According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, nearly 1,400 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes in 2021 in our state—a 16% increase compared to 2020. These crashes accounted for nearly one-third of all traffic deaths in California that year.
Safe driving requires sound judgment, good hand-eye coordination, and fast reflexes. Alcohol consumption impairs all three, and the higher a person’s blood alcohol content (BAC), the more impairment they experience.
When drunk drivers injure others in car accidents, they must be held liable for the damages they cause. At Berg Injury Lawyers, our team of Fresno drunk driving accident attorneys have decades of experience obtaining full compensation for victims of impaired drivers, and we can help you, too. Contact us anytime for a free consultation.
The Consequences of Drunk Driving
Drivers who get behind the wheel while intoxicated put their lives and the lives of others at risk. They also risk their futures due to the harsh penalties associated with DUI convictions.
Overview of DUI Laws and Penalties in California
California has strict DUI laws designed to discourage impaired driving and protect public safety. Drivers with a BAC of 0.08% or higher face serious penalties, including fines, license suspension, and potential jail time.
In addition to criminal charges, drunk drivers can also be held responsible in civil cases, allowing victims to seek compensation for their injuries and losses. These legal consequences emphasize the importance of holding offenders accountable for their actions.
Impact on Victims and Families
Drunk driving accidents can cause severe physical, emotional, and financial devastation for victims and their families. Injuries often require extensive medical treatment, leading to lost income, mounting bills, and emotional trauma. Families may also face life-altering challenges, including the need for ongoing care or the loss of a loved one.
Long-Term Effects
The effects of a drunk driving accident don’t end with initial recovery. Victims often endure:
- Prolonged rehabilitation costs
- Lifelong emotional and psychological trauma
- Adjustments to living with permanent disabilities
Common Injuries in Drunk Driving Accidents
It’s common for drunk driving accidents to result in serious injuries. That’s because drunk driving is also often associated with speeding, distraction, and failing to slow down before impact. Many drunk driving crashes occur at high speeds, putting both impaired drivers and the people in the vehicles they crash into at high risk of devastating injuries.
Types of Injuries
Drunk driving accidents frequently cause catastrophic injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal organ damage and bleeding
Medical Treatment and Recovery
Drunk driving accident victims often need immediate medical treatment, and their path to recovery may be long and ongoing for months or years. Treatment may include surgeries, physical therapy, and mental health support, which can place a heavy financial and emotional burden on victims.
Long-Term Complications
Many victims experience permanent disabilities or chronic pain, requiring lifelong care. These complications can severely impact their quality of life and ability to earn a living.
Legal Options for Victims of Drunk Driving Accidents
It’s important to know that as a drunk driving accident victim, you not only have rights, you also have access to the legal system to help you protect those rights.
At Berg Injury Lawyers, we’ve built our reputation in California by being a tireless advocate for injured victims, including people harmed by impaired drivers. When you contact us, we’ll ensure you understand all of your legal options in the days, weeks, and months ahead.
Understanding Your Rights
Victims of drunk driving accidents have the right to pursue compensation through a civil lawsuit, separate from criminal charges against the driver.
Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit
The process of filing a lawsuit against a drunk driver involves:
- Investigating the accident
- Collecting evidence, such as police reports and BAC results, that prove the driver was impaired and caused the crash
- Filing a claim against the drunk driver or other responsible parties, such as bars under dram shop laws
Compensation for Damages
Drunk driving accident victims may recover compensation for:
- Medical Expenses: Past and future costs of treatment
- Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Capacity: Lost income and the inability to work
- Pain and Suffering: Emotional distress and diminished quality of life
- Property Damage: Repairs or replacement of damaged vehicles and belongings
The Importance of Hiring a Fresno Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
Navigating the legal system and dealing with an uncooperative insurance company can be difficult at any time, but few people have the patience, energy, or experience to handle it effectively when they’re recovering from a car accident. That’s where we come in.
With Berg Injury Lawyers on your side, you’ll get the representation that only a highly respected and successful personal injury law firm can provide.
Expert Investigation
Berg Injury Lawyers has the experience to thoroughly investigate your case by gathering critical evidence such as police reports, witness testimony, and BAC test results.
Negotiation with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often try to undervalue claims. Our attorneys will negotiate aggressively to secure a fair settlement for you to ensure you get the compensation you and your loved ones deserve.
Courtroom Representation
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial. Our litigation team has the skills and experience to successfully fight for you in court.
California’s Dram Shop Laws and Social Host Liability
California’s dram shop laws may hold establishments responsible if they knowingly serve alcohol to underage drinkers. Social hosts may also bear liability in certain situations.
Our knowledge of these laws helps us identify all potentially responsible parties in order to maximize the compensation you can recover.
Steps to Take After a Drunk Driving Accident
After a drunk driving accident that wasn’t your fault, it’s important to take the right steps to protect your health and your right to compensation. Three of the most important steps you can take include:
- Seek medical attention immediately. Prioritize your health and ensure proper documentation of your injuries.
- Report and document the accident. File a police report and collect evidence, including photos and witness contact information.
- Contact a personal injury lawyer promptly. Protect your rights, preserve evidence, and ensure legal deadlines are met.
Contact Our Fresno Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers Today
If you were recently injured in a drunk driving accident, there’s one important step you need to take to start down the path towards compensation: contacting an experienced Fresno drunk driving accident attorney.
Berg Injury Lawyers can take over every aspect of your injury claim while you focus on getting better. Let us protect your rights while you rest, relax, and recover. Contact us today for a free case review.
