Fresno Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Drunk Driving Accident Attorney in Fresno, California 

Driving under the influence is not only illegal but also extremely dangerous, putting the lives of everyone on the road at risk. When a drunk driver causes an accident, the consequences can be devastating, resulting in serious injuries, long-term disabilities, and even death. Victims of drunk driving accidents often face mounting medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing pain and suffering. In such difficult times, having a skilled and experienced Fresno drunk driving accident lawyer on your side can make all the difference in securing the compensation you deserve.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a drunk driving accident in Fresno, you may be feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn for help. At Setareh Law, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that these accidents can take on victims and their families. That’s why we are committed to providing compassionate and effective legal representation to those who have been harmed by the reckless actions of drunk drivers.

Common Injuries Sustained During a Drunk Driving Accident

Every accident is different and results in different injuries. However, there are common injuries that occur with these types of accidents. Those injuries are:

• Torn ligaments
• Broken bones
• Knee damage
• Nerve damage
• Burns
• Herniated disc
• Whiplash
• Traumatic brain injuries 
• Lower back injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Paralysis

Many of these injuries require extensive and often life-long medical care that quickly adds up, which is why many victims file for compensation. However, pursuing a personal injury claim, even in a seemingly easy case such as a drunk driving accident, can be more challenging. While it may seem straightforward that the drunk driver is at fault, dealing with insurance companies is hardly ever a straightforward process. 

Insurance companies are often focused on limiting their payout regardless of the actions of their insurer and will do what they can to avoid paying the victims maximum compensation. Individuals involved in an accident caused by a drunk driver benefit from working with an experienced drunk driving accident attorney who understands how to negotiate with insurance companies and achieve the best possible outcome.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Fresno

After a car accident in Fresno, the first and most important step is to ensure everyone involved is safe. If there are any injuries, call 911 immediately and seek medical attention for those who need it. Make sure to move to a safe location off the road if possible to prevent further accidents.
Next, exchange information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident. This includes names, contact information, insurance details, and driver’s license numbers. It’s also a good idea to take photos of the accident scene, including any damage to vehicles and any road conditions that may have contributed to the accident. If there are witnesses to the accident, try to get their contact information as well.

After the accident, it’s important to contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident and start the claims process. They will walk you through the necessary steps and provide guidance on how to proceed.

Holding Drunk Drivers Accountable

After an accident, law enforcement will place the suspected drunk driver under arrest, which may lead to a criminal case. If the driver is convicted, they may face fines, have their license suspended, and possibly spend some time in jail. While criminal cases hold drivers accountable with penalties, it often does little to provide compensation to the victims injured in the accident. By speaking with a Fresno drunk driving accident lawyer after the accident, they can have legal support to seek the compensation they deserve separate from the criminal proceedings. 

Depending on the severity of their injuries, victims may be able to receive an insurance settlement from the drunk driver’s insurance. However, this is done through the California civil court system, not the criminal court system. Through a personal injury claim in the civil court, victims may be able to recover monetary compensation for their injuries and other subsequent losses caused by the drunk driver.

A drunk driving accident attorney can help drunk driving victims recover general personal injury damages and possibly punitive damages. Punitive damages or exemplary damages are awarded to a claimant as a way to punish the drunk driver for their outrageous conduct and to help deter the drunk driver and other drivers from engaging in similar conduct.

Damages You Can Collect in Drunk Driving Accidents

There are different types of damages that you may be able to collect as the victim of a drunk driving accident through a personal injury lawsuit, including:

Medical Expenses

One of the primary damages you can collect in a drunk driving accident is compensation for medical expenses. This includes past and future medical bills related to your injuries sustained in the accident. In the aftermath of a drunk driving accident, medical expenses can quickly escalate, especially if long-term treatment or rehabilitation is required. 

Lost Wages and Income

Another crucial element of damages in drunk driving accidents is compensation for lost wages and income. If your injuries prevent you from working or result in a loss of earning capacity, you may be entitled to recover these financial losses. Being unable to return to work after a drunk driving accident can create a significant financial burden for you and your family. We will assess the impact of the accident on your ability to work and pursue appropriate compensation.

