Desert Hot Springs DUI Accident Victim Attorneys
We’ll tell you if you have a case or not, call (888) 488-1391 — We’re here 24 hours a day.
Our Desert Hot Springs DUI Accident Victim Attorneys Offer Comprehensive Legal Support
Getting injured in a DUI accident can be challenging, especially if you need extensive and often costly medical treatment to get better. Our Desert Hot Springs DUI accident victim attorneys have experience assisting clients with similar cases and can see if you can pursue compensation for your losses. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.
Located in Riverside County within the California Desert, Desert Hot Springs is famous for its natural hot mineral springs. However, due to its popularity as a tourist destination, the area sees road congestion while drawing many visitors from all over the state. This potentially leads to a higher likelihood of traffic accidents, especially those caused by motorists driving under the influence (DUI).
Injuries resulting from DUI accidents can have lasting impacts, both physically and financially. At Arash Law, we understand the challenges you may face in the aftermath of such an accident. Our Desert Hot Springs DUI accident victim attorneys are here to guide you through this difficult time by helping you understand your legal options.
Our client was driving with his wife and son on a two-lane highway when a drunk driver crossed the double yellow lines, causing a head-on collision that claimed the life of a loving wife and mother.– ARASH KHORSANDI
How Can Our Desert Hot Springs DUI Accident Victim Attorneys Help With Your Claims?
If you’ve been injured in a DUI accident, our Desert Hot Springs DUI accident lawyers are here to explain the claims process and explore what you can do to pursue compensation. Here’s how our team can assist you:
- Investigating the Accident — We conduct thorough investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident. We gather evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and medical records, to build a strong case for our clients.
- Navigating The Insurance Process — We help you understand your rights and the complexities of insurance claims. Our goal is to inform your decisions as you pursue compensation.
- Exploring Compensation Options — We help you explore potential strategies for resolving your case, including seeking insurance coverage from the at-fault driver and other parties that may be responsible for your injuries.
- Representing Victims In Court — If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, we may take it to court. Our personal injury lawyers will work to present your case based on the evidence to advocate for your interests in front of a judge or jury.
Why Consult Our Experienced DUI Accident Victim Lawyers About Your Case
If you’re looking for skilled DUI accident victim attorneys in Desert Hot Springs to handle your legal case, here are a few reasons to consider consulting those from Arash Law:
- Legal Experience — Our DUI lawyers are knowledgeable of and have years of experience practicing personal injury law, and they can use this to guide you during the legal process. They can explain your options clearly, helping you make informed decisions.
- Dealing With Case-Related Communications — A lawyer can make recorded statements on your behalf with the aim of protecting you from potentially incriminating questions that can place the blame on you. In doing so, they’ll work to prevent you from unintentionally harming your claim.
- Case Evaluation — Our DUI accident victim attorneys are skilled at examining multiple aspects of your case, such as evidence and witness accounts. They can use this assessment to identify at-fault parties and work to establish their negligence.
- Local Knowledge — Our attorneys, who focus on handling DUI accidents in Desert Hot Springs, know the local court system well. This familiarity may help them navigate court procedures, anticipate challenges, and pursue your claim in line with both local and state law.
What To Do After A DUI Accident In Desert Hot Springs
Getting hit by a drunk driver can have a serious impact on your life. To uphold your safety and your ability to potentially file a claim in the future, taking certain steps right after an accident may help. For example:
- Get to a safe place. Your health and safety come first. If you or anyone else is injured, call 911 immediately for medical help. This also helps document your injuries for your case later.
- Call the police. Report the accident to the authorities, whether the other driver was drunk or not. Police can create a report of what happened and conduct further tests if needed.
- Exchange insurance information. Get the other driver’s insurance and contact details, along with their license and plate numbers. Ask the police officer for help if needed.
- Gather evidence. If you’re able, take photos of your vehicle, the scene, and any relevant details. Get witness names if possible. This evidence will support your case later.
