Napa County DUI Accident Victim Lawyers
We’ll tell you if you have a case or not, call (888) 488-1391 — We’re here 24 hours a day.
Our Dedicated Napa County DUI Accident Victim Lawyers Put Legal Guidance Within Your Reach
Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs endangers both drivers and other road users. Despite existing regulations, a lot of people continue to drive while intoxicated. The number of fatalities and injuries from DUI accidents continues to climb every year in Napa County. If you were injured in one of these accidents, you can schedule a free initial consultation with Arash Law. Call our Napa County DUI accident victim lawyers at (888) 488-1391.
Home to the world-famous Napa Valley, Napa County is a destination that entices visitors with its picturesque vineyards, world-class wineries, and charming villages. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast looking for exceptional vintages or a nature lover craving scenic hikes, Napa County has something in store for you. Despite its old-world charm, the county has, unfortunately, seen its fair share of DUI-related accidents.
Our DUI accident victim lawyers are committed to advocating for the rights of injured individuals after such crashes. We’re ready to do the same for you. Contact us, and we’ll work with you to determine how we can help you seek accountability and compensation based on your specific situation.
A farm worker, suffered multiple broken bones and other orthopedic injuries resulting from an auto accident where the defendant driver attempted to make a left turn in front of our client in heavy fog.– ARASH KHORSANDI
How Can Our Napa County DUI Accident Victim Lawyers Help?
You might find the process for pursuing compensation challenging, especially if you’re still recovering from your injuries. Our DUI accident victim lawyers in Napa County can work to ease that burden. Here’s how:
- We’ll Help You Understand Your Rights
Our Napa County lawyers, who have worked with countless DUI accident victims in the past, will explain the claims process in simple terms so you are aware of your rights and options. We will walk you through each step involved in pursuing compensation, explaining what every stage entails and what decisions you may need to make. - We’ll Build A Well-Supported Case
Establishing a case that demonstrates the other party’s liability and the extent of your damages is necessary to pursue compensation. Our Napa County DUI accident victim lawyers can handle that for you. We’ll gather information, interview witnesses, and work with experts such as medical professionals or accident reconstruction specialists if necessary. - We’ll Handle Negotiations with Insurers
Insurance companies may not be aware of the full extent of your damages and may end up offering low settlement offers. Our Napa County DUI accident victim lawyers can help by independently assessing the value of your losses so we can negotiate with them on your behalf. - We’ll Represent You in Court
If negotiations fall through, our Napa County DUI accident victim attorneys can represent you in court. We may call on witnesses and evidence to back your claim.
Why Bring Your DUI Case To Our Attorneys?
If you’re the victim of a DUI accident, consider having skilled Napa County lawyers on your side. Arash Law is dedicated to protecting your rights and interests. We’ll take the time to get to know you and your case so we can take a client-focused approach to handling a valid claim.
Our lawyers have years of cumulative experience helping clients pursue DUI accident claims. We can bring that experience to your case if you need assistance with case preparation, skilled representation, and strategic negotiation.
Our team also believes in maintaining open lines of communication with our clients. We’ll keep you informed every step of the way.
Are you wondering if you have a valid claim? We offer a free initial consultation to answer any questions you may have. Call our hotline at (888) 488-1391 to speak to one of our case managers.
What Is A DUI?
A DUI is a serious offense that involves operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs such as marijuana, methamphetamine, and LSD. These substances can significantly impair a person’s ability to make sound decisions, react quickly, and operate a vehicle safely.
In addition, alcohol and drug use can blur vision, reduce depth perception, and cause difficulty adjusting to glare — all of which are crucial for safe driving. Impaired drivers may take unnecessary risks, such as speeding, tailgating, or ignoring traffic signals.
Our DUI accident victim lawyers in Napa County are staunch advocates against impaired driving. Through experienced legal representation and strategic community engagement, our attorneys are dedicated to both assisting victims in their recovery journey and effecting meaningful change to reduce DUI incidents across California.
Drunk Driving Laws In Napa County, California
In Napa County and the rest of California, driving while under the influence of either alcohol, drugs, or both is a grave violation that carries heavy penalties for anyone found guilty. The state does not determine whether the drugs are legal or not, as the primary concern is the driver’s actions. If using drugs makes one a dangerous driver, then they are going against the law.
Section 23152 of the Vehicle Code defines the state’s provisions for DUI offenses. The main points are as follows:
- Operating a car while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a mixture of both is illegal.
- Driving is prohibited for anyone with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher.
- It is illegal to drive with a BAC of 0.01% or higher if you are under 21 years old or on DUI probation.
- The BAC limit is 0.04% for those who operate passenger-for-hire vehicles (e.g., taxi and Uber drivers) or any other vehicle requiring a commercial driver’s license, such as trucks.
