Bakersfield Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers
We’ll tell you if you have a case or not, call (888) 488-1391 — We’re here 24 hours a day.
Our Bakersfield Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers Are Here To Make It Right, When You’ve Been Wronged
Getting injured in a drunk driving accident can leave you with physical, emotional, and financial burdens that may feel impossible to overcome. Don’t navigate this challenging process alone; let us handle the legal battle. Our skilled Bakersfield drunk driving accident lawyers have helped countless victims like you pursue justice and compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Call Arash Law today at (888) 488-1391 for a free case evaluation.
Despite laws prohibiting drunk driving, many continue to put lives at risk. The financial toll of a drunk driving accident should never fall on the injured party or their family. Let our experienced and compassionate attorneys hold the negligent parties accountable and guide you through the legal process. While we take on the complexities of insurance claims, you can focus on what matters most: healing and rebuilding your life.
Why Work With Our Bakersfield Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers
Our drunk driving accident attorneys in Bakersfield are committed to providing expert guidance, aggressive representation, and unwavering support throughout your case. Here are some of the key benefits of working with our team:
- Expertise — Arash Law, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., has received numerous awards and recognitions from the industry’s top organizations. We have a formidable team with extensive knowledge of California’s drunk driving regulations. Our lawyers have successfully negotiated complex drunk driving incident cases and work relentlessly to ensure that our clients get the maximum compensation possible.
- Contingency Fees — We offer our services on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs. If we don’t win your case, you don’t pay anything. Accident victims can get access to top-notch representation immediately without the burden of legal fees.
- Personalized Legal Service — We are committed to representing your interests and keeping you informed throughout the entire process. Our dedicated case managers are available to assist you at any time, ensuring you receive the support you need.
- Impressive Track Record — As one of the biggest personal injury law firms in California, we have a proven history of obtaining substantial settlements for accident victims across the state. Our firm has successfully recovered millions of dollars for clients in Bakersfield and beyond. In one of our notable cases, a drunk driver veered across double yellow lines on a two-lane highway, colliding head-on with our client’s vehicle. The crash resulted in the tragic loss of a mother and wife. Despite the defense’s efforts to challenge the insured’s coverage and liability, we secured a $6 million settlement.
What initially seemed like a routine rear-end collision, commonly known as a “fender bender,” turned into a significant settlement with high maximum limits for a client who suffered lower back disc injuries. The case was resolved just two weeks before the scheduled trial commencement.– BRIAN BEECHER
How Our Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys Can Help You
Insurance companies are profit-driven businesses. They might make low-ball settlement offers, hoping you’ll accept them without ever consulting an attorney. Unfortunately, many accident victims, unaware of their rights, fall into this trap and settle for far less than they deserve.
At Arash Law, we refuse to let this happen. Our skilled Bakersfield drunk driving accident lawyers are committed to standing up to insurance companies. Our team will fight relentlessly to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you’re entitled to.
We offer a wide range of services, including:
- Investigation — We leave no stone unturned in investigating the details of your drunk driving accident. Our team can gather vital evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and accident scene photographs, to build a strong case.
- Case Assessment — Our experienced team will carefully evaluate the extent of your damages. We take the time to fully understand how your injuries have impacted your life, ensuring that no aspect of your recovery is overlooked.
- Negotiation — We represent your best interests in negotiations with insurance companies. We aim to secure a settlement that accurately reflects the full scope of your damages.
- Court Representation — If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, we are prepared to take your case to court. Our attorneys will build a compelling case, presenting strong evidence and arguments to support your claim.
- Personalized Assistance — Our accident lawyers in Bakersfield provide you with personalized assistance throughout the entire process. Our team understands that this is a difficult time, and we are committed to being there for you.
How Our Lawyers Prove Negligence In A Drunk Driving Accident Case
If the defendant was driving under the influence when the accident happened, the concept of negligence per se may apply. This means that negligence is assumed if:
- The defendant violated a law or regulation.
- This violation directly caused the plaintiff’s injuries.
- The law was designed to prevent the type of injury the plaintiff suffered.
This assumption can be challenged. However, if negligence per se is proven, the plaintiff only needs to show the extent of their damages to receive compensation. Our drunk driving accident lawyers in Bakersfield can gather and present compelling evidence that demonstrates the driver’s impairment and the resulting harm you suffered. We can:
- Obtain the police report.
- Interview witnesses.
- Work with accident reconstruction specialists.
- Search for surveillance videos in the area.
- Examine photographs and videos taken at the accident scene.
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Parties That Can Be Held Liable For A Drunk Driving Accident
While drunk drivers are typically held responsible for accidents they cause, other parties may also be partially or fully accountable. Here are some of them:
- Parents — Under California’s “negligent entrustment” laws, parents can be held liable if they knowingly allow their minor children to drive while intoxicated or unlicensed.
- Bars, Clubs, And Restaurant Owners — California law limits Dram Shop liability, but establishments can be held accountable if they knowingly serve alcohol to minors or obviously intoxicated individuals. This applies even in Bakersfield.
- Party Hosts — Social hosts in California are not typically liable for damages caused by an intoxicated adult guest. However, if a social host serves alcohol to a minor, they may be responsible for any injuries or property damage the minor causes while driving drunk.
- Drunk Driver’s Employer — Employers may be held responsible under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior if the employee was acting within the scope of their employment when the accident occurred. For example, if a delivery driver in Bakersfield is drunk while performing work duties, the employer might share liability.
Identifying all responsible parties in a drunk driving accident can be complex. However, experienced drunk driving attorneys in Bakersfield can help you navigate this process. Our team will ensure you get the best possible outcome for your case.
Recoverable Damages For Victims Of Drunk Drivers
Insurance companies may use various strategies to minimize settlement offers or even deny compensation entirely. It is important to remember that you have the right to pursue justice and hold the responsible party accountable for the harm caused to you and your family. Our car accident lawyers can help you get compensated for the following:
- Medical expenses include the costs of treatments, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation, such as physical therapy and chiropractic care.
- Lost wages, including loss of future wages, if the injury results in long-term or permanent disability.
- Costs of repairing or replacing damaged property.
- Pain and suffering, including emotional trauma, anxiety, depression, and lost quality of life.
If a drunk driver causes the death of a loved one, the surviving family members have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit. This type of lawsuit seeks compensation for the loss of companionship, emotional distress, and other financial losses resulting from the fatal accident.
Our team of dedicated Bakersfield attorneys, who specialize in drunk driving accidents, is here to help you through this difficult time. Call us at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free case review.
What To Do After A Drunk Driving Accident
It’s natural to feel uncertain about what steps to take after a drunk driving crash. The most important thing is to stay calm and take the right steps to protect yourself. Bakersfield personal injury lawyers recommend doing the following:
- Call 911 — Prioritize safety. Move to a safer place and check yourself for injuries. It is always advisable to have paramedics check your injuries, even if they seem minor.
- Report The Accident To Proper Authorities — Contact the Bakersfield Police Department and ensure an official report is filed. Notify the attending officer that you believe a drunk driver struck you. Describe any indications of intoxication, such as slurred speech or the smell of alcohol.
- Document Everything — If possible, collect any relevant information, including the drunk driver’s name, telephone number, license plate number, and insurance details. Gather witness contact information, if any. Take photos of the accident site and the damages. Keep track of your medical expenses, treatments, and other costs.
- Seek Medical Attention — See a physician as soon as possible. Ensure you consult your doctor about your injuries and follow the treatment plan strictly. Keep all appointments, including those with specialists.
- Contact Arash Law