Injured by a drunk driver?
Call The Heavy HittersTM!
Award-winning Sacramento Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys
Drunk driving happens more often than people realize. Years ago, it was very common to hear about the dangers of drunk driving as groups like M.A.D.D. (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) and S.A.D.D. (Students Against Drunk Driving) were formed to bring awareness to the issue. Despite law enforcement cracking down on drinking and driving, the drunk driving accidents still exist and impacts the lives of many every single day.
If you live in California and have sustained injuries due to an accident involving a driver who was under the influence, then you may be entitled to compensation. Call a drunk driving accident lawyer at Curtis Legal Group today!
Drunk Driving Accident Table of Contents
Drunk Driving Accident: Frequently Asked Questions
The Dangers of DUI Accidents
Any motor vehicle accident can cause injury or death. But there are a lot of accidents that occur daily, some with minor injuries and others with those more severe. With DUI accidents, one thing that seems disproportionate when compared to other non-DUI accidents is the increased chance of fatalities and severe injuries.
Drivers who are under the influence tend to struggle with seeing clearly, making appropriate decisions, and reacting to potentially dangerous situations. Most often, they drive at high rates of speeds and their reaction time is delayed — meaning they don’t hit the brake as they should. The result is a heavy impact on whatever or whoever got in the way. It’s not uncommon for those injured in DUI accidents to be killed or suffer from severe injuries involving:
- Internal organ injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
California has a lot of traffic and many interstates. Combining this and other road hazards with an impaired driver, the outcome is not likely to be good.
Damages for DUI Injuries
Depending on the severity of the injuries, there are many different types of damages you may be compensated for. Some of these are economic and others are non-economic. A thorough review of your case can help your attorney determine which damages may be sought in your situation. For example, these damages include:
- Medical expenses – past, present, and future
- Lost wages
- Future income loss due to impact of injuries
- Pain and suffering
- Impact on quality of life
- Loss of consortium
- Wrongful death
Finding yourself injured due to someone else’s reckless behavior can leave you with life-altering changes.
You need someone to fight for you and help you recover the damages you need. While it may not replace what you have lost due to the accident, it can make you a bit more comfortable.
California DUI Injury Lawyers
The entire team at Curtis Legal Group is highly skilled at handling DUI injury cases. It is our priority to make sure you have everything you need to recover and heal from your injuries – and return to having a quality life again.
We will investigate the accident, find the right person – or persons – to hold liable, and go to work fighting for you. Contact Curtis Legal Group today by calling 1-800-LAW-3080.
Frequently Asked Questions About DUI Injuries
What should I do if I’ve been injured in a car accident?
The first thing you want to do if you’ve been injured in a car accident is to call for help. You will want law enforcement present as well as medical help. If possible, take pictures of the accident scene and your injuries. If the driver of the other vehicle appears to be intoxicated, note any strange behavior and, if possible, record it.
Always get yourself thoroughly checked out medically after an accident because sometimes you may feel fine, but an injury can show up days later.
Finally, contact an experienced attorney like the motor vehicle accident lawyers of Curtis Legal Group to help you begin collecting evidence, investigating, and putting together your claim.
Is a DUI injury case a criminal or civil case?
Filing a claim to get compensated financially for your injuries sustained at the hands of a driver under the influence is a civil claim. However, most drunk driving injury cases will have a corresponding criminal case going on, too. According to California Vehicle Code Section 23153(b), driving with a blood alcohol content of.08% or higher and causing injury to another person is a felony offense.
Who is responsible for DUI accidents?
The laws in California can hold several people accountable for drunk driving accidents. This includes the driver who was driving under the influence, as well as the host of a party or others who provided alcohol, and/or a bar or restaurant staff and owners.
An experienced attorney will be able to review your unique situation and determine who should be held liable for your injuries and how best to pursue your claims for injuries and other losses.
Is there a statute of limitations for filing a DUI injury claim?
Yes. In California, the injured victim of a DUI accident has two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. This is why it is always best not to wait to file your claim. If your time has run out, you may find yourself with no way to receive compensation.