Drunk driving accidents are preventable tragedies that leave victims with devastating physical, emotional, and financial burdens. When a drunk driver makes the reckless decision to get behind the wheel, they place others at serious risk of injury or death. If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident, it’s essential to seek legal guidance immediately to hold the other driver accountable.
At Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys, our experienced drunk driving accident lawyers fight for the rights of victims and their families. We are dedicated to helping you recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
The Impact of Drunk Driving
Drunk driving is a serious crime that leads to thousands of preventable deaths and injuries each year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly one-third of all traffic-related fatalities in the U.S. involve an intoxicated driver.
Devastating Consequences for Victims
Drunk driving accident victims often face life-altering challenges, including:
- Serious injuries: Such as broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord damage.
- Lost wages: Time away from work due to recovery or permanent disability.
- Medical expenses: Covering emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment.
- Emotional trauma: The psychological impact of surviving a violent motor vehicle accident.
If a loved one was killed in a drunk driving crash, surviving family members may have grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit to seek justice and compensation.
What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident
Taking the right steps after a drunk driving auto accident can strengthen your case and protect your legal rights:
- Call the police: A police report is essential to document the car accident and note evidence of intoxication, such as failed field sobriety tests.
- Seek medical treatment: Even if injuries seem minor, consult a doctor to assess hidden or delayed symptoms.
- Gather evidence: Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries. Obtain witness statements and the contact details of anyone involved.
- Contact a drunk driving accident attorney: An experienced attorney can handle the legal process while you focus on recovery.
Acting quickly ensures evidence is preserved and your case is not jeopardized by missed deadlines.
Who Is Liable in a Drunk Driving Accident?
The drunk driver is usually the primary liable party in a drunk driving accident, but other entities may share responsibility depending on the circumstances.
- The driver’s employer: If the drunk driver was operating a company vehicle or working at the time of the accident, their employer could be held liable.
- Establishments that served alcohol: Under dram shop laws, businesses that overserve alcohol to visibly intoxicated patrons may share liability for accidents caused by those patrons.
- Other parties: Additional liable parties may include vehicle owners or third parties who contributed to the car crash.
Our legal team will investigate all potential sources of liability to maximize your compensation.
Compensation for Intoxicated Driving Accident Victims
Victims of intoxicated driving accidents may be entitled to significant compensation, including:
- Medical expenses: Covering emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment.
- Lost wages: Reimbursement for time missed from work and reduced earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical and emotional distress caused by the dui crash and recovery time.
- Property damage: Repairs or replacement of damaged vehicles or other personal property.
- Punitive damages: Intended to punish the intoxicated driver and deter similar behavior in the future.
Our attorneys will tell you your legal options and calculate your financial losses and pursue the fair compensation and legal action you deserve.
Why Hire an Experienced DUI Accident Lawyer?
Navigating a drunk driving accident case can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with insurance companies and legal procedures. Qualified dui accident lawyers can:
- Investigate the accident and identify all liable parties.
- Collect evidence, including medical records, police reports, and witness statements.
- Negotiate with the insurance company to secure a fair settlement.
- Represent you in court if a settlement cannot be reached.
At Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys, we are seasoned in personal injury cases and are dedicated to helping drunk driving victims achieve justice and recover financial compensation.
Punitive Damages in Drunk Driving Cases
Unlike standard compensation for economic losses, punitive damages are awarded to penalize intoxicated drivers for their reckless actions. Courts may grant punitive damages in cases involving drunk driving crashes to send a strong message against such conduct.
Our team will explore every legal avenue to ensure you are fully compensated for your losses and the defendant is held accountable.
How Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys Can Help
At Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys, we are passionate about protecting the rights of drunk driving accident victims. Our experienced attorneys will:
- Handle every aspect of your drunk driving accident claim from start to finish.
- Provide compassionate support and guidance throughout the legal process.
- Fight aggressively for the maximum compensation available under the law.
Let us take on the legal challenges so you can focus on healing.
Schedule a Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured in a drunk driving accident, contact Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys for a free consultation. Call us at (949) 535-1341 or visit our contact page to schedule your free case evaluation. Let us help you pursue justice and recovery.
Impaired Driving Accident FAQs
What evidence is needed to prove a drunk driving accident case?
Key evidence includes a police report, witness testimony, photos of the scene, and documentation of your injuries. Your attorney may also obtain the blood alcohol content results of the drunk driver.
Can I recover punitive damages for a drunk driving accident?
Yes, punitive damages are often awarded in cases involving drunk drivers to punish their reckless behavior and deter future offenses.
How long do I have to file a claim for a impaired driving accident?
In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident.
Can I file a wrongful death lawsuit for a loved one killed in a drunk driving accident?
Yes, surviving family members may file a wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation for their loss, including funeral expenses and loss of companionship.
How can a drunk driving accident lawyer help me?
A skilled attorney can investigate your case, gather evidence, negotiate with the insurance company, and represent you in court to ensure you recover fair compensation.