- Call a DUI accident victim attorney. After dealing with the consequences and starting your recovery, consider reaching out to DUI accident victim attorneys in Desert Hot Springs. They can guide you through the claims process and explain what you may legally be able to do after getting hit by a drugged or drunk driver.
Types Of Accidents Caused By Driving Under The Influence
People who drive under the influence often cause the following types of accidents:
Head-On Collisions
Due to impaired senses and perceptions, drunk or drugged drivers can veer into oncoming traffic, resulting in a head-on collision.
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end crashes are commonly handled by our DUI accident lawyers in Desert Hot Springs. These accidents happen when drunk drivers act aggressively and overestimate their reaction time, often leading to rear-end collisions due to impaired judgment.
Pedestrian Accidents
Impaired vision can cause drunk or drugged drivers to overlook people on foot, leading to pedestrian accidents.
Single-Vehicle Accidents
Drunk drivers may fall asleep behind the wheel or veer off the road, crashing into stationary objects or parked cars.
Distracted Driving Accidents
Alcohol intoxication reduces the ability to multitask, increasing the likelihood of accidents due to distractions like texting or grooming while driving.
Unsafe Passing Accidents
Drunk or drugged drivers may attempt risky passing maneuvers on two-lane roads, which can result in serious accidents. Our DUI accident victim attorneys in Desert Hot Springs have seen that this form of careless driving can lead to side-swipes, rollovers, and other types of accidents.
Drowsy Driving Accidents
Intoxication can make drivers sleepy, increasing the risk of falling asleep behind the wheel and causing accidents. Truck drivers with busy schedules and Uber drivers who transport rideshare passengers may be especially at risk of being drowsy behind the wheel.
Jackknife Accidents
Impaired truck drivers may lose control of their big rigs, potentially leading to truck accidents. A jackknife accident may happen if the trailer forms a “V-shape.”
Rollover Accidents
Vehicles, especially commercial trucks and SUVs, are prone to rolling over, posing a significant danger to their occupants and other motorists nearby. The risk increases with an impaired driver.
If you’ve been injured in a DUI accident, you can seek assistance from our accident victim lawyers in Desert Hot Springs to understand your rights and explore the compensation you may be entitled to.
Determining Liability For DUI Accidents In Desert Hot Springs, CA
If a drunk driver hits you, you might think they’re automatically to blame, but that’s not always the case. Even if they’re cited for DUI, you still need to prove fault to seek compensation.
To do so, you must demonstrate that:
- The at-fault driver had a duty of care to drive safely.
- They breached that duty by driving under the influence.
- Their actions directly caused you harm.
- You suffered actual damages due to the injuries.
Seeking assistance from an experienced DUI accident attorney in Desert Hot Springs may help you prove negligence. We will work to leverage our years of experience in handling similar cases when assessing your claim.
What Are The Penalties For DUI In Desert Hot Springs?
When someone drives under the influence and causes an accident that results in injury or death, they may face serious legal consequences.
Driving under the influence is illegal, and drivers may face various penalties, such as:
- Losing their driver’s license.
- Going to jail.
- Having their vehicle taken away.
- Losing their license plate.
- Having to use an ignition interlock device.
- Getting evaluated for alcohol abuse.
- Being required to attend treatment programs.
- Being monitored for sobriety.
If a drunk or drugged driver hits you or a family member, you can consult with our Desert Hot Springs DUI accident victim attorneys to see if you can file a personal injury claim against them.
Most Common Injuries Victims Suffer After A DUI Accident
In DUI crashes, victims often suffer from various injuries, such as:
- Brain Injuries — Damage to the brain, which can lead to cognitive impairments and other neurological issues.
- Back Injuries — Injuries to the spine or muscles in the back can cause pain, limited mobility, or paralysis.
- Neck Injuries — Damage to the neck muscles, ligaments, or vertebrae, which can result in pain, stiffness, or decreased range of motion.
- Head Injuries — Trauma to the head, ranging from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries.
- Internal Injuries — Damage to organs or internal structures, which can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
- Facial Disfigurement — Severe damage to the face, such as fractures or lacerations, which may require reconstructive surgery.
