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Driving under the influence is a negligent and punishable act. Motorists who get intoxicated and still get behind the wheel are a risk not only to themselves but also to passengers, other motorists, and the general public alike. Unfortunately, drunk driving accidents are a frequent occurrence on California roads.
Suffering an injury or losing a loved one in a DUI accident is regrettable. You can be burdened with piling bills and the emotional suffering that follows these life-changing experiences.
A compassionate Castro Valley drunk driving accident lawyer can assist you in fighting for compensation to help get your life back on track. Contact Lone Star Injury Attorneys’ Castro Valley car accident lawyers to schedule a free consultation.
Liability in DUI Accidents
Driving under the influence is a serious offense in Castro Valley. When an impaired driver’s actions result in a crash where someone dies, gets injured, or property is damaged, they bear financial responsibility for the losses. Police reports and witness statements regarding the driver’s impairment at the time of the crash become strong evidence in supporting your drunk driving accident lawsuit.
That said, it is also essential to understand that liability in a DUI accident is not just limited to the drunk driver. Certain third parties can also bear fault under the “dram shop” and “social host” laws. For example, if a restaurant or bar serves alcohol to a minor or already intoxicated person whose actions result in a crash, they may carry some of the blame.
While such scenarios are less common, they are alternative legal options for compensation, especially when the drunk driver is uninsured or underinsured. A skillful Castro Valley drunk driving accident lawyer could help pursue such alternatives for maximum recovery.
As a drunk driving accident victim in California, you are also eligible to file a claim even when partially at fault for a crash. The comparative negligence rule allows you to recover reduced compensation based on your fault. It is important to consult a knowledgeable Castro Valley personal injury lawyer to investigate the crash and discover how each party’s actions or inactions contributed to the overall impact.
For a free legal consultation with a drunk driving accident lawyer serving Castro Valley, call (832) 449-8230
Drunk Driving Laws in California
Like other states, California has rules governing motorists’ behavior, especially when intoxicated with alcohol and other impairing substances. As stipulated in Vehicle Code section 23152, it is illegal to operate a vehicle with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or more. This limit applies to drivers of buses, motorcycles, cars, and other light vehicles.
It becomes significantly lower, 0.04%, for commercial vehicle operators. Anyone under 21 is prohibited from any form of influence while driving. These laws are meant to promote road safety, and a violation may have severe criminal and civil implications. For example, a DUI driver faces jail time, fines, or both if they cause an accident. They also face civil action from victims pursuing compensation for injuries and property damage.
Castro Valley Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Near Me (832) 449-8230
Damages That DUI Victims in Castro Valley Can Claim
Compensation for drunk driving accidents varies from one case to another depending on factors such as the severity of injuries, liability, the extent of property damage, insurance, and legal representation.
Basically, settlement reflects the losses suffered by a plaintiff as a result of the accident, which is categorized into three: economic, non-economic, and punitive damages as discussed below:
Economic Damages
Economic damages in a DUI accident case represent the monetary losses that victims incur due to injury or property damage.
They account for medical expenses, vehicle repair estimates, property damage, rehabilitation expenses, lost wages, loss of future income, and out-of-pocket costs. The aim is to make the plaintiff whole again. Accurate documentation of receipts and bills is vital for capturing the full extent of economic damages.
Non-Economic Damages
The last category of damages that makes personal injury victims whole again encompasses intangible losses. Non-economic damages often revolve around the crash’s impact on the victim’s well-being.
Compensation covers loss of consortium, pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and emotional distress, among others. An experienced Castro Valley drunk driving accident attorney can help evaluate these losses with the assistance of expert witnesses.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages in a DUI accident lawsuit punish the at-fault party for reckless behavior. This acts as a deterrent to similar conduct, both for the defendant and other motorists.
While the specific amount awarded is significantly lower than compensatory damages, punitive damages maximize compensation. They are also only awarded in a car accident trial, depending on the circumstances surrounding an accident.
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Get a Free Consultation with a Castro Valley Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Today
The support of a drunk driving accident lawyer serving Castro Valley can make all the difference in your case. Our team is committed to securing the settlement you deserve.
To learn more about how our attorneys could help, please get in touch with us now to arrange a free initial consultation.
Call or text (832) 449-8230 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form