Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers in Volusia County
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Volusia County Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers
Big Results. Little Stress.
When a drunk driver's reckless decision devastates your family in Volusia County, you're facing more than just physical injuries and property damage – you're confronting a preventable tragedy that demands both criminal prosecution and civil justice. At Douglas R. Beam P.A., we understand that drunk driving accidents represent some of the most emotionally challenging cases for victims and their families, combining the trauma of serious injury with the anger of knowing it could have been prevented. Our firm has dedicated over 35 years to fighting for accident victims throughout Central Florida, and we're committed to securing the maximum compensation possible while you focus on healing.
Volusia County's unique landscape creates particular challenges when it comes to impaired driving incidents. From Daytona Beach's bustling entertainment districts during race season to New Smyrna Beach's active bar scene, our coastal communities see increased drunk driving risks, especially during tourist season and major events. The intersection of I-95 and I-4 brings additional traffic complexity, while our year-round warm climate encourages outdoor activities and social gatherings that can lead to impaired driving situations. Our legal team understands these local dynamics and how they impact both the circumstances of accidents and the strategies needed to build successful cases.
Understanding Drunk Driving Accidents in Volusia County
Drunk driving accidents in Volusia County often involve more severe injuries than typical motor vehicle collisions due to the impaired driver's inability to brake, swerve, or otherwise minimize impact. These crashes frequently result in serious injuries including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and catastrophic orthopedic injuries that require extensive medical treatment and long-term care. The legal landscape surrounding these cases is complex, as they involve both criminal proceedings against the drunk driver and civil litigation to secure compensation for victims.
What makes drunk driving cases particularly challenging is that they often occur in areas with high foot traffic and multiple vehicles, such as along International Speedway Boulevard during events or near the beach communities during peak tourist seasons. Our firm has handled numerous cases involving accidents on major Volusia County roadways, including crashes near Daytona International Speedway during race events and incidents in the entertainment districts of downtown Daytona Beach. We understand how local law enforcement responds to these accidents and the evidence preservation techniques that are crucial for building strong cases.
Legal Expertise and Comprehensive Representation
Our drunk driving accident attorneys bring specialized knowledge to these complex cases, understanding that successful outcomes require immediate action to preserve evidence, coordinate with criminal proceedings, and identify all potential sources of compensation. Unlike standard car accident cases, drunk driving incidents often involve punitive damages designed to punish the defendant's reckless behavior, potentially increasing the total compensation available to victims. We work quickly to obtain police reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, and expert testimony to establish the full scope of the drunk driver's negligence.
When drunk driving accidents result in traumatic brain injuries, the stakes become even higher, as these injuries can affect cognitive function, personality, and earning capacity for the rest of the victim's life. Our firm has secured millions in compensation for brain injury victims, understanding the complex medical evaluations and life care planning required to accurately calculate future needs. We also investigate whether establishments that served alcohol to the impaired driver may bear additional responsibility under Florida's dram shop laws.
Douglas R. Beam P.A. has recovered over $1 billion for clients since our founding in 1988, with firm founder Doug Beam serving as 2025 President of the National Trial Lawyers and Riley Beam having served as 2023 President of the National Trial Lawyers 40 Under 40. This leadership experience translates directly into superior representation for our clients, as we understand the most effective strategies for maximizing compensation in drunk driving cases. Our team knows how to navigate the local court system in Volusia County while building cases that account for the unique challenges facing victims in our coastal communities.
Time is critical in drunk driving accident cases, as evidence can disappear quickly and Florida's two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims means delays can jeopardize your right to compensation. Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you, ensuring that quality legal representation is accessible when you need it most. We handle all aspects of your case while you focus on recovery, from dealing with insurance companies to coordinating with medical providers and preparing for trial if necessary.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about drunk driving accident cases in Volusia County
What do drunk driving accident lawyers do?
Drunk driving accident lawyers handle the complex dual nature of these cases, which involve both criminal prosecution of the impaired driver and civil litigation to secure compensation for victims. We coordinate with law enforcement and prosecutors while independently investigating the accident to build the strongest possible civil case. This includes gathering evidence like blood alcohol test results, field sobriety test footage, witness statements, and surveillance video from nearby businesses or traffic cameras.
Our attorneys also negotiate with insurance companies, evaluate the full scope of damages including future medical needs, and pursue additional parties who may share responsibility. In cases involving establishments that serve alcohol, we investigate whether bars, restaurants, or other venues improperly served the drunk driver, potentially creating additional sources of compensation for our clients.
What types of damages can I receive compensation for in a drunk driving accident case?
Drunk driving accident victims can pursue both economic and non-economic damages, with the potential for punitive damages due to the defendant's reckless behavior. Economic damages include all medical expenses, lost wages, future medical care, rehabilitation costs, and property damage. Non-economic damages compensate for pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent disability or disfigurement.
Punitive damages are particularly important in drunk driving cases, as they're designed to punish the defendant's egregious conduct and deter similar behavior. These damages can significantly increase the total compensation available, especially in cases involving high blood alcohol levels or repeat offenders. We also pursue damages for family members in cases involving wrongful death, including loss of companionship, support, and guidance.
How is liability determined in a drunk driving accident?
In drunk driving accidents, liability is typically established through evidence of the driver's impairment, including blood alcohol concentration (BAC) tests, field sobriety test results, and police observations documented in the accident report. A BAC of 0.08% or higher establishes legal intoxication, but drivers can be found liable even with lower BAC levels if their driving was impaired. Additional evidence includes witness testimony, surveillance footage, and expert accident reconstruction analysis.
However, liability determination can become complex when multiple parties share responsibility or when the drunk driver flees the scene, creating potential hit-and-run accidents. We investigate all potential contributing factors and responsible parties, including bars that may have overserved alcohol, employers if the drunk driver was working, and vehicle owners who allowed impaired individuals to drive their cars.
What should I do after a drunk driving accident?
Your first priority after a drunk driving accident is seeking immediate medical attention, even if you feel fine, as adrenaline can mask serious injuries and some symptoms may not appear immediately. Call 911 to ensure police respond and create an official accident report, which is crucial for both criminal prosecution and civil litigation. If you're able, document the scene with photos of vehicle damage, injuries, and the accident location, and gather contact information from witnesses.
Avoid giving statements to insurance companies beyond basic factual information, as they may try to minimize your claim or use your words against you later. Contact an experienced drunk driving accident attorney immediately to protect your rights and begin the evidence preservation process. The sooner you involve legal representation, the better we can coordinate with law enforcement, secure surveillance footage, and build the strongest possible case for maximum compensation.
How does no cost representation for drunk driving accident cases work?
Our firm handles drunk driving accident cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you. This arrangement ensures that quality legal representation is accessible regardless of your financial situation during an already stressful time. We advance all case expenses, including investigation costs, expert witness fees, and court filing fees, so you have no upfront costs.
Our attorney fees are calculated as a percentage of the final settlement or jury award, and this percentage is clearly outlined in our representation agreement. If we don't recover compensation for you, you owe no attorney fees, though you may be responsible for certain case expenses depending on the specific terms of your agreement. This contingency fee structure aligns our interests with yours – we only succeed when you do.
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