Drunk Driving Car Accidents in Stockton

Drunk driving car accidents in Stockton can be among the most devastating kinds of accidents. In addition to the painful injuries, missed work, and growing medical bills associated with any type of car wreck, drunk driving accidents can cause a long-lasting anger that someone else’s reckless decision put your life at risk. In addition, while you focus on healing your mind and body, insurance companies often act quickly to try to minimize payouts.

Fortunately, you can take action to protect yourself. Our auto collision attorneys at Curtis Legal Group are the Heavy Hitters™ whom families across the Central Valley trust with their serious injury cases. We step in immediately, take control of the process, and push for accountability even in drunk driving cases, which are often complicated by parallel criminal charges.

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 Stockton 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.

What Injuries Are Common in Drunk Driving Crashes?

Drunk driving accidents often lead to severe injuries. Victims frequently suffer:

• Broken bones
• Soft tissue damage
• Internal injuries
• Spinal cord damage
• Traumatic brain injuries

High speeds and delayed reactions increase the force of impact, worsening outcomes.

Rather unfairly, drunk drivers are less likely to experience injuries than the victims of the crashes they cause. The same alcohol that impairs their judgment and reaction speed also relaxes their bodies, sometimes helping them avoid severe injury. They might walk away without any real damage, while their victims have to undergo surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatments that disrupt daily life and strain finances. As Stockton lawyers, we handle drunk driving car accident claims by documenting current losses and projecting future needs, ensuring that compensation reflects the full scope of harm.

Proving Liability and Pursuing Damages

Clear evidence of impairment is the best way to prove fault in a DUI crash. Breath or blood test results provide the best evidence, but even in their absence, we could make a case by using officer or witness observations, arrest records, and more.

Stockton follows a comparative fault system, meaning insurers may still try to shift blame for a car crash even when the other driver was drunk. We counter those tactics by building a clear, fact-driven case.

State law generally allows two years to file a personal injury lawsuit under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. Waiting too long creates a risk of losing evidence and leverage, while an early start helps preserve proof and position your claim for maximum recovery.

Why Curtis Legal Group Brings Results

Choosing the right Stockton lawyer after a drunk driving car wreck means choosing proven strength. Our reputation for success in difficult legal cases spans over 70 years and across a wide local area. We bring energy, resources, and relentless preparation to every claim.

We investigate aggressively, communicate clearly, and prepare each case for trial from day one. Insurance companies know our reputation. They know that our Heavy Hitters™ do not give up easily, and the pressure we apply creates results for our clients.

Speak to a Stockton Lawyer After a Drunk Driving Car Crash

Drunk driving car accidents in Stockton require immediate action and experienced legal acumen. Evidence fades, and insurers move quickly to protect themselves.

Contact Curtis Legal Group today to discuss your case and your options. A call with our Heavy Hitters™ team could help you start moving forward with confidence.