Emotional Distress and Pain and Suffering

In addition to financial losses, victims of drunk driving accidents often experience emotional distress and pain and suffering. These intangible damages can have a profound impact on your overall well-being and quality of life. Seeking compensation for your emotional distress and pain and suffering can provide a sense of justice and closure as you move forward with your recovery.

Proving Liability for Drunk Driving Accidents 

It’s commonly known that alcohol intoxication can affect a driver’s coordination, vision, hearing, and decision-making. However, a case still needs to be built. There needs to be compelling evidence that supports your version of the accident. Typically drunk driving accidents are caused by:

• Speeding
• Swerving into other lanes
• Running red lights or stop signs
• Failure to use turn signals
• Following too closely
• Failure to yield to the right of way
• Falling asleep at the wheel
• Distracted driving

A drunk driving accident lawyer can thoroughly investigate the accident and work to collect the evidence necessary to prove liability and fight for your right to compensation. They understand personal injury law and what’s required to prove the other driver was negligent and liable for damages. Proving negligence means establishing four different elements:

• Duty of care: All drivers are legally responsible for driving responsibly and ensuring their actions don’t bring harm to others.
• Breach of duty: Drivers breach their duty of care when they are reckless and fail to obey traffic laws, such as drunk driving. 
• Causation: The driver was drunk was the main or partial contribution to the accident and the injuries the victims suffered.
• Damages: Damages are the monetary award the victims may be able to recover

Proving these elements of a personal injury case means diving deep into the accident; this is why working with a drunk driving accident attorney can be vital. Our legal team has the experience, resources, and skills necessary to obtain evidence and build a strong case.

Statute of Limitations for Drunk Driving Accidents in California

In California, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim related to drunk driving accidents is two years from the date of the incident. Failing to file a claim within the statute of limitations may result in losing the opportunity to pursue compensation for your injuries and damages. 

It is important to act quickly and consult with a drunk driving accident lawyer if you or a loved one has been involved in a drunk driving accident. A drunk driving accident attorney can help gather evidence, assess the damages, and navigate the legal process to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Some types of evidence, such as business surveillance footage, is much more difficult to obtain the more time that passes.

Importance of Hiring a Fresno Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

When faced with a car accident case, hiring a Fresno drunk driving accident attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim. An experienced drunk driving accident lawyer will investigate the accident thoroughly to determine liability and gather evidence to support your claim. They will also handle all communication with insurance companies and other parties involved, freeing you from the stress of dealing with them on your own.

Your drunk driving accident attorney will ensure that you meet all deadlines for filing your claim and comply with all legal requirements. They will also keep you informed of the progress of your case and provide you with realistic expectations for the outcome.

10 Benefits of Working With a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Each DUI accident case is different and requires different legal services. However, all require a skilled and determined drunk driving accident attorney ready to fight for their right to fair and full compensation. Your drunk driving accident lawyer can help by:

• Keeping you updated on the progress of your case
• Communicating with insurance companies, legal professionals
• Speaking with the defendant on your behalf
• Gathering evidence 
• Speaking with potential eyewitness 
• Contacting experts to testify 
• Calculating your losses and assigning a monetary value to your claim
• Representing you during settlement negotiations
• Providing legal counsel on important deadlines
• Preparing your claim for trial, if necessary

At Setareh Law, we understand that these accidents are often traumatic and have long-term physical and mental effects. We know that victims and their families need legal support through these times, and our firm is ready to help you through the legal process so you can get the compensation you are owed and begin to move forward.

Contact a Fresno Drunk Driving Accident Attorney

Hiring a Fresno drunk driving accident lawyer can help you secure the compensation you deserve and make the legal process much smoother and less stressful. Setareh Law can help alleviate the burden of navigating the legal process after a car accident and increase your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve.

If you have been injured in a drunk driving accident in Fresno, don’t wait to seek the help you need. Contact Setareh Law by calling (310) 659-1826 or filling out our contact form.

Schedule a Consult at Our Fresno Location

Setareh Law, APLC

4005 N Blackstone Ave #101A
Fresno, CA 93726
(559) 212-3708