Santa Clarita Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Santa Clarita Drunk Driving Accident Attorney

When a person decides to get behind a wheel drunk or under the influence of drugs, they are actively putting not only themselves but also everyone on the road at extreme risk. Therefore, if a drunk driver has caused you injury or damages, it is crucial that they are held accountable for their negligent behavior. A skilled Santa Clarita drunk driving accident lawyer from Duque & Price is here to prove their liability and help you recover the compensation you need.

The skilled legal team at Duque & Price can help bring your case to justice by collecting crucial evidence to demonstrate and prove liability. After combined years of successfully representing drunk driving accident victims, we understand just how difficult it can be to navigate the complex claim process. Therefore, we handle the bureaucratic and legal burdens for you so that you can focus on recovering during this challenging time.

The Impact Drunk Driving Accidents Can Have

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal in California, as it can severely inhibit both cognitive and motor functions required to safely operate a motor vehicle. Drunk driving incidents — especially those that cause severe harm or damage — are severely punished by the state for this reason.

Driving under the influence can lead to the following consequences:

• Spinal cord injuries. The sheer impact of a crash can cause injury to the spinal cord, which could result in either partial paralysis, loss of sensation, or even a complete loss of mobility.
• Traumatic brain injuries. Crashes can cause the brain to collide with the inside of the skull, leading to devastating mental consequences, such as physical and cognitive impairment.
• Fractures. High-impact collisions can commonly cause shattered bones or complex fractures that require multiple surgeries and a long road to rehabilitation.
• Internal injuries. High-speed collisions can lead to damage to crucial internal organs that can severely threaten someone’s health.

Other common physical injuries suffered from drunk driving accidents include strains, sprains, whiplash, cuts, lacerations, and burns. In addition to these injuries, victims of accidents commonly suffer from emotional challenges as well, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, or depression.

Getting Compensation for Your Drunk Driving Accident Damages

If you or a loved one has been harmed in a drunk driving accident in Santa Clarita or surrounding areas, you may be entitled to compensation for all you have lost. A skilled personal injury attorney can help you understand whether you’re entitled to compensation for lost income, medical costs, property damage, pain and suffering, and more. Drunk driving cases can also come with punitive damages, which are awarded to punish the drunk driver.

In addition to holding the drunk driver responsible for their actions, there may be other parties that can be potentially held accountable for causing your accidents, in addition to social hosts, bars, or restaurants. Depending on your case, a skilled attorney can work to show that an entity sold alcohol to minors or kept giving alcohol to someone who was clearly inebriated, causing a situation that was unsafe.

FAQs

Q: What Should I Do After a Drunk Driving Accident?

A: After a California drunk driving accident, it is critical to prioritize your health and safety. Be sure to pull over to the side of the road, out of the way of any imminent hazards or incoming traffic, but do not flee the scene. Call law enforcement immediately to report the accident. Exchange personal and insurance information with other involved parties and collect contact information of any witnesses. Gather evidence from the scene, like photos and videos.

Be sure to seek medical attention as soon as possible and get in touch with a skilled attorney.

Q: Can I Sue a Drunk Driver for Damages?

A: Yes, you can sue a drunk driver for damages in California, such as those associated with lost income, emotional distress, damage or totaling of your car, and any medical expenses, such as hospital bills or long-term physical therapy. A skilled California drunk driving accident attorney can assist you with building up a strong case, proving the drunk driver’s liability, and holding them accountable for paying out your damages.

Q: What Compensation Can I Recover After a Drunk Driving Accident?

A: After a drunk driving accident in California, you may be entitled to a wide range of both non-economic and economic compensation. Non-economic compensation you may be entitled to includes that for emotional distress, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium. Economic compensation can include medical costs, lost wages and benefits, lost earning potential, and pain and suffering. In some cases, you may be able to recover punitive damages.

Q: Are Punitive Damages Available in Drunk Driving Accident Cases?

A: Yes, California drunk driving accident victims may be able to receive punitive damages. It’s important to note that these types of damages are not awarded to acknowledge and cover negative consequences the victim suffers but rather to punish the perpetrator and discourage similar behavior from happening in the future. A skilled attorney can help you understand whether punitive damages may be available for your case.

Q: Who Can Be Held Liable in a Drunk Driving Accident?

A: In California, for drunk driving accidents, parties that could be potentially held liable include the drunk driver, other drivers, and any entities that are responsible for bad conditions that could have caused the accident. Furthermore, social hosts, bars, and restaurants may be held liable if they gave too much alcohol to a person who was already visibly extremely inebriated. A skilled attorney can help you hold negligent parties liable for your injuries.

Pursue Justice With a Santa Clarita Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been hit by a drunk driver in Santa Clarita or surrounding areas, you are likely reeling from extensive damages and injuries. A skilled Santa Clarita drunk driving accident lawyer from Duque & Price is here for you during this challenging time. We can work closely with you to help you design and implement a strong legal strategy, proving the driver’s negligence and fighting for the compensation you’re entitled to. Contact us today.