Los Angeles Drunk Driving Accident Attorney
Request Free ConsultationDrunk or impaired drivers injure or kill thousands of Californians every year. The Los Angeles car accident attorneys at Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP find this unacceptable. Our lawyers have years of experience representing California citizens injured by drunk drivers. If you or a loved one recently suffered injuries at the hands of an intoxicated or impaired driver in or around Los Angeles County or throughout Southern California, there are ways to recover damages for financial losses and even your suffering. The Los Angeles injury lawyers at Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP are ready to fight for your cause. Call our law firm in Los Angeles about your case today! (310) 477-1700
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What is Considered a DUI in California?
California law specifies that drivers operating a private vehicle are under the influence of alcohol if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08 percent or higher. According to state law, commercial drivers are under the influence with a 0.04 percent BAC. Additionally, California has no tolerance for those under the age of 21.
If a breathalyzer or other instrument detects any alcohol or drugs in a driver under 21, even at BAC levels below those for other drivers, the state will charge him or her with a DUI. California views driving under the influence of any drug – illicit, prescription, or over-the-counter – the same as driving while drunk. Any driver caught operating a vehicle while impaired by drugs will face DUI charges.
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What If I Am Injured by a Drunk Driver in Los Angeles?
If you are injured in an accident caused by an impaired driver, you may have the right to seek compensation for your losses. A Los Angeles drunk driving accident attorney can help you pursue the damages available under California law.
Compensatory Damages
Compensatory damages are designed to reimburse you for the losses you suffered as a result of the accident. These may include:
- Medical expenses, including past, current, and future treatment costs
- Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
- Property damage, such as vehicle repairs or replacement
- Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other non-economic losses
Punitive Damages
In some drunk driving cases, punitive damages may also be available. Unlike compensatory damages, punitive damages are intended to punish the at-fault driver for particularly reckless or egregious conduct and discourage similar behavior in the future. Because driving under the influence demonstrates a conscious disregard for the safety of others, California courts may award punitive damages in appropriate cases.
Wrongful Death Damages
If a loved one dies as a result of a drunk driving accident, certain surviving family members may be entitled to file a Los Angeles wrongful death claim. Compensation may be available for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills related to the final injury or illness
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of companionship, guidance, and care
- Other damages permitted under California law
An experienced attorney can help your family understand its legal options and pursue the compensation you deserve during this difficult time.
Every case is unique, and the damages available will depend on the specific facts involved. Speaking with a qualified Los Angeles drunk driving accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and determine the best path forward.
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How Long Do I Have to File a Drunk Driving Accident Lawsuit?
California law limits the amount of time you have to file a personal injury lawsuit after a drunk driving accident. In most cases, injured victims have two years from the date of the crash to pursue legal action. However, shorter deadlines may apply in certain situations, particularly if a government entity is involved. Because missing a filing deadline can prevent you from recovering compensation, it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after an accident.
What Evidence Can Help Prove a Drunk Driving Accident Claim?
Successful drunk driving accident claims are often supported by evidence gathered during the investigation. Common forms of evidence include:
- Police accident reports
- DUI arrest records
- Breathalyzer and blood alcohol test results
- Witness statements
- Traffic camera and surveillance footage
- Photographs and videos from the accident scene
- Vehicle damage documentation
- Cell phone records, when relevant
- Medical records and treatment documentation
- Testimony from accident reconstruction experts
An experienced attorney can help preserve, obtain, and analyze critical evidence before it is lost or becomes more difficult to access.
Why Drunk Driving Accident Cases Are Different
Drunk driving accident cases often involve unique legal and evidentiary issues that are not present in other motor vehicle collision claims. Evidence of intoxication may strengthen a victim’s case and, in some circumstances, support a claim for punitive damages.
Additionally, criminal investigations frequently generate valuable evidence that can be used in a related civil lawsuit. These factors can make drunk driving accident claims particularly complex and underscore the importance of experienced legal representation.
Criminal DUI Charges vs. Civil Injury Claims
When a drunk driver causes a crash, they may face criminal charges from the state as well as a civil lawsuit from the injured victim. These are two separate legal proceedings. While a criminal case may result in fines, probation, or jail time, it does not compensate victims for their losses.
A civil claim allows injured individuals to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the accident.
Common Injuries In Los Angeles Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk driving accidents often occur at high speeds and can result in severe, life-changing injuries. Some of the most common injuries associated with impaired driving crashes include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken and fractured bones
- Amputation injuries
- Burn injuries
- Deep cuts and lacerations
- Neck and back injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Permanent disabilities and disfigurement
In the most tragic cases, drunk driving accidents result in fatalities, allowing surviving family members to pursue a wrongful death claim against the responsible party.
Free Consultations from our Los Angeles DUI Accident Attorneys.
Our Los Angeles drunk driving injury lawyers know that these accidents leave scars – those you can see and those you can’t. We share the knowledge and experience we have to help you negotiate with the insurance companies, complete depositions, and go through a trial, if necessary.
Our DUI accident lawyers in Los Angeles will stay with you to the end, ensuring you get the maximum compensation and the best possible outcome for you and your loved ones. If you or your loved ones have been in an accident caused by a drunk or impaired driver, call Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP in Los Angeles today.