Drunk Driving Accidents

Injured by a Drunk Driver? We Can Help You Get the Justice and Compensation You Deserve

Behind distracted driving, drinking under the influence of alcohol is the leading cause of injury and death on America’s roads. Despite efforts to reduce drunk driving fatalities, impaired driving remains a common problem on the road. More than 25% of all traffic fatalities are caused by drunk drivers. In addition, approximately 800 people are injured every day due to alcohol intoxication.If you have been the victim of a drunk driving accident in California, you should contact a specialized lawyer.

With over 100 years of combined legal experience, Adamson Ahdoot has the best DUI lawyer team in Los Angeles and surrounding areas. Our bilingual attorneys have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for thousands of California victims.

If you want to get the right settlement for your injuries, call us at (800) 310-1606. You can also send us your inquiry online. We do not charge you unless we win your case.

Drunk Driving Laws in California

California law outlines legal blood alcohol content (BAC) levels based on your age and the type of vehicle – private or commercial – you are operating. Under California law, if you are pulled over and fall into one of the following categories, you may face DUI charges.

• Under the age of 21 with a BAC of 0.01 percent or higher. In California, there is a zero-tolerance policy for drivers under 21. If you are underage and there is any amount of alcohol in your system, you could face a DUI conviction.
• Over the age of 21 with a BAC of 0.08 percent or higher
• Operating a commercial vehicle with a BAC of 0.04 percent or higher

Intoxicated drivers are the primary party that is responsible for a drunk driving accident. However, there are additional parties that may bear some liability for the accident.

Additional Parties That May Bear Responsibility for a Drunk Driving Accident

In addition to the drunk driver, additional parties may bear some responsibility for the accident. Some parties who may be responsible for a drunk driving accident include:

• Hosts. The host of any party can be liable for a drunk driving accident. Especially if they served drinks to the intoxicated driver after they were clearly impaired.
• Bar and Restaurant Staff. Bartenders and other employees have a responsibility to stop serving patrons who appear impaired. However, if they don’t uphold this responsibility, they could face liability if a drunk driving accident occurs.
• Parents of Teenage Drivers. If the family of a teenager knowingly allows the teen to drink in their home and then drive, they could potentially be liable in a DUI accident.

Civil and Criminal DUI Cases

After a driver is arrested for drunk driving, they may face two kinds of legal cases: criminal and civil.

• Criminal charges. The state will file criminal charges against the drunk driver for the crime of DUI. Therefore, the consequences of a criminal conviction may include jail time, community service, and license suspension.
• Civil lawsuits. The victims of DUI accidents pursue civil lawsuits. The purpose of a civil lawsuit is to seek compensation for the damages a victim faced as a direct result of the impaired driver.

Legal Process for Obtaining Compensation for a Driving Under the Influence Accident

When a driver is arrested for drunk driving, the state will usually pursue criminal charges. Specifically, if a DUI accident results in injuries, the intoxicated driver may face felony charges. Victims of impaired driving crashes should be aware that criminal convictions do not result in financial compensation for their damages. In order to receive compensation for any bills or medical injuries, DUI victims must file a civil lawsuit. If the drunk driver in your accident gets a DUI conviction, it may help your attempt to prove negligence in your civil case. However, even if the drunk driver in your collision does not receive a criminal conviction, you can still file a civil lawsuit.

A civil DUI lawsuit requires the accident victim to file a personal injury claim against the drunk driver. A DUI personal injury claim will depend on several factors. First and foremost, the injured victim must successfully prove that the drunk driver caused the accident and the crash was the direct cause of their injuries. In civil court, a driver can obtain a DUI conviction only if they are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

However, they only have to prove liability by a “51 percent” legal standard or a “more likely than not” rule. Still, this is a much lower bar than you would face in criminal court. So, to best ensure that you receive compensation for your civil claim, it is crucial that you consult with a skilled drunk driving accident lawyer.

Receiving Compensation for Drunk Driving Accident Damages

If you have been the victim of a drunk driving accident, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your damages. Some of the damages that victims of DUI accidents may be able to receive compensation for include:

• Vehicle repairs
• Medical bills
• Mental health treatment
• Loss of present and future income or wages
• Wrongful death of a family member
• Emotional pain and suffering

However, each drunk driving accident is unique and will result in different levels of compensation. When you are working with a skilled personal injury and drunk driving accident lawyer like those at Adamson Ahdoot, they will examine the specific details of your accident and ensure that you receive all of your expenses.

Consult your Case with our DUI Accident Lawyer

At Adamson Ahdoot, our expert team of accident attorneys will help you navigate your DUI personal injury claim. With more than 100 years of combined experience handling injury cases in California, our professionals provide a zealous approach and unwavering support to our clients. We will provide you with the right lawyer to give you e peace of mind, deal with your insurance company, and help you find an experienced doctor to treat your drunk driving accident injuries.

To schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys in English or Spanish, call (800) 310-1606 today. Trust the best law firm in California today. Get the compensation you deserve.