- Leg & Knee Injuries — Injuries to the legs or knees, including fractures, sprains, or ligament tears, which can affect mobility.
- Spinal Cord Injuries — Damage to the spinal cord, which can result in partial or complete paralysis and lifelong disabilities.
If you’ve been injured in a DUI accident, our Desert Hot Springs DUI accident attorneys can help evaluate the extent of your injuries and see how that may be factored into a valid claim.
What Is The Legal Blood Alcohol Level Limit When Driving?
California has strict rules about drinking and driving. It’s against the law to drive if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is:
- 0.08 or higher if you’re 21 or older and driving a regular car.
- 0.04 or higher if you’re 21 or older and driving a commercial vehicle.
- 0.01 or higher if you’re under 21.
What Damages Can You Seek In A Personal Injury Claim?
Every DUI accident case is unique, so there’s no set average amount for compensation. Factors like road conditions, injuries, and vehicle damage can affect what you may be able to pursue.
Our DUI accident lawyers in Desert Hot Springs can help assess your damages to understand what you may be able to seek when filing a claim. These may include:
Economic Losses
Economic damages are measurable and tangible losses that can be calculated through invoices, bills, etc.
- Lost wages if your injuries caused you to miss work.
- Medical expenses for emergency room visits, hospital bills, doctor’s visits, and medications.
- Repairs to or replacement of your vehicle.
- Reduced earning capacity if your injuries are permanent and force you to change careers.
Non-Economic Losses
Non-economic damages are intangible losses. They are subjective in nature and harder to calculate.
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish or trauma
Punitive Damages
Rarely granted by the court, punitive damages are additional payments intended to punish the defendant for recklessly indifferent behavior. They go beyond compensating the victim for losses and serve as a deterrent against similar conduct in the future.
Wrongful Death Claims
A wrongful death claim arises when someone dies due to the negligence or wrongful act of another person. In the context of DUI accidents, if a drunk driver causes a fatality, family members may seek compensation for losses such as:
- Funeral expenses
- Loss of financial support
- Emotional suffering
Settlement in a motor vehicle versus pedestrian accident; client, suffered facial and spinal injuries– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
When Should I Consult A Lawyer About My DUI Accident?
You may wish to consult a lawyer if a drunk or drugged driver has injured you. Our experienced DUI accident lawyers in Desert Hot Springs can offer guidance, assist in negotiating with insurance companies, and help you understand your options for pursuing compensation based on your injuries and damages.
It’s important to note that in California, including Desert Hot Springs, there is a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. This means you have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit after the accident occurs. You may also want to note that this timeframe may be extended or shortened depending on the circumstances of your claim. It may be beneficial to seek legal assistance to understand if exceptions apply to your case and file it before the necessary deadline.
DUI Accident Statistics
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), around 32% of all traffic crash deaths in the US involve drunk drivers, with blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) of 0.08 g/dL or higher. In 2022 alone, there were 13,524 people killed in these preventable crashes. On average, about 11,000 people died every year in drunk-driving crashes between 2013 and 2022.
Despite laws against it in every state, drunk driving remains a significant problem. In 2021, one person was killed in a drunk-driving crash approximately every 39 minutes in the United States.
Contact Our Desert Hot Springs DUI Accident Victim Attorneys
If you were injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver, reach out to our DUI accident victim attorneys in Desert Hot Springs for a free initial consultation. We’ll listen to your story and answer your questions. Call us at (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have A Case?” form.
We extend our services to the areas surrounding Desert Hot Springs, such as Seven Oaks, Rimrock, Forest Falls, Cherry Valley, Beaumont, Banning, Cabazon, Snow Creek, San Jacinto, Hemet, Valle Vista, Palm Springs, Palm Desert, La Quinta, Coachella, Bermuda Dunes, Desert Edge, Morongo Valley, Yucca Valley, Sunfair, Whitewater, and Snow Creek. However, you may consult us about DUI accidents that take place elsewhere in California.
