
- Call 911 and request medical assistance. A police report is crucial.
- Document the crash: Take photos of the vehicles, injuries, and accident scene.
- Collect information: Get contact details from witnesses.
- Seek medical attention immediately at UF Health/Shands or a local hospital.
- Contact a Gainesville DUI injury lawyer before speaking with insurance companies.
Serving Gainesville and Surrounding Communities
- Gainesville
- Alachua
- Archer
- Newberry
- High Springs
- Waldo
- Micanopy and surrounding communities
How Our Gainesville DUI Accident Lawyers Can Help
When you hire Mesin & Co., we take immediate action:
- Investigate the accident: Gather police reports, BAC results, and witness statements.
- Preserve evidence: Including surveillance footage, dashcam video, and toxicology results.
- Handle insurance negotiations: We won’t let the insurer minimize your claim.
- Pursue a trial if necessary: We prepare every case as if it will go before a jury.
Frequently Asked Questions.
Get answers to common questions about your legal case.
Will the criminal case cover my medical bills?
No. A criminal DUI conviction does not provide compensation. You need a separate civil claim.
Can I sue if the driver wasn’t convicted?
Yes. The civil case is independent. Even without a conviction, you can pursue compensation if there is evidence of negligence.
How long do I have to file a DUI accident claim?
Florida law generally gives you two years to file a claim. However, evidence is strongest when action is taken early.
Call a Gainesville Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Today
If you were injured in a drunk driving accident in Gainesville or anywhere in Alachua County, contact Mesin & Co. today. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win.
