DUI & Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Between the years 2019 and 2021, there was a slight decrease in the number of drunk driving accidents and DUI convictions. But, after the pandemic, with many businesses, schools, and workplaces now open, the rate of drunk driving accidents is increasing, along with the number of convictions. 

California accounts for almost 10% of all alcohol-impaired fatalities in the United States. Around 88% of alcohol-impaired car accident fatalities involve a drunk driver who was under the age of 21. Nevada accounts for almost 9% of our alcohol-impaired car accident fatalities in the United states. Around 38% of DUI fatalities are caused by drunk drivers under the age of 21. These are alarming statistics, and experts report that these numbers are just going to increase with every year.

If you or someone you know have been involved in a car accident caused by a drunk driver, you deserve the best legal help. Our experienced drunk driving car accident lawyers have been helping drunk-driving accident victims for several decades now. We have been holding negligent parties responsible for their actions for several decades, whether it is through settlements or trials.

Give us a call today to discuss your personalized car accident experience. Each type of drunk driving incident is different from one another, which is why the more information that our attorneys have regarding all the details of your case, the stronger they could build your case.

Could I file a civil lawsuit against the drunk driver in California?

Sometimes, the drunk driver faces criminal charges. These criminal charges are from the government entity, which could be the police officer or the district attorney. But, you yourself have the right to file a personal civil lawsuit against the drunk driver to recover compensation. 

This is a personal injury lawsuit and is somewhat different from criminal charges by the state.

If the drunk driver has been arrested or has been convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you have the right to file a civil legal lawsuit against the responsible party.

Could I still file a lawsuit against a drunk driver if they have not been arrested or convicted?

Even if the drunk driver has not been arrested or convicted, you could still file a lawsuit against the responsible party. But, keep in mind that the burden of proof could be much more difficult when the drunk driver has not been charged.

Who is responsible for a drunk driving accident in California?

Sometimes, the responsible parties could not only be the drunk drivers, but other parties as well. For more information on who could be held responsible in the drunk driving accident you were involved in, give our lawyers a call. Some parties that could be held responsible could include:

•  Employers: if the drunk driver was an employee at the time of the accident, and was clocked in at work, you could hold the employer responsible. For example, if the Uber driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you may be able to file a lawsuit against Uber.
• Restaurants and bar owners: you could also hold the restaurant or bar owner responsible for serving alcohol to the obviously drunk customer. 
• Social host: if the drunk driver was at someone’s home prior to driving, the social host could be held responsible for serving alcohol to the obviously drunk guest.
• Owner of the vehicle: if another party offered the drunk driver their vehicle, the owner of the car could also be held responsible for negligently entrusting the drunk person to use their car.
•  Vehicle Manufacturer: although very rare, vehicle defects could lead to a car accident, even if the driver was drunk. In that circumstance, you may have a product liability claim.
• The other passengers in the vehicle: sometimes, the other passengers that are in the vehicle with the drunk driver could also be held responsible for the car accident since they allowed the driver to get behind the wheel.
• Government entities: if the government entity was the employer of the drunk driver, they could be held responsible. Another circumstance in which a government entity could be held responsible is for poorly maintained roads. If road conditions were one of the causes of the car accident, the government entity could also be held responsible.

Determining the responsible parties in a drunk driving car accident is not often times straightforward. In circumstances like any mentioned above, contact our lawyers to see what steps you could take.

What kind of injuries result from a drunk driving accident in California?

Drunk driving accidents usually involve severe injuries, for example:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries
• Broken Bones
• Paralysis
• Spinal Cord Injuries
• Blindness
• Lacerations
• Road Rash
• Soft Tissue Injuries
• Internal Bleeding
• Pain And Suffering
• Emotional Distress

Drunk Driving Wrongful Death Attorney

If you have lost a loved one from a drunk driver, you have the right to file a claim on behalf of your family member, and on behalf of yourself. This is known as a wrongful death suit. Give us a call today to discuss.

Could I recover compensation from a drunk driving accident in California?

You could recover compensation from the drunk driver or other liable parties if you have been injured in a drunk driving accident. Some examples of compensation include

• Medical expenses: these are expenses needed to treat the injuries caused by the accident. This could refer to the expenses used, along with the expenses needed for future treatment.
• Property damage: usually, drunk driving incidents leave the vehicle completely damaged, and in need of repair or replacement.
• Lost wages: if the victim is employed, they could recover past lost wages and any future lost income. 
• Pain and suffering:  they could recover put emotional damage from the injuries. 

You don’t necessarily need to be in a car to file a drunk driving accident. Our attorneys have represented clients who have been riding motorcycles, bicycles, or have been driving trucks or vans and have been involved in a trunk driving accident with another driver.