August 5, 2025 | Car Accidents
A drunk driving crash can leave you with more than just physical injuries. In the days and weeks that follow, you may be facing time off work, growing medical expenses, and a lot of unanswered questions, especially when the crash wasn’t your fault. If this happens, it’s natural to wonder what kind of compensation is possible and what steps to take next.
While it’s true that no two DUI accident cases are the same, there are patterns in how compensation is calculated in Florida. Here’s what to know.
Understanding DUI Settlements in Florida
Nationally, DUI injury settlements often fall between $50,000 and $125,000. In Florida, especially with serious injuries or extreme impairment, those numbers can climb much higher.
We’ve seen cases involving long-term disability, multiple surgeries, or clear reckless behavior settle for $300,000 to over $2 million. If the driver had prior DUI convictions or a very high blood alcohol level, punitive damages may apply, pushing the total even higher.
Factors That Affect DUI Settlements in Port St. Lucie
Several key factors can influence the value of a DUI injury settlement in Florida. The most important considerations include the extent of your injuries, the conduct of the at-fault driver, and whether you’re assigned any share of fault.
Your Injuries
The type and severity of your injuries carry the most weight in a DUI injury claim. Mild whiplash won’t lead to the same outcome as a traumatic brain injury.
Here are some examples:
- Minor injuries (soft tissue damage, minor fractures): $25,000 to $50,000
- Moderate injuries (broken bones, hospital stays): $50,000 to $125,000
- Serious injuries (spinal cord damage, permanent impairment): $125,000 to $2 million+
Recovery time, loss of mobility, and long-term care all factor into the final number.
Punitive Damages
When a driver’s actions rise to the level of gross negligence, Florida law opens the door to punitive damages. Driving under the influence often falls into that category.
If the at-fault driver had a high BAC or a history of DUIs, a court may award additional money meant to punish their conduct. That could double your total recovery. For example, if your compensatory damages total $300,000, a punitive award could increase your final settlement to $600,000 or more.
Partial Fault
Florida uses a system called modified comparative negligence. This means that if you’re found to share some blame for the crash, the amount of money you can recover may be reduced based on your percentage of fault. And if you’re more than 50% at fault, you won’t be able to recover damages at all.
Types of Damages You Can Recover
DUI settlements cover both financial losses and the personal impact of your injuries.
- Economic damages include hospital bills, surgeries, physical therapy, medications, lost wages, and future income loss
- Non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, emotional trauma, loss of enjoyment, and long-term effects on your daily life
The more thoroughly you document your medical care and how the crash affected you, the stronger your case becomes.
What About PIP Insurance?
Florida drivers carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which covers up to $10,000 in medical expenses regardless of who caused the crash. But that coverage runs out fast, especially after a DUI crash with serious injuries.
In most cases, your lawyer will pursue compensation from the drunk driver’s liability insurance. If their policy limits are low, you may need to use your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. In some cases, we may also investigate whether a business, like a bar or restaurant, served an underage driver or one known to be a habitual alcoholic.
What to Do After a DUI Crash
Taking the right steps early can protect your health and your case.
- Get medical treatment immediately, even for symptoms that seem minor
- Request a copy of the police report and DUI testing results
- Document everything—injuries, scene photos, medical visits, lost wages
- Speak to a local DUI accident lawyer before talking to the insurance company
The sooner we’re involved, the more we can do to help.
Contact Graves Thomas Rotunda Injury Law Group for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured by a drunk driver, you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. At Graves Thomas Rotunda Injury Law Group, we help injury victims throughout Florida get the support and compensation they need.
Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation.
Graves Thomas Rotunda Injury Law Group – Vero Beach
2651 20th St
Vero Beach, FL 32960
(772) 758-1966
Graves Thomas Rotunda Injury Law Group – St. Petersburg
200 Central Ave Suite 304
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(772) 569-8155
Graves Thomas Rotunda Injury Law Group – Port St. Lucie
10805 SW Tradition Square Unit 024A
Port St. Lucie, FL 34987
(772) 677-0373
