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 seven 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 towards the compensation you deserve.
