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.

In 2023, roughly one out of every three motor-vehicle fatalities statewide involved a driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. The year before, California recorded 1,479 alcohol-related fatalities. Santa Clarita experienced 768 total injury or fatality cases in 2022.

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.

Understanding BAC Thresholds in California

While most people are familiar with the 0.08% BAC threshold limit for most drivers, California law carries stricter standards for certain classes of drivers. Commercial drivers can be arrested and charged with a DUI if their BAC is 0.04% or higher. An arrest for a DUI in California can lead to the loss of the truck driver’s commercial driver’s license.

Any driver working for a rideshare company or any business that falls under “driver for hire” is also held to the stricter 0.04% threshold. Drivers under 21 face a zero-tolerance standard, meaning any BAC reading can lead to an arrest and criminal charges. Drug impairment under §23152(a) can be charged even when the driver registers a lawful BAC level.

Do Criminal Charges Affect My Civil Claim?

When someone makes the reckless decision to drive while intoxicated, they can face criminal charges at the Santa Clarita Courthouse, which is located at 23747 W. Valencia Blvd here in Santa Clarita. Civil claims are commonly heard at Chatsworth Courthouse, located at 9425 Penfield Avenue. Both systems of justice can run concurrently and independently.

Certain criminal cases can lead to orders for a convicted defendant to pay restitution to the victim of the collision. This is separate from a civil claim and does not cover non-economic damages. Evidence collected in the criminal charge can support a civil claim. The goal of the criminal court is to punish someone if they are found guilty, while the civil courts focus on ensuring that injured parties are financially compensated for the harm they endured.

What to Do Following a Collision

Whether your collision occurred on Valencia Boulevard, Soledad Canyon Road, or elsewhere in Santa Clarita, the steps you take afterward can greatly influence your ability to pursue compensation. In the aftermath of a collision, your safety should be your top priority. Call 911 to report the collision and tell the dispatcher how many people may be hurt.

If your car is operational, drive it away from moving traffic. Then wait in a safe area for police and emergency medical services to arrive. Allow paramedics to check you for injuries. If you can safely do so, take photos of the crash site and gather contact information from anyone involved in the collision or potential eyewitnesses. Your next step should be to hire a drunk driving accident lawyer to represent you through the injury claim process.

When you work with an experienced Santa Clarita drunk driving accident attorney, you benefit from their years of experience managing drunk driving accident claims. An attorney knows California’s drunk driving accident laws and how to help you maximize the compensation that you are owed. They can negotiate or litigate on your behalf so you are fully compensated for the harm you endured.

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

What Should I Do After a Drunk Driving Accident?

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.

Can I Sue a Drunk Driver for Damages?

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.

What Compensation Can I Recover After a Drunk Driving Accident?

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.

Are Punitive Damages Available in Drunk Driving Accident Cases?

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.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Drunk Driving Accident?

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.