Glendale Drunk Driving Injury Attorney

Suing for Injuries Caused by Drunk Drivers

Drunken driving is the leading causes of deaths on our roads and highways. At Hartounian, APLC, we are ready to bring justice to those who have fallen victim to a drunk driver! Contact us to schedule your free initial consultation with our firm.

Injured in a Drunk Driving Accident? Contact Us Today!
Call us at (818) 463-1917 for a free consultation and get the compensation you deserve.

California Dram Shop Laws

Dram Shop acts and those that are similar to California’s Law impose civil liabilities on barkeepers and liquor establishments, resulting from the actions of intoxicated patrons. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident caused by a drunk driver, you may be able to recover additional money damages from the bar, restaurant, and/or establishment that served liquor to the intoxicated motorist.

California’s Civil Code sections 1714 and 1714.1 protect innocent third persons against the risk of physical harm caused by those who irresponsibly sell, or provide, alcoholic beverages to other individuals, responsible for a DUI accident and injury.

Compensation for a Drunk Driving Victim

If you are a victim of a DUI related accident you may be able to recover for various types of compensation:

• Medical Expenses: Reimbursement for past and future medical costs, including hospital bills, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatments.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to inability to work during recovery or permanent loss of earning capacity.
• Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life resulting from the accident.
• Property Damage: Coverage for repairs or replacement of your vehicle and other property damaged in the crash.
• Punitive Damages: Additional compensation meant to punish the drunk driver for reckless behavior and deter future misconduct.

A skilled personal injury lawyer ensures you receive fair compensation by thoroughly evaluating your case and negotiating with insurance companies or pursuing litigation if needed. Their expertise is key to protecting your rights.

The Legal Process for Drunk Driving Injury Claims

If you've been injured in a drunk driving accident, it’s important to understand the steps involved in filing a claim. Here's a simplified breakdown of the process:

• Report the Accident to the Police
  Immediately after the accident, call the police. An official police report is crucial as it documents key details about the accident, such as the driver’s behavior, evidence of intoxication, and the parties involved.
• Seek Medical Attention
  Even if you don’t feel injured, it’s important to get a medical evaluation. Some injuries from drunk driving accidents, like whiplash or internal injuries, may not show symptoms immediately.
• Gather Evidence at the Scene
  Collect as much information as possible, including photos of the scene, the other driver’s details, and witness statements. This evidence will support your claim.
• Notify Your Insurance Company
  Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. They will guide you through the next steps and may offer compensation for medical bills and repairs.
• Consult an Attorney
  A skilled personal injury attorney can help you navigate the legal process. They will negotiate with insurance companies, gather further evidence, and ensure your claim is handled properly.
• Negotiating with Insurance Companies
  The insurance company of the drunk driver may offer a settlement. Your attorney will negotiate on your behalf to ensure the settlement is fair and covers all your damages.
• Filing a Lawsuit
  If a fair settlement isn’t reached, your attorney can file a lawsuit to take the case to court. This allows you to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Drunk Driving Statistics and Impact on Communities

Drunk driving continues to be a major issue in California, contributing to countless accidents each year. Here are some key statistics:

• In California, around 1 in 3 traffic-related deaths involve alcohol.
• Over 10,000 DUI-related accidents occur annually in the state.
• In 2020 alone, alcohol-impaired driving was responsible for over 1,000 deaths.

These statistics highlight the devastating effects of drunk driving on local communities. When individuals choose to drive under the influence, they risk the lives of others on the road. Holding drunk drivers accountable through legal action is crucial in protecting our communities and preventing further harm.

Understanding DUI Penalties and How They Relate to Civil Cases

In California, drunk driving carries both criminal and civil consequences. Here’s how they work:

• Criminal Penalties for DUI
  • First offense: Typically results in fines, license suspension, and mandatory DUI education.
  • Subsequent offenses: Can lead to harsher penalties, such as longer license suspensions, larger fines, or even jail time.
• How Criminal Penalties Affect Civil Cases
  While criminal penalties are meant to punish the driver for their actions, civil cases focus on compensating victims. However, the outcome of a criminal case can impact a civil lawsuit. For example, if a drunk driver is convicted, it may make it easier to prove negligence in a civil court.
• Punitive Damages
  In civil cases, victims may be able to pursue punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages. These damages are meant to punish the drunk driver for their reckless behavior and deter future offenses.

Understanding both the criminal and civil aspects of a DUI case can help victims of drunk driving accidents pursue justice and fair compensation.

How a Lawyer Can Help You Sue a Drunk Driver

In the most general terms, to pursue any personal injury lawsuit, you have to:

• Demonstrate you have sustained an injury
• Show that injury was the result of the other driver’s negligence or recklessness and the “dangerous condition existed”
• Demonstrate the amount of your damages

When the accident, injury, and expenses were the result of drunk driving, the accident case can present additional complex legal matters, so it is important to consult an attorney who has significant experience for those hurt by DUI drivers without knowledgeably handling these kind of cases because the ordinary “quick settlement” can often result in your settlement not covering all your medical bills, and expenses.