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    Can I Sue A Bar If I’m Struggling Mentally After Being Injured In A Dui Crash?

    If you were hurt in a DUI accident in Florida and are now dealing with emotional trauma, you’re not alone. Many crash victims experience more than just physical injuries — anxiety, depression, PTSD, and emotional distress are also common. But can you sue the bar that served the drunk driver? And can you seek compensation for your mental health struggles?

    Let’s break it down in simple terms.

    Emotional Trauma Is A Real Injury

    After a DUI accident, you may be left with more than just broken bones or bruises. Emotional injuries can be just as painful — and just as valid in a personal injury claim.

    Common emotional injuries after a crash include:

    • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
    • Depression
    • Anxiety or panic attacks
    • Sleep disturbances
    • Fear of driving

    According to the National Institutes of Health, motor vehicle accidents are one of the leading causes of PTSD in the general population. Even when victims physically recover, they can carry the emotional scars for months or even years.

    In Florida, emotional distress is recognized as a compensable injury when it’s tied to a physical injury caused by negligence. That means if your emotional suffering stems from a DUI accident, you may have the legal right to seek damages for:

    • Therapy or counseling
    • Psychiatric care and medications
    • Loss of enjoyment of life
    • Ongoing mental health conditions
    • Impact on your relationships or ability to work

    These emotional injuries are real. And they matter just as much as the physical ones.

    When Can You Sue A Bar In Florida?

    Florida’s dram shop law is very limited. Under Florida Statute § 768.125, a bar, restaurant, or liquor store can only be held liable if:

    • They knowingly served alcohol to someone under 21, or
    • They knowingly served alcohol to someone habitually addicted to alcohol

    This means that most DUI cases won’t involve bar liability, unless there’s solid evidence showing the bar served someone underage or someone they clearly knew was struggling with addiction. For example, if a bartender repeatedly served a known alcoholic who had caused previous disturbances or had a visible addiction history, that bar could potentially be held liable.

    Unfortunately, if the drunk driver doesn’t meet one of those specific conditions, suing the bar directly may not be possible. However, this doesn’t mean you’re without legal options.

    DUI Accidents And Emotional Trauma: The Bigger Picture

    Drunk driving accidents are disturbingly common in Florida. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 13,000 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes in the U.S. in 2021 alone — and thousands more were injured. Florida ranks among the top states for DUI-related fatalities and injuries.

    While the physical consequences often take center stage, emotional trauma is a lingering burden many survivors deal with quietly. Survivors may find themselves:

    • Unable to sleep due to flashbacks or nightmares
    • Afraid to ride in or drive a car
    • Struggling with isolation, guilt, or survivor’s remorse
    • Missing work or school due to panic attacks or depression

    These effects can impact your quality of life just as profoundly as a physical injury — and they deserve serious legal attention.

    Building A Strong Injury Case That Includes Mental Health Treatment

    Even if you can’t sue the bar, you still have the right to file a personal injury claim against the drunk driver, and that claim can absolutely include emotional trauma.

    Here’s how to build a strong case:

    1. Get Immediate Medical Attention

    Seeking prompt treatment shows that your injuries — physical and emotional — are serious. Don’t wait to see a doctor, counselor, or therapist. Document everything.

    2. Keep a Journal of Your Emotional Symptoms

    Write down how you’re feeling each day. This could include sleep issues, emotional triggers, panic episodes, or relationship strain. These notes are powerful evidence of your suffering.

    3. Follow Through with All Treatment

    Stay consistent with therapy or counseling. If your doctor prescribes medication or recommends a specific mental health regimen, follow it closely. This shows commitment to your recovery and strengthens your case.

    4. Work with our Tampa, FL Personal Injury Lawyer Experienced in Emotional Damages

    Not every attorney is equipped to handle emotional injury claims. You need someone who understands how to present this kind of pain to insurance companies or in court. At Mickey Keenan, P.A., we take these cases seriously and know how to back them up with the right documentation and expert testimony.

    Can I Get Compensation For Emotional Distress After A DUI Crash?

    Yes — especially if your mental health has been significantly impacted by the accident. Emotional distress damages may include:

    • Costs of therapy, counseling, or psychiatric treatment
    • Medication expenses
    • Lost wages due to inability to work
    • Pain and suffering
    • Long-term psychological harm

    According to the CDC, mental health conditions are among the most common health issues in the United States — and they’re often triggered or worsened by trauma, such as a car crash. This data supports the argument that mental health is health — and should be treated as such in personal injury law.

    In some cases, mental injuries are even more debilitating than physical ones, especially if they affect your independence, family life, or daily routines. If your symptoms prevent you from enjoying life the way you once did, that matters.

    Let Us Help You Get The Compensation You Deserve

    At Mickey Keenan, P.A., we’ve helped countless DUI crash victims in Florida get the compensation they need — not just for medical bills, but also for the emotional toll these crashes cause.

    You don’t have to suffer in silence. If you’re wondering whether you can sue a bar or include mental health treatment in your injury claim, we’re here to give you clear answers and strong legal support.

    Call us today at 813-871-1300 or schedule your free consultation online to talk to a Florida personal injury attorney who cares.