DUI Accident Lawyer in Bakersfield, CA

Bakersfield DUI Accident Attorney

A drunk driving accident only takes a split second to turn your life upside down. One moment you are driving safely on a Bakersfield road, and the next you are dealing with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and a long road to recovery. When another driver’s reckless decision to get behind the wheel while impaired causes you harm, you deserve more than an apology. You deserve real accountability and full compensation.

At Setareh Law, we represent victims of drunk driving accidents throughout Bakersfield and the surrounding areas. Our team has recovered over $250 million for injured clients across California, and we bring that same commitment to every case we handle. We serve clients from our eight California office locations and offer home visits so you never have to worry about getting to us. As a Bakersfield personal injury firm, we handle all cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you pay nothing unless we recover for you.

What Makes Drunk Driving Accidents So Dangerous?

Drunk driving accidents are among the most devastating collisions on California roads. Alcohol impairs a driver’s reaction time, judgment, and motor control, making it nearly impossible to respond appropriately to constantly changing traffic conditions. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about 30% of all traffic crash fatalities in the United States involve drunk drivers, and in 2023 alone, more than 12,000 people were killed in these entirely preventable crashes.

In Bakersfield, high-traffic corridors like Highway 99, Interstate 5, and State Route 58 see a consistent volume of impaired driving incidents. Weekend nights and holidays tend to see even more amplified rates of alcohol-impaired driving activity. Victims in these crashes often sustain traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and internal injuries that require extensive treatment. Our drunk driving accident lawyers are prepared to pursue every available avenue of compensation on your behalf.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Drunk Driving Crash?

Liability in a drunk driving accident may extend beyond the driver who caused the crash. California’s dram shop laws may hold a commercial establishment responsible if it serves alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person who then went on to cause an accident. Identifying all liable parties is a critical step in maximizing your financial recovery.

The following parties may bear responsibility in a drunk driving accident case:

• The impaired driver, who owes a duty of care to all other road users
• A bar, restaurant, or venue that overserved the driver
• An employer, if the driver was operating a company vehicle or acting within the scope of employment
• A third party whose negligence contributed to the crash

Every case is different, and a thorough investigation is essential in order to identify everyone who may be held accountable. Our team moves quickly to preserve evidence, secure police reports, and obtain any available surveillance footage for solid proof of negligence and liability.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

Victims of drunk driving accidents in Bakersfield may be entitled to significant compensation. Since these crashes involve intentional reckless behavior, California courts may also award punitive damages on top of standard compensatory damages. Our attorneys will evaluate every element of your losses to build the strongest possible case for recovery.

Recoverable damages often include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Future medical care, rehabilitation costs, and loss of earning capacity may also factor into your claim. If the crash resulted in a fatality, surviving family members may have grounds for a wrongful death claim.

How Does the Claims Process Work in California?

After a drunk driving accident, the insurance claims process can get complicated quickly. The at-fault driver’s insurer may attempt to minimize your claim or shift blame onto you. California follows a comparative fault system, which means your compensation may be reduced if the insurer argues you were partially responsible. Having legal representation from the start helps protect you from these types of tactics.

Our attorneys handle all communication with insurance companies so you can focus on your health and recovery. We also work with medical professionals, accident reconstruction analysts, and other resources to build a compelling case. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial. Bakersfield clients facing truck accident claims or premises liability cases can count on the same level of dedicated advocacy.

Contact Setareh Law to Speak With a Bakersfield Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

When you are facing the aftermath of a drunk driving accident, time matters. Evidence disappears, witnesses become harder to track down, and California’s statute of limitations may limit your window to file a claim. Setareh Law has over 60 years of combined experience representing injured Californians, and our attorneys are available around the clock to take your call. We also offer bilingual services in Spanish to serve our entire Bakersfield community.

Do not wait to get the help you need after a drunk driver has caused you to suffer injuries. Reach out to our team today by completing our contact form or calling (310) 659-1826. We will review your case at no charge and help you take the first step toward the compensation you deserve.

Client Reviews

★★★★★ “Saterah law went above and beyond to help me with my case. Treated me with genuine care and respect, stayed on top of timelines and made great recommendations. I never once had to chase for an update, on the contrary they would reach out to me regularly to keep me in the loop. They negotiated everything on my behalf to ensure I got the best scenario. I worked with Emma specifically and she was a delight. I’ve worked with many attorneys on this the first time I have been impressed with an office. I will be sending my friends and family here going forward.” Elizabeth Sanchez, 2026.01.09

★★★★★ “Daniel Setareh is an excellent lawyer! He and his staff worked really hard to get the best settlement for me and I am amazed with what I got. If you need a lawyer who can get the highest settlement, Daniel is the man. The staff was also very helpful and they referred me right away to professionals which helped me manage my neck pain. They took good care of me. I would highly recommend Daniel to everyone I know. Top notch lawyer and very compassionate.” Lilibeth, 2026.01.09

★★★★★ “They were very helpful in dealing with my situation and I am very pleased with how they kept me informed on there  progress” James Jenkins, 2026.01.05

★★★★★ “Daniel Setareh is an A+ attorney and so is his team.  He along with his team handled the whole case from start to finish. He streamlines this process to be user-friendly for the complainant. I have referred many people his way and will continue to do so. I cannot emphasize how great his team is. Every person I ever had to interact with was very polite and answered every single question I had. I was sent updates and never left hanging. Overall, what I am most thankful for is the honesty and clarity throughout our case. Thank you so much Setareh team!!” Dania flores, 2024.01.30

★★★★★ “I reached out to the Setareh Law Firm for help with an auto accident case. Daniel Setareh and his team were pleasant, professional and  knowledgeable.They answered all my questions, returned every phone call, and kept me informed during the entire process. Daniel Setareh negotiated with insurance companies and was successful in getting me the maximum compensation possible. I would highly recommend this Law firm to my friends and family. Thanks again for your help .” sheila peach, 2023.08.03

Meet Daniel Setareh

Daniel Setareh is a California personal injury attorney and founder of Setareh Law, APLC Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers, a firm that has recovered over $400 million for injury victims across the state. He earned his J.D. from Southwestern School of Law and has been recognized for his dedication to clients through over 100 five-star reviews on Avvo, the Avvo Client’s Choice Award for six consecutive years, and the 2026 Martindale-Hubbell Client Champion Platinum Award, one of the legal industry’s most prestigious client service distinctions.