El Cajon Professional DUI Accident Lawyers Are Available to Protect Your Rights
Between 2003 and 2012, 10,327 Californians were killed in drunk driving accidents. Thousands more were injured. Across the United States, drunk drivers are responsible for about 300,000 incidents every day, according to the CDC, and many of those who are arrested or convicted are repeat offenders. Driving under the influence of alcohol and driving while intoxicated are the top causes of vehicle crashes, and the repercussions can be devastating for the victims. If you have suffered an injury or a loss as a result of a drunk driver, a San Diego car accident attorney can help.
Do I Really Need a DUI Car Accident Lawyer?
Cases involving drivers who were under the influence of alcohol or other substances can be legally complex. Intoxicated drivers typically face criminal charges, which must be handled separately from any civil case, and this can delay the civil case. The advice and experience of skilled drunk driving accident attorneys can be invaluable for those who have been hurt by drunk drivers. Our El Cajon DUI car accident lawyer has the experience to help DUI victims navigate the complicated laws associated with DUI cases.
DUI Injuries
Any kind of car accident can lead to injuries, but because drunk drivers are less likely to stop or take evasive action to try to avoid the accident, alcohol-related crashes tend to involve more serious and life-threatening injuries. DUIs are also more likely to be deadly.
Common injuries associated with DUI crashes include:
- Concussions and TBIs
- Spinal injuries
- Broken bones or amputations
- Sprains and strains
- Lung, kidney and spleen injuries
- Whiplash
- Death
Chronic pain, eye injuries, facial trauma and lasting emotional trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder are also common results of drunk driving crashes.
DUI Damages
When you have been injured or experienced a loss in a crash caused by a drunk driver, you may be entitled to compensation to cover your medical bills or other costs associated with the accident. A seasoned San Diego DUI car accident attorney can help you recover damages from the at-fault driver or the driver’s insurance company and any other responsible parties.
In many cases, we can settle out of court, but we can also file a lawsuit directly if a settlement cannot be reached. A lawsuit can help you get fair compensation for the losses you have suffered. We will fight to protect your rights as we negotiate your settlement and work to achieve the most appropriate compensation possible.
Common damages for which you can be compensated include:
- Medical expenses
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Pain and suffering
- Lost or reduced wages
- Loss of enjoyment
- Loss of consortium
- Property damage
- Punitive damages
Who Can Be Held Responsible for a DUI?
Drunk drivers are the most obvious responsible parties in a DUI, but can anyone else be held responsible? Some states have what are called “dram laws,” allowing victims of drunk drivers to sue not just the at-fault drivers but also bartenders, bars, and restaurants that served the drivers. California’s Civil Code Section 1714 protects bar owners and other servers from civil liabilities by ensuring that only those who drive drunk are held responsible. However, there is an exception for those who serve underage parties, and servers can still be charged with misdemeanors even if they cannot be sued.
Call a San Diego Car Accident Personal Attorney Today
A DUI collision can be traumatic for its victims. The physical and emotional scars can last a lifetime, and the injuries can have a significant financial strain. With a civil suit, you can receive compensation for the losses you have suffered. Drunk drivers can be ordered to pay restitution for the economic damages they have caused, but drunk driving victims are also entitled to recover damages based on the type and extent of any injuries and losses that they suffered.
A San Diego car accident personal attorney will protect your legal rights and help you get the compensation you deserve. Call our office today to schedule your no-obligation consultation.
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