Motor vehicle accidents are a daily occurrence and a reminder of how important it is to remain alert on the roadways. Motor vehicle accidents occur because of a wide range of reasons from texting, cell phone use, eating or drinking while driving or simply from not paying attention. However, one form of an automobile accident can have increased penalties for the at fault driver: driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. OurTampa Automobile Accident attorneys have litigated numerous automobile cases and taken several through trial with favorable results to our clients.

Florida courts have consistently held that driving an automobile under the influence is the type of behavior that warrants the consideration of punitive damages. Additionally, the Florida Legislature has expressly recognized that driving a motor vehicle while intoxicated warrants punitive damages at a reduced burden of proof.

Florida has passed Section 768.736, Florida Statutes which does not place limits on a driver of an automobile who was under the influence of an alcoholic beverage or drug to the extent the driver's normal faculties were impaired or who had a blood or breath alcohol level of 0.08 percent or higher. Punitive damages are typically not covered under one's automobile policy and thus, make the drunk driver personally responsible for the award of punitive damages in any subsequent civil trial.

Mandelbaum Trichler Law Center, Tampa Injury Attorneys, have dedicated a substantial portion of their practice to representing motorists who have been injured by the negligence of others. Our attorneys have litigated numerous prior cases in Hernando, Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Manatee, Polk and Orange County. If you or a loved one has been injured in an automobile accident, please contact us, your Tampa Personal Injury Attorneys.