Los Angeles Attorneys Seeking Justice For Victims Of Drunk Driving Accidents
When someone chooses to get behind the wheel while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol, they need to be responsible for any consequences of that decision. If you have been hurt by a drunk driver, seeking compensation on your own while tending to your health can mean missing out on the outcome you deserve in a personal injury claim. Instead of taking unnecessary risks with your future, let a skilled personal injury team take action to hold the liable party accountable.
At Jalilvand Law Corporation, our drunk driving accident lawyer works to fight for victims of these completely reckless and preventable accidents. Our attorney Kamelia Jalilvand believes all drunk drivers should be held fully responsible for the losses of accident victims, so please call our office today for help.
Holding Drunk Drivers Accountable
Everyone should know that driving under the influence of alcohol is not only illegal but also highly dangerous. Unfortunately, this knowledge does not stop many people from climbing behind the wheel after having too much to drink. Each day, there are hundreds or thousands of impaired drivers on the roads in the Beverly Hills area, and many of these drivers cause devastating accidents and injuries to others.
Why Drunk Driving Crashes Occur
Alcohol affects a person’s faculties in many different ways that can significantly impair driving ability. Some effects of drinking include:
- Slowed reaction time
- Lack of concentration and inability to focus on the road
- Impaired judgment, which can lead to reckless driving
- Blurry vision
Drunk drivers regularly cause rear-end crashes, rollover accidents from losing control, head-on collisions from driving the wrong way and many more.
If a drunk driver hits you, you must prove the driver’s negligence to hold them liable for your losses. If a court convicts the driver of driving under the influence, you can use the conviction as evidence of liability. A criminal DUI case often provides little financial help to accident victims, so you must file a separate claim even if the authorities arrested and charged the driver.
Understanding California Drunk Driving Laws
In California, driving under the influence of alcohol is against the law. The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits are clear:
- .08% or higher for most adult drivers
- .04% for commercial drivers
- .01% for drivers under 21
Even if a driver’s BAC is below these limits, you can still file a personal injury claim if alcohol affected their ability to drive safely. Drunk driving is a crime and a form of negligence. This means the driver could face both criminal charges and civil lawsuits.
What To Do After A Drunk Driving Accident
If you’re in a crash with a drunk driver, taking the proper steps can protect your health and help you seek compensation. Here’s what to do:
- Call 911 to report the accident.
- Get medical help right away, even if you feel fine.
- Collect evidence, like photos of the scene, witness contact information and the driver’s details.
- Work with the police, but don’t guess what happened or admit fault.
- Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies until you talk to a lawyer.
These steps can strengthen your case and keep you safe.
Legal Rights And Compensation For Victims
Drunk driving accidents can cause physical injuries, emotional pain and financial stress. A personal injury claim can help you recover money for:
- Medical bills and therapy
- Lost wages or reduced ability to earn
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Damage to your car or property
- In some cases, courts award punitive damages to punish the drunk driver
Our team fights to get you the full compensation you deserve, not just what insurance companies offer.
Proving The Driver Was Drunk
To win a drunk driving claim, you must prove that the impaired driver caused the crash. Helpful evidence includes:
- Police reports and DUI arrest records
- Breathalyzer or blood test results
- Statements from witnesses
- Video from traffic cameras or dashcams
- Expert opinions, like those from toxicologists or accident experts
Even if the driver avoids a criminal conviction, you can still win a civil case with substantial evidence.
Other Legal Options
Depending on the situation, you may have additional legal claims:
- You can file a wrongful death claim if a loved one dies in a drunk driving crash.
- Dram shop liability is when a bar or restaurant serves alcohol to a drunk person (though this is limited in California).
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist claims if the drunk driver doesn’t have enough insurance.
Our team explores every option to get you and your family justice and compensation.
Contact Our Trusted Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer In Los Angeles
After a crash with an intoxicated driver, you should speak with a drunk driving accident lawyer as soon as possible. Consult with Jalilvand Law for free by calling 310-478-5800 or contacting us online. Our Beverly Hills firm handles cases throughout Greater L.A. and Southern California.