Irvine Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Irvine Drunk Driving Accident Attorney

It is illegal to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, but driving under the influence (DUI) continues to be a pervasive issue in Irvine and surrounding areas of Orange County. An impaired driver is a severe danger to themselves and others, and it is vital to know what you can do to recover after a drunk driver has caused an accident with you. An Irvine drunk driving accident lawyer can be an invaluable asset to your recovery efforts.

Representing Victims of Drunk Driving Accidents in Irvine, CA

The attorneys at Duque & Price provide comprehensive and results-driven legal counsel for all types of vehicle accident cases for clients in Irvine and surrounding areas of California. While any vehicle accident case can raise difficult questions of liability and involve significant damages, drunk driving accident cases are particularly challenging in several ways.

With more than 300,000 residents, Irvine is one of the busiest areas of Orange County. While the area is quite beautiful and a tech hotspot, drivers face many risks on the road, not least of which are intoxicated drivers. It’s possible for any level of impaired driving to cause severe or even fatal injuries.

The California Office of Traffic Safety reported that in 2021, there were 1,370 fatal injuries caused by alcohol-involved crashes in California. This was a 16% increase from the previous year, and the Office of Traffic Safety reports that DUI accounts for roughly one-third of all traffic deaths in California each year.

That same year, the California Office of Traffic Safety also reported startling numbers for Irvine. DUI caused a total of 467 accidents resulting in injuries, 55 of which were fatal. Police conducted 248 arrests for DUI in Irvine in 2021. Any driver who causes a drunk driving accident not only faces criminal prosecution but also civil liability or any damages they cause to others.

Recovering From a Drunk Driving Accident in Irvine

California uses a fault-based system to resolve all vehicle accident cases involving more than one driver. This means that whoever caused the accident is liable for the resulting damages. If you believe another driver caused your recent accident, you can hold them accountable for the extent of the economic and non-economic damages they caused.

The drunk driver who injured you is liable for the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle, all of the medical treatment you need to recover from your injuries, and any income you are unable to earn while you recover. Additionally, many drunk driving accidents cause life-changing injuries. You may have grounds to seek compensation for necessary future medical care and for the income you are no longer able to earn if you have been permanently disabled.

California law also allows the injured plaintiff to claim compensation for their pain and suffering. The average person may find it hard to assign value to this, but your Irvine drunk driving accident lawyer will know how to determine a reasonable amount to include in your claim. Your recovery may begin with a vehicle insurance claim, but you will likely need to file a personal injury suit against the drunk driver to recover full compensation for your losses.

Navigating any drunk driving accident case in Irvine can be incredibly difficult without experienced legal counsel on your side. The team at Duque & Price has extensive experience resolving complex personal injury cases for clients in Irvine and surrounding areas of California, so we are confident we can guide you to a positive outcome in your case. Reach out to our team today to learn more about the legal services we offer that can help with your recovery.

FAQs

Q: Can You File a vehicle insurance claim for a Drunk Driving Accident?

A: You can file a vehicle insurance claim for a drunk driving accident if the at-fault driver has required insurance coverage. Every California driver is required to have auto insurance that meets minimum coverage requirements for bodily injury and property damage liability. However, most insurers try to settle claims for as little as possible. An Irvine drunk driving accident lawyer can help you file your claim and ensure a fair settlement offer.

Q: How Much Compensation Can I Claim for a Drunk Driving Accident?

A: The amount of compensation you can claim for a drunk driving accident will depend on the severe nature of your injuries. You may be eligible to claim compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, vehicle repairs, and the pain and suffering you experienced. Additionally, the defendant may owe punitive damages due to causing the accident by breaking the law. Your attorney can estimate the full potential value of your case.

Q: Will the Defendant Go to Jail for Causing a Drunk Driving Accident in Irvine?

A: It is likely for the defendant to go to jail for causing a drunk driving accident in Irvine. Penalties for DUI in California usually include driver’s license suspension, fines, and jail time. While judges are often willing to consider alternatives to jail time for first offenders, it is often not the case for habitual offenders or for drunk drivers who have caused serious accidents, especially those resulting in catastrophic injuries or deaths.

Q: When Should I Hire an Irvine Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer?

A: You should hire an Irvine drunk driving accident lawyer at your first opportunity once you have received medical treatment for your injuries. Even though the fault for your accident may appear to be perfectly obvious, the reality is you have a time limit to pursue your recovery. You need to connect with legal counsel right away to ensure the greatest chance of success with your case.

Q: What Does It Cost to Hire an Irvine Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer?

A: The cost to hire an Irvine drunk driving accident lawyer is dependent on the value of your case if you hire Duque & Price. With our contingency fee policy, there are no fees until we recover compensation for your damages. Our contingency fee is a percentage of the total amount recovered, and if there is no recovery for any reason, there is no fee.

Consult Our Irvine Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

The attorneys at Duque & Price have years of experience helping injured clients navigate the most challenging vehicle accident cases in Irvine and surrounding areas of California. We are confident we can help you ensure accountability for the driver who caused your accident and assist you in recovering your damages. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Irvine drunk driving accident lawyer.