Drunk driving is a serious problem in Sacramento. One 2024 study listed Sacramento as the city with the second-highest DUI rates per 1,000 drivers in the U.S. When someone suffers harm because of an intoxicated driver’s poor decisions, they have the right to demand compensation for the injury-related costs they’ve suffered.
Berg Injury Lawyers is proud to stand up for the rights of injured people in Sacramento. We have been fighting to get maximum compensation for our clients since 1981, and we’re here to help you get the justice you deserve after being injured in a drunk driving crash.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
Understanding Drunk Driving Accidents
California law prohibits driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or any substance that impairs your ability to operate a vehicle safely. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as illegal drugs. The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits in California are:
- 0.08% or higher for drivers aged 21 and older.
- 0.01% or higher for drivers under 21 or those on DUI probation.
- 0.04% or higher for commercial drivers or those transporting passengers for hire.
Common Injuries in Drunk Driving Accidents
The force of impact and unpredictability of drunk driving collisions can lead to devastating physical and emotional harm. Some of the most common injuries suffered by victims of these crashes include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): The sudden impact of a crash can lead to concussions or more severe brain injuries. TBIs can result in long-term cognitive, emotional, and physical impairments that require extensive rehabilitation.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Drunk driving collisions can lead to damage to the spinal cord, resulting in partial or complete paralysis. These injuries often require lifelong medical care and adaptive technologies to maintain quality of life.
- Broken Bones: The intense force of a collision frequently causes fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis. These injuries can take months to heal and may leave victims with chronic pain or limited mobility.
- Emotional Trauma (PTSD): Being hit by a drunk driver can leave victims with lasting emotional scars, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression. These mental health challenges can significantly affect daily life and relationships.
- Long-Term Consequences for Victims and Their Families: Beyond the immediate physical and emotional injuries, victims and their families often face long-term challenges, such as financial strain from medical bills, lost income, and caregiving responsibilities. The emotional toll of adapting to a new way of life can be overwhelming.
Proving Liability in Drunk Driving Accidents
Establishing liability is critical in drunk driving accident cases, as it helps ensure victims can recover the compensation they deserve. Proving the other driver was under the influence and responsible for the accident often requires substantial evidence, including:
- Police Reports and Sobriety Test Results: Law enforcement documentation is one of the most compelling pieces of evidence in drunk driving cases. Police reports often include details about the driver’s behavior, field sobriety test results, and BAC levels from breath, blood, or urine tests, all of which can confirm intoxication.
- Witness Testimony and Video Evidence: Testimonies from witnesses at the scene can provide valuable insight into the other driver’s behavior before and immediately after the accident (for example, difficulty maintaining their lane before the crash, or stumbling when exiting their vehicle). Additionally, surveillance or dashcam footage can offer irrefutable visual proof of reckless or impaired driving.
- Accident Reconstruction and Expert Analysis: Specialists can analyze the scene, vehicle damage, and other factors to recreate the events leading up to the crash. Their expert testimony can help demonstrate how the impaired driver’s actions caused the collision.
At Berg Injury Lawyers, we leave no stone unturned when investigating drunk driving accidents. Our team works diligently to gather and preserve evidence, consult with experts, and build a strong case that holds the negligent driver accountable.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
If you’ve been injured in a drunk driving accident in Sacramento, you deserve compensation that addresses the full scope of your physical, emotional, and financial losses. Medical expenses often make up a significant portion of these costs, covering everything from emergency treatment and hospital stays to ongoing care like physical therapy or future surgeries. Additionally, if your injuries have impacted your ability to work, you may be entitled to recover lost wages and compensation for any long-term reduction in your earning potential.
Beyond the financial impact, drunk driving accidents can leave lasting emotional scars. The pain and suffering caused by your injuries, the loss of enjoyment in activities you once loved, and the psychological effects such as anxiety or post-traumatic stress can be overwhelming. These experiences are an essential part of your claim and deserve recognition in your compensation.
Why Choose Berg Injury Lawyers
When you’ve been injured in a drunk driving accident in Sacramento, you need a legal team with the experience, resources, and dedication to fight for your rights. At Berg Injury Lawyers, we’ve built a strong track record of success representing victims of drunk driving accidents across Northern California. Since 1981, our attorneys have been committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients while making the legal process as stress-free as possible.
We understand the toll these accidents take on victims and their families, which is why we work tirelessly to maximize your compensation. From negotiating with insurance companies to preparing for trial, our team is always ready to advocate for your best interests. Insurance adjusters know we’re prepared to take cases to court, giving us the leverage to secure the settlements you deserve.
You might be worried about hiring an attorney because of the potential cost, but at Berg Injury Lawyers, if you don’t win, you pay nothing. There’s also no cost or obligation to hire simply to speak to one of our lawyers. We call that our No Fee Guarantee®.
Steps to Take After a Drunk Driving Accident
If you’ve been in a drunk driving accident in Sacramento, taking the following steps can protect your health and strengthen your case:
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Even if your injuries seem minor, get evaluated by a medical professional. Some injuries may not show symptoms right away but could become serious over time.
- Report the Accident to Law Enforcement: A police report provides an official record of the incident, which is essential for building your case.
- Collect Evidence at the Scene: Take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Obtain contact information from witnesses and ask for their accounts of what they saw.
- Contact a Sacramento Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer: An experienced attorney can help you navigate the legal process, communicate with insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact Our Sacramento Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident, you deserve justice and the resources to rebuild your life. At Berg Injury Lawyers, we’re committed to holding negligent drivers accountable and fighting for the compensation you deserve.
From medical bills to lost wages and emotional trauma, we understand the challenges you’re facing, and we’re here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation.
