Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Fort Myers, FL

Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice, Purtz, Smith & Smith, P.A. fights for injured victims across Southwest Florida — and we don't get paid unless you win.

A drunk driver made a choice. Now you're dealing with the consequences — medical bills, lost wages, and a pain that doesn't let up. Our drunk driving accident attorneys in Fort Myers are ready to hold that driver accountable and pursue every dollar you're owed. Call us at 239-500-4878 or contact us online for a free consultation.

Why Fort Myers Trusts Goldstein Buckley

• 60+ years serving Southwest Florida — founded right here in Fort Myers in 1962
• $825+ million recovered for injury victims across SW Florida
• Board Certified attorneys recognized by the Florida Bar
• No fee unless we win — zero upfront cost to you
• 5 local offices in Lee, Collier, and Charlotte Counties

Hurt by a Drunk Driver? You Deserve More Than a Quick Settlement.

Drunk driving crashes are not ordinary accidents. When an impaired driver gets behind the wheel on US-41, Colonial Boulevard, or I-75 in Fort Myers, they make a deliberate decision that puts everyone around them at risk. Victims of these crashes often suffer catastrophic injuries — broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and worse.

Insurance companies know their client was at fault. That doesn't mean they'll pay you fairly. They'll move fast to settle low before you understand the full value of your claim. Our drunk driving injury lawyers in Fort Myers know these tactics, and we push back aggressively.

Unlike standard negligence cases, drunk driving accidents can also open the door to punitive damages under Florida law — additional compensation designed to punish especially reckless conduct. That's a significant potential recovery that an unrepresented victim is unlikely to know about or pursue.

What Our Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys Handle

Our legal team manages every aspect of your drunk driving injury claim, including:

• Investigating the accident — police reports, toxicology results, witness statements, and scene reconstruction
• Documenting your losses — medical records, treatment costs, lost income, and long-term care needs
• Pursuing full compensation — economic damages, pain and suffering, and punitive damages where applicable
• Negotiating with insurers — we handle all communication so you don't have to
• Taking cases to trial — when insurers refuse to make a fair offer, we go to court

We also evaluate potential wrongful death claims when a drunk driving crash results in the loss of a life. Whether your accident involved a car, truck, or motorcycle, we have the courtroom experience to handle it.

Why Choose Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice, Purtz, Smith & Smith, P.A.

This firm was built in Fort Myers, and it has never left. While other firms may market to Southwest Florida from across the state, our attorneys have handled cases at the Lee County Justice Center for over six decades. That local familiarity matters in how cases are built, negotiated, and won.

Our Co-Managing Partner Christopher J. Smith was named Attorney of the Year 2025 by the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) Southwest Florida Chapter. He holds an AV Preeminent Rating from Martindale-Hubbell and is ranked on The National Trial Lawyers Top 100. Co-Managing Partner Andrea Pleimling Smith shares the same AV Preeminent distinction and Top 100 ranking. Lead litigator Eve T.K. Volkmann earned the Client Champion Gold 2026 designation from Martindale-Hubbell — a recognition built entirely on the reviews of past clients.

When you call Goldstein Buckley, you meet with an attorney — the same one who may handle your case.

Real Results for Real People

• $10 Million — ATV Accident Settlement
• $6.4 Million — Motorcycle Accident Verdict
• $3.5 Million — Motor Vehicle Accident Settlement
• $2.5 Million — Wrongful Death Verdict
• $825+ Million — Total Recoveries Across Southwest Florida

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

What a Client Said

"This is my second time using this firm, they are always compassionate and helpful. I would definitely recommend them."
— Jessica M.

How It Works

• Call or contact us — reach out at 239-500-4878 or through our contact page for a free case review
• Meet with an attorney — speak directly with a lawyer who will evaluate your drunk driving accident claim
• We investigate and build your case — evidence gathering, medical documentation, and liability analysis
• We negotiate for maximum compensation — and take it to trial if the insurer won't play fair
• You get paid — no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sue a drunk driver for my injuries in Fort Myers?

Yes. If a drunk driver caused your injuries in Fort Myers or anywhere in Lee County, you have the right to pursue a personal injury claim against that driver for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Is a DUI conviction required for me to win a civil case?

No. A criminal DUI conviction can strengthen your civil claim, but it is not required. Your attorney can prove negligence through blood alcohol evidence, police reports, and witness testimony.

Can I recover punitive damages in a Florida drunk driving accident?

In many cases, yes. Florida law allows punitive damages in drunk driving cases because impaired driving reflects conscious disregard for the safety of others. These damages go beyond compensating your losses.

How long do I have to file a drunk driving injury claim in Florida?

Florida's statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. Do not wait — evidence disappears and deadlines are firm.

What if the drunk driver had no insurance or minimal coverage?

You may have options through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and in some cases through dram shop liability if an establishment unlawfully served the impaired driver. Our attorneys evaluate every available avenue.

How much does it cost to hire a drunk driving accident lawyer?

Nothing upfront. Goldstein Buckley works on a contingency fee basis — you pay no attorney fees unless we win your case.

Serving Fort Myers and All of Southwest Florida

Our attorneys handle drunk driving accident cases across Fort Myers neighborhoods including Downtown, the River District, McGregor Boulevard, Gateway, San Carlos Park, and Estero. We also serve clients in Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres, Naples, Port Charlotte, and throughout Lee, Collier, and Charlotte Counties. Our Fort Myers office is located at 1515 Broadway — steps from the Lee County Justice Center.

Talk to a Fort Myers Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer — For Free

You've been through enough. Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice, Purtz, Smith & Smith, P.A. has been standing beside injury victims in Southwest Florida for over 60 years, and our team is ready to stand beside you. Schedule a quick chat today — call 239-500-4878 or visit our contact page to get started. There's no cost to speak with an attorney, and no fee unless we win.

Related Pages:
Personal Injury Lawyers in Southwest Florida
Car Accident Lawyers
Wrongful Death Attorneys
Truck Accident Lawyers
Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Fort Myers Personal Injury Attorneys