California Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Immediately Following a Drunk Driving Accident

Knowing what to do immediately following a collision with a drunk driver is not always common knowledge. Even if you might feel hurt and confused, it’s crucial to keep in mind these simple instructions, at the very least, to secure everyone’s safety and how to support your claim.

Call for Help

If you suspect the other motorist may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, it is imperative that you dial 911 and ask them to come to the scene of the crash. Law enforcement officers will assess the driver and, if necessary, make an arrest.

Your ability to prove that the person who caused the accident was drunk may depend on the police report that shows the driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) was higher than California’s legal limit.

Identify Injuries

In the immediate aftermath of the collision, your safety should come first, followed by the safety of anyone else in your automobile or any other parties involved. If you fear someone has serious injuries, don’t move them; stay put until the paramedics arrive.

See the doctor, regardless of how trivial you believe your wounds to be. It’s possible for injuries to take time to show up, so you might not notice how bad they are right away. Rapid medical care is also essential for building a powerful defense.

Make Your Personal Injury Claim Stronger

While you’re there, take pictures of any significant circumstances, such as human injuries, property damage, broken traffic signs, and the driver’s health. Get the names and contact information of any onlookers who saw the crash.

Consider hiring a California drunk driving accident attorney to protect your evidence during the investigation. While they handle your case, they will put you in touch with reputable medical centers so you may start receiving treatment.

Can You Sue a Drunk Driver Who Hits You in California?

Even if the drunk driver who hit you and hurt you will probably be charged with a crime, you have a right to reimbursement from them. Yet, demonstrating culpability is not always straightforward in civil cases. Other individuals or entities who may be held liable are:

• Passengers
• The vehicle’s manufacturers 
• The driver’s employer
• The business that helped the driver with services
• Other motorists
• The government municipality responsible for street and signage upkeep

To succeed in court, you must show that you were subject to a duty of care, that obligation was breached, and that you suffered harm as a result. Our California personal injury lawyers can help establish culpability and a violation of motor vehicle safety.

Do I Need Legal Counsel If I Was Hurt by a Drunk Driver?

Any person who submits a personal injury claim has the choice to act as their own attorney. Most people who take this route either have minimal damage to negotiate or are concerned about the price of an attorney. Our firm operates on a contingency-fee basis, so if cost is a concern, you will never be required to pay upfront.

Also, if you suffered catastrophic injuries, you would receive excellent care through our partnerships with top-notch medical institutions and professionals. Aside from that, our clients can benefit from:

• Financial advantages: Our office operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe us nothing for legal representation if we don’t get a good resolution for your case.
• Personal investigator: We promptly and thoroughly acquire the evidence you’ll need to substantiate your accident case.
• Full-service legal support: Our team works together with our network in fields including mechanical engineering, life care planning, and accident reconstruction.
• Mechanical assistance: This includes negotiating with the insurance companies on your behalf to have your car fixed or replaced.
• Competent negotiator: To obtain the highest settlement for your injury claim, your attorney will negotiate with the insurance provider.
• Responsive lawyers: We keep you updated throughout the whole process of your case.

If you were in a collision with a drunk driver in California, you may not have the capacity to go back and forth with insurers. Our California drunk driving accident lawyers can lighten our load and allow you to prioritize healing. Additionally, statistics have shown that victims who hire lawyers are more likely to receive just compensation.

The Cost of Declining Legal Representation

In the long run, declining to retain a lawyer could end up costing you more money than obtaining one. We provide a cost-effective way for you to be represented by a legal professional who will uncover additional settlement funds and minimize your risk of accepting a low offer or forfeiting your settlement.

It is not always common knowledge that personal injury cases have a legal deadline to file an injury claim. In addition to collecting evidence, attending treatment, and speaking to the insurance agency, you will also have to meet California’s statute of limitations to collect a settlement. 

The state gives you up to two years to file your claim in most cases, but an attorney can advise you of exceptions in relation to your case.