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Understanding Drunk Driving Laws
No amount of alcohol is safe to consume before driving. Research suggests that even a single drink can impair a driver’s skills, but the law has not caught up with science. Instead, California Vehicle Code § 23152 makes it illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or higher, or while impaired by alcohol or drugs. When a driver violates this law and causes a crash, that violation supports a strong civil injury claim.
Such drivers are also likely to face criminal charges. While that provides some justice, it does not help you as an injured party. To move forward, you would need to pursue a civil case aimed at covering medical costs, lost income, and the long-term impact of the damage done. Building a California drunk driving case after a car collision involves collecting:
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Chemical test results
- Available video evidence
This should be done swiftly, while details remain fresh.
Compensation 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 drunk driving car wreck case in Sacramento 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 the 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About DUI Injuries
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 car collision cases in Sacramento 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.
Meet With a Sacramento DUI Car Wreck Injury Lawyer
The entire team at Curtis Legal Group is highly skilled at handling cases involving drunk driving car accidents in Sacramento. 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.