A driver may still be arrested for DUI, even if their BAC is below the legal limit. Authorities may request that the driver blow into a breathalyzer or submit to a field sobriety test. If they find that the levels are beyond the limit, the driver may face serious consequences. A DUI charge then starts with two distinct processes: the suspension of his driver’s license by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the filing of criminal charges.
The specifics of the case dictate the penalties. If you’d like to know more, our Napa County DUI accident victim lawyers can further explain the repercussions DUI drivers may receive, along with their potential responsibility to compensate you for your injuries. Most first-time violators in Napa County may face the following sanctions:
- Six-month suspension of the driver’s license.
- Fines up to $1,000.
- A maximum of six months in Napa County jail.
- Community service.
- Three to nine months of attendance in DUI school.
- Installation of a breathalyzer ignition interlock device.
Penalties are harsher for second or multiple DUI offenses within a 10-year period. The driver may be required to pay fees up to $10,000. Additionally, they may be compelled to serve several months or years in a county jail or state prison, have their driving privileges suspended for up to five years, and spend up to 30 months in a DUI school.
Common Injuries In DUI Accidents
Drunk and drugged driving accidents can lead to very serious injuries. The following are some of the most common injuries suffered by DUI accident victims in Napa County:
- Broken Bones — Broken bones or fractures are painful and can take a long time to heal.
- Road Rash — Road rash can happen when a driver or passenger is ejected from the vehicle and slides across the road. Road rash typically appears on the hands, arms, knees, or legs and can lead to infection if not properly treated.
- Spinal Cord Injuries — Spinal cord injuries can occur and can lead to more extensive injuries, such as brain trauma or paralysis.
- Internal Organ Injuries — Sometimes, internal bleeding and organ damage can result from an accident. Diagnosis of internal organ damage requires a physical examination.
- Brain Injuries — Brain injuries can happen if a driver or passenger is struck in the head during an accident.
- Amputations — Some car accident injuries can be so severe that amputation is necessary. In such cases, the limb must be surgically removed due to extensive damage.
- Deaths — DUI accidents may result in fatalities.
If you’re injured, know that our Napa County DUI accident victim lawyers are only one call away. Regardless of the injuries you sustained, we can help you find medical specialists who can assess their extent and potentially treat your injuries. We’ll also consider medical bills and lost earnings when building your case.
Liability In DUI Accidents
A DUI accident can result in painful and life-altering injuries. If you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, you may be able to sue the liable party for damages with the help of a DUI accident victim attorney in Napa County.
DUI is considered negligence per se. In other words, if a driver is proven to be intoxicated and causes an accident, they’re presumed to be negligent. However, this doesn’t mean that the driver is automatically at fault and liable for the accident.
For example, a drunk driver stopped at a red light is struck head-on by a speeding driver. In this scenario, while the first driver’s DUI is a separate offense, their intoxication likely didn’t cause the accident. They may even have a valid claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
To hold a drunk driver liable for your losses, you’ll still need to prove that their intoxication caused the accident and your injuries. Evidence can include breathalyzer or blood test results, witness testimonies, CCTV footage, and police reports.
Our DUI accident victim lawyers in Napa County can help you secure such evidence. They can also help evaluate the specifics of the accident to determine the best course of action you can take, depending on your situation.
Compensation For DUI Accident Victims In Napa County
With the help of our Napa County DUI accident victim lawyers, you may pursue compensation for the following:
Economic Damages
This type of compensation is meant to aid you in recovering financially from the accident. It includes reimbursement for tangible financial losses, such as:
- Ambulance costs
- Emergency medical bills
- Miscellaneous medical expenses
- Rehabilitative care
- Mental health treatment
- Loss of income
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Vehicle repairs/replacement
Non-Economic Damages
You may also be entitled to non-economic damages. While these are more challenging to quantify compared to economic losses, they play a significant role in helping DUI victims cope with the long-term effects of the accident. This type of compensation addresses the emotional and psychological consequences of the accident, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disfigurement
- Physical impairment
- Loss of enjoyment
Punitive Damages
In exceptional situations, DUI victims may be eligible to claim punitive damages against the reckless drivers. Punitive damages are not meant to compensate the plaintiff for their losses. Instead, they are intended to punish the defendant for negligent behavior and deter others from engaging in similar conduct in the future.
December 2016: $22M+ verdict in a mild traumatic brain injury case. The entire details of the case can be found in the public record filings by the defendant entity that sued its defense.– BRIAN BEECHER
What To Do After You Are Injured In A DUI Accident
DUI accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. When it happens to you, you need to maintain your composure and act quickly to ensure your safety and protect your rights. Here are examples of steps you can take after a DUI accident:
- Examine yourself and other passengers for any injuries.
Immediately check yourself and other passengers for visible injuries. If anyone’s injured or in pain, do not move them. Dial 911 right away and remain still until the emergency responders show up. - Move to safety.
