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The Ultimate Starbucks Drive-Thru Burn FAQ (Florida Edition)
Burn injuries at Starbucks drive thrus may happen far more often than many people realize. Florida customers could sustain injury from spills, loose lids, collapsing cups, overfilled beverages, and scalding hot tea or coffee rushing into their laps during a drive thru transaction. Because customers are seated, belted, and unable to move quickly, these burns may be severe.
Below is the most comprehensive Drive Thru Starbucks Burn FAQ built specifically for Florida victims.
👉 If you were burned at a Starbucks drive thru in Florida, call the Law Offices of Jason Turchin at 800-337-7755 for a free consultation. No fees or costs unless we recover compensation.
1. Why can Starbucks burns happen at the drive thru?
Drive thru burns may occur because of:
- Height differences between vehicles and the window
- Rushed handoffs
- Baristas tilting the drink
- Overfilled beverages
- Loose or unstable lids
- Cup collapse from heat
- Steam pressure lifting lids
- Vehicle movement during handoff
These factors can combine to create a dangerous environment for hot liquids.
2. Are drive thru burns more severe than in-store spills?
Often yes. In the car:
- Hot liquid may pool in the lap or groin
- Seatbelts restrict movement
- Clothing traps heat against the skin
This may lead to deeper burns and longer recovery.
3. Why is Starbucks hot tea so dangerous in the drive thru?
Hot tea is sometimes brewed using near-boiling water. Drinks like the “Medicine Ball” may involve multiple hot components, making tea hotter than coffee and more likely to cause significant burns.
4. Can a small movement of my car cause a spill?
Yes. Even slight:
- Brake release
- Car roll
- Steering adjustment
may cause an unstable cup to spill during handoff.
5. What types of injuries happen in drive thru burns?
Common injuries include:
- Second degree burns
- Third degree burns
- Burns to thighs, groin, chest, abdomen, hands
- Permanent scarring
- Nerve damage
- Emotional trauma
Children may suffer deeper burns due to thinner skin.
6. What should I do immediately after a Starbucks drive thru burn?
- Pull over safely
- Cool the burn with cool (not cold) water
- Remove hot, soaked clothing
- Photograph injuries, cup, lid, spill area, window
- Save the cup, lid, sleeve, clothing
- Report the incident to the manager
- Seek medical treatment
- Contact an injury lawyer
7. Does Starbucks keep drive thru camera footage?
Many Florida Starbucks stores have drive thru cameras, but video may be overwritten in days. A preservation request should be sent quickly.
8. Can I sue Starbucks for a drive thru burn?
You may, if the burn was due to:
- Improper handoff
- Overfilled drink
- Loose lid
- Defective cup
- Tea served too hot
- Rushed or unsafe service
- Poor training
- Inadequate safety policies
9. Who handles Starbucks drive thru burn claims?
Most claims are handled by Sedgwick, Starbucks’s third-party claims administrator.
10. Should I speak to Sedgwick directly?
You may want legal representation first. Sedgwick may try to minimize or deny claims.
11. Do I need to keep the cup and lid?
Yes — they could be helpful.
12. How do I prove Starbucks was negligent?
Evidence may include:
- Video footage
- Photos
- Cup/lid evidence
- Witness statements
- Medical records
- Overfilling or defective packaging
- Barista comments
- Vehicle seat damage
13. What compensation may I receive?
Florida victims may claim:
- Medical expenses
- Burn treatment
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Scarring
- Future care needs
- Clothing or property damage
14. How long does a Starbucks drive thru burn case take?
Cases may take:
- Several weeks to months for small claims
- Months to over a year for serious burn injuries
15. Do drive thru cases settle?
Many could, but some require lawsuits if Starbucks disputes responsibility.
16. Do I need a Florida Starbucks injury lawyer?
Representation could strengthen your case because:
- Evidence should be preserved quickly
- Sedgwick may attempt to undervalue claims
- Starbucks may deny responsibility without strong proof
- A Florida lawyer with experience against Starbucks could handle negotiations
17. What Florida cities could see drive thru burns?
We could receive cases from:
- Miami
- Orlando
- Tampa
- Jacksonville
- Fort Lauderdale
- West Palm Beach
- Naples
- Sarasota
- Boca Raton
- Gainesville
- Kissimmee
- Clearwater
- St. Petersburg
18. Can I file a claim if I spilled the drink inside my car?
Yes — if the spill occurred because Starbucks:
- Handled the drink unsafely
- Gave you a defective cup
- Overfilled it
- Provided a loose lid
The cause often matters more than whether the spill occurred in or out of the vehicle.
19. Can I file a claim for a child burned in the drive thru?
Yes. Parents may file claims on behalf of children injured by Starbucks hot drinks.
20. What if Starbucks employees apologized at the scene?
Employee statements may help support your claim.
21. Is a drive thru burn claim the same as a premises liability claim?
Drive thru burn cases typically involve negligence because the injury occurs during a service handoff. Employees generally have a duty to use reasonable care. Claims may also fall under product liability.
22. Is there a time limit to file a Starbucks burn claim in Florida?
Yes — Florida law has strict deadlines. The sooner you act, often the better.
Conclusion
Drive thru hot tea and coffee burns at Starbucks can be severe, painful, and preventable. If Starbucks’s actions contributed to your injury, you may be entitled to compensation under Florida law.
📞 Call the Law Offices of Jason Turchin at 800-337-7755 for a free case evaluation. No fees or costs unless we recover for you.