Jacksonville Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
John M. Phillips is a Board Certified civil trial attorney with 25+ years of experience securing maximum compensation for victims of drunk driving crashes. His $495,123,680 verdict stands as the largest in Jacksonville history—a judgment that demonstrates his ability to take catastrophic drunk driving cases to trial and win decisively. Forbes named him a Top 200 Lawyer in America (2025) and a Top 20 Lawyer in Florida.
Drunk driving is reckless. A driver who chooses to drink and drive endangers every person on the road. When a drunk driver crashes into you, the consequences can be catastrophic: broken bones, brain injury, spinal cord injury, disfigurement, and death.
The good news: drunk driving victims have powerful legal remedies. Florida law allows recovery of compensatory damages for all injury and harm caused by the drunk driver. And when the driver was knowingly intoxicated, punitive damages are often available to punish the driver and deter future conduct.
At Phillips, Hunt & Walker, we handle drunk driving cases aggressively. We front all costs and litigation expenses at no interest (competitors charge LIBOR + 8%). We investigate thoroughly. We document the driver’s intoxication and recklessness. We secure expert testimony. And we maximize damages against drunk drivers and the establishments that over-served them.
Drunk Driving Liability
A drunk driver is liable for all injuries and damages caused by their intoxicated driving. This is straightforward negligence liability. The drunk driver breached a duty to operate the vehicle safely. You were injured. Causation is clear.
Damages include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, permanent disability, disfigurement, and loss of earning capacity. These damages can easily reach $1 million or more in serious cases.
Punitive Damages are often available in drunk driving cases. Florida Statute 768.72 allows punitive damages when the defendant’s conduct was willful, wanton, or reckless. A driver who drinks and drives exhibits reckless disregard for human life. Punitive damages punish this recklessness and deter future conduct. In serious cases, punitive damages can exceed compensatory damages.
Dram Shop Liability
In some cases, the establishment that served alcohol to the intoxicated driver is also liable under Florida’s dram shop law (Fla. Stat. 768.125). The statute provides limited liability: an establishment can be held liable if it:
- Knowingly served alcohol to a person who was “habitually addicted” to alcohol
- The service occurred on-premises
- The person was visibly intoxicated at the time of service
- The visible intoxication was the proximate cause of injury
Dram shop liability is limited compared to negligence liability, but it provides an additional defendant with deep insurance coverage. Bars, restaurants, and venues often have substantial liquor liability insurance.
Proving Intoxication
Police reports documenting the driver’s BAC (blood alcohol content), field sobriety tests, or admission of drinking establish intoxication. A criminal DUI conviction is powerful evidence but not necessary. Even if the drunk driver was not prosecuted criminally, civil liability can still be established through blood/breath tests, witness testimony, and police observations.
Why Phillips, Hunt & Walker
Board-Certified Trial Excellence. John M. Phillips is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law—held by fewer than 5% of Florida attorneys. This credential demonstrates extensive trial experience, peer review, and mastery of trial practice.
Institutional Recognition. Forbes named John a Top 200 Lawyer in America (2025) and a Top 20 Lawyer in Florida. He holds AV-Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and is listed in Florida Super Lawyers.
Trial Strength. Our $495,123,680 verdict—the largest in Jacksonville history—demonstrates our ability to take serious cases to trial and win decisively.
No-Cost, Interest-Free Litigation. We front all costs at no interest. Competitors charge LIBOR + 8%, adding thousands to your bill. We don’t.
Personalized Representation. John handles your case personally. You get a Board-Certified trial lawyer’s expertise from day one.
Contact Phillips, Hunt & Walker
If you were injured by a drunk driver, don’t settle for a low offer. Get a Board-Certified trial lawyer in your corner to maximize your recovery and hold the drunk driver accountable.
Free consultation. No cost to you. No interest on litigation expenses.
Call (904) 444-4444 today.
Phillips, Hunt & Walker
660 Park Street
Jacksonville, FL 32204
(904) 444-4444
Board-Certified Civil Trial Attorney. Offices in Jacksonville, Brunswick, and Fort Pierce.