If it’s safe to do so, move your vehicle and park it on the side of the road. Turn the emergency lights on. If your injuries prevent you from driving, ask for help from other motorists or bystanders. - Call the police.
No matter how bad the situation is, you must still contact the police. The police record will also be vital when filing an insurance claim. - Share necessary information with the parties involved.
Remember to get the other parties’ information, including their identification, insurance, and car details. However, do not overshare while communicating with them. When you offer your opinion on what happened, you may end up accidentally admitting fault for the accident. - Document the scene of the accident.
Try to get images of the accident site as well as the injuries you sustained. These pictures can serve as proof when processing your insurance claim. It can also be used in court if your case goes to trial. - Seek medical attention.
You need to get medical attention, even if you feel well initially. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent due to the shock or adrenaline rush experienced during the incident. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent potential complications that could arise from untreated injuries. Moreover, you can use the medical report to support your claim later on. - Consult our reliable Napa County DUI accident victim attorneys.
Our Napa County DUI accident victim lawyers can guide you through your next steps. We can also help you file a claim and pursue compensation for your losses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Other Parties Be Liable In A DUI Accident?
A DUI driver who causes an accident must answer for their carelessness and dangerous actions. However, other parties can also be accountable for the collision, such as the hosts of private parties and the owners of bars, clubs, and restaurants.
Under Section 1714 of the California Civil Code, if a parent, guardian, or any other adult knowingly provides alcohol to someone they know is under 21 years of age, they may be held accountable if the latter causes an accident. Similarly, if a bar or liquor establishment’s employees knowingly serve or sell alcohol to an obviously intoxicated minor, they can also be held liable.
If you have been injured in a DUI accident in Napa County, reach out to our experienced lawyers. We can help you explore every available avenue for compensation and potentially pursue claims against the liable parties. We may also be able to help get your vehicle repaired or replaced and provide complimentary transportation to meetings you might have to attend during the claims process.
What Is Wrongful Death In A DUI Accident?
The prevailing law in California concerning wrongful death allows the surviving family members of a victim who died in a DUI accident to file a claim. Through this, they can pursue compensation to address the impact of the death of their loved one.
The following individuals are allowed to file a wrongful death claim:
- The deceased’s surviving spouse or domestic partner.
- The deceased’s surviving children.
- Anyone who would be entitled to the property of the deceased through intestate succession may bring a wrongful death lawsuit if there are no survivors in the deceased’s line of descent. This can include the deceased’s parents or siblings, depending on who is alive at the time of the victim’s death.
The “one action rule” requires all eligible parties to act collectively as plaintiffs in a single wrongful death lawsuit. The primary objective of this rule is to prevent multiple lawsuits for the same wrongful death incident.
If one of your loved ones passed as a result of a DUI collision, reach out to our Napa County accident victim lawyers. While no amount of money can make up for your loss, a wrongful death claim can potentially provide financial relief.
What Is The Statute Of Limitations For DUI Accidents In Napa County, California?
In cases involving motor vehicle accidents and personal injuries, victims must initiate legal action within two years of the incident. If they miss the deadline, their case will be considered “time-barred,” which will prevent them from pursuing any potential monetary compensation.
It’s also important to note that, depending on the specifics of your case, certain exceptions may extend or shorten the time you have to file your claim. Our Napa County personal injury lawyers can help explain these exceptions, discuss which ones might apply to your case, and assist with filing a claim within the required timeframe.
DUI Accident Statistics In Napa County, California
In 2020, the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) reported 14 DUI arrests in Napa County alone. The agency also recorded 1,370 alcohol-impaired driving fatalities in California in 2021. This figure accounted for 32% of all 4,285 traffic-related deaths.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), around 37 people nationwide die in DUI-related collisions every day, or one in every 39 minutes. On average, around 10,850 people have died in drunk-driving crashes annually since 2012.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed that 54% of drivers gravely injured in collisions between September 2019 and July 2021 tested positive for drugs or alcohol at seven trauma centers.
Consult Our Napa County DUI Accident Victim Lawyers
DUI accidents can have serious consequences. If you want to pursue accountability, you can schedule a consultation with our Napa County DUI accident victim attorneys. We’ll help you understand your rights, explore your options, and discuss what may be the most effective course of action for your claim.
At Arash Law, we understand that the legal battle that follows a DUI crash can be stressful. Our dedicated attorneys can help you seek the compensation you may be entitled to. Contact (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.
We serve clients throughout California. That includes Napa County and neighboring areas such as Clearlake, Middletown, Brooks, Esparto, Wood, Davis, Dixon, Vacaville, Fairfield, Vallejo, Novato, Petaluma, Sonoma, Santa Rosa, Healdsburg, Cloverdale, San Rafael, and Bodega Bay.
