A drunk driving crash can turn an ordinary drive through Modesto into a life-altering event in seconds. One moment you are heading home or running errands, and the next you are dealing with a wrecked vehicle, painful injuries, and a mountain of medical bills that seemingly appeared overnight. On top of the physical recovery, you may be left wondering how to pay for treatment, replace lost income, or even get your car repaired, all while trying to process what just happened to you and your family.
That is where Setareh Law comes in. Our Modesto car accident attorneys have spent years helping injured Californians pursue the compensation they may be entitled to after a crash caused by an impaired driver, and we handle every case on a contingency fee basis so you owe nothing upfront while your claim moves forward.
The Impact of Drunk Driving Accidents in Modesto
Impaired driving remains one of the most preventable causes of serious crashes on California roads. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, alcohol impaired driving contributed to 12,429 traffic deaths nationwide in 2023, accounting for 30 percent of all driving fatalities that year. Modesto’s mix of busy commuter routes and nightlife along downtown corridors means impaired drivers can pose a danger to anyone sharing the road at any hour.
Some road users face a heightened risk when a driver has been drinking. Bicyclists struck by an impaired driver often need help from a Modesto bicycle accident lawyer to recover from serious injuries that can be more severe than those involved in a typical car accident. Because the same impaired driving that causes these crashes can also lead to rear end collisions and other common wrecks, a Modesto car accident lawyer can help evaluate every angle of what happened before your crash.
Holding an Impaired Driver Accountable
Driving under the influence is illegal in every state, and that fact can work in your favor when you pursue a claim. Because an impaired driver has already broken the law simply by getting behind the wheel, it may be easier to establish that the driver acted negligently compared to some other types of car accident cases. Evidence such as a police report, chemical test results, or witness statements can all help support your claim and clarify what happened leading up to the crash.
If you were injured by a drunk driver in Modesto, you may be able to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, vehicle repairs, and pain and suffering. Whiplash and other neck injuries are common in these crashes even when they seem minor at first, and a Modesto whiplash injury lawyer can help you pursue treatment costs tied to that type of injury. An attorney can review the details of your crash and help you understand which types of compensation may apply to your specific situation.
Why Local Knowledge Matters in a Modesto DUI Claim
Every insurance claim moves a little differently depending on where the crash happened, and Modesto is no exception. Insurance adjusters handling Stanislaus County claims are familiar with the local roadways, the local courts, and the tactics that tend to work in this particular area, which is part of why having representation who knows Modesto can be so valuable to your case. A local perspective can help make sure evidence is gathered quickly and that nothing important about your claim gets overlooked along the way.
Our attorneys regularly work with clients throughout Modesto and the surrounding Stanislaus County area, so we understand the local roads where many of these crashes tend to happen and the hospitals and providers many injured residents turn to for care after a serious crash. That familiarity can make the process feel less overwhelming during an already stressful time, and it allows our team to move efficiently while you focus on recovering.
Steps to Protect Your Claim After a Modesto Drunk Driving Accident
What you do in the hours and days after a crash can make a real difference in the outcome of your claim. Taking a few careful steps early on can help preserve evidence and protect your right to compensation later.
- Call 911 and confirm that police respond to the scene
- Seek medical attention right away, even if injuries seem minor at first
- Take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries
- Get contact information from any witnesses nearby
- Avoid giving a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster before speaking with an attorney
Once you have taken these steps, reaching out to an attorney promptly can help make sure evidence is preserved and deadlines are not missed. Our team can request the police report, gather chemical test results, and start building your claim while you focus on healing.
Contact Setareh Law After a Modesto Drunk Driving Accident
Setareh Law has recovered over $400 million for injured clients across California, and our attorneys bring decades of combined experience to every drunk driving case we handle. With over 900 five star reviews and offices located throughout the state, including here in Modesto, we aim to make the legal process as straightforward as possible for the people we represent.
You only pay a fee if we recover compensation on your behalf, so reaching out costs you nothing upfront. If a drunk driver caused your accident in Modesto, contact our office today to discuss what happened and learn more about your options.
