Long Beach Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Drunk Driving Accident Attorney in Long Beach, CA

When a person chooses to get behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol, they put themselves at risk of getting arrested for a DUI. They’re also putting every other road user at risk of a serious accident. Drunk driving is no laughing matter, claiming countless lives every year in California. If you or someone you love has been injured in a DUI crash, reach out to a Long Beach drunk driving accident lawyer to help you pursue full compensation.

How an Attorney Can Help After a Drunk Driving Accident

After suffering a drunk driving accident, your attorney can take over the heavy lifting of the legal process so that you can prioritize your health. They can gather key evidence for your case, including police reports, BAC test results, witness statements, and photos or video of the crash scene.

On top of that, they can calculate the value of your claim, reviewing your medical expenses, lost income, and costs of future care. One of their primary goals is making sure you don’t leave anything on the table.

This speaks to another important role your attorney has, which is negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf. Your lawyer can protect you from insurance companies’ tactics, like offering lowball settlements, strongarming you into accepting partial liability, or outright denying your case. If necessary, your attorney can even take the matter to court to pursue full compensation.

California DUI and Liability Laws

California law takes drunk driving very seriously. Under state law, the legal limit for an adult is a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08%. Exceeding this limit means a driver is legally impaired and could be charged with a DUI.

However, a driver can still be impaired if their BAC is below that limit, but their ability to drive has been impacted. In terms of a drunk driving accident, this means they can still be liable for your damages.

However, the state’s drunk driving accident laws aren’t the only laws you should be aware of. California follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means your compensation reward could be reduced by the percentage of fault you share for the accident.

That’s why it’s important to work with an experienced Long Beach drunk driving accident attorney. They can help prevent you from receiving unfair blame for the accident, which could reduce your compensation.

Compensation You Can Recover Following a Drunk Driving Accident

California saw 1,355 fatal crashes that involved alcohol in 2023, and drunk driving is one of the leading causes of crashes in the state. On top of that, drivers with a BAC over 0.08 are four times more likely to be in a crash. Knowing how common these types of accidents can be, it’s important to understand what compensation you may be entitled to following a crash with a drunk driver.

You can pursue economic damages, which essentially compensate you for losses that come with a price tag. These include lost wages, medical expenses, and property damage. Additionally, you can recover non-economic losses. These damages are intangible losses, which include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

If you lost a loved one to drunk driving, you can also pursue wrongful death damages. These can include costs for a funeral and burial, loss of income, loss of benefits, and loss of companionship, in addition to any economic and non-economic damages they may have suffered before passing.

FAQs

Can I File a Claim Against a Bar that Served the Drunk Driver?

Filing a claim against a bar that over-served a customer is typically unsuccessful. California law generally protects bars and other establishments, as the focus is on consumption rather than serving. However, if the drunk driver who caused the crash was a minor, you do have the option to sue a bar that served them. Proving this can be challenging, which is why you should work with an experienced attorney.

What Happens If the Driver Is Charged with a DUI?

If the driver is charged with a DUI, the criminal case proceeds independently of the civil case. A guilty plea or sentence can help with your case, but it’s not required for you to recover compensation. What’s more, your attorney may be able to use evidence entered into the criminal case to strengthen your own case. Keep in mind, the results of one case do not guarantee a similar result for the other.

What Is the Average Settlement for a Drunk Driving Accident in California?

It’s difficult to say what the average settlement is for a drunk driving accident, as most settlement agreements are private. That said, knowing what the average settlement amount is doesn’t tell you how much compensation you should pursue.

Your settlement should cover the full cost of your losses, including all of your economic and non-economic damages. Talk to your lawyer to discuss how much your case could be worth and what evidence you’ll need to prove your losses.

Will My Drunk Driving Accident Case Go to Trial?

In general, it’s unlikely for your drunk driving accident case to go to trial. Oftentimes, these cases are settled through negotiation discussions, where insurance companies agree to pay for your damages to prevent matters from escalating to court.

However, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to wind up in front of a judge. That’s why it’s important to work with an attorney who is trial-ready from the moment they take your drunk driving accident case.

Hire a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Following a drunk driving accident, the last thing you should be worried about is contending with the complicated legal process to recover compensation. Hire a drunk driving accident lawyer from Shaffer Law to help you navigate settlement negotiations and court proceedings.

We’ll investigate the accident, collect key evidence to prove liability, and pursue fair compensation for your losses. With over 30 years of experience representing the people of California, you can trust us to stand up for you.

Contact our team today to schedule a consultation. We’ll discuss your cases and work with you to begin the path toward compensation. You don’t have to go through this challenging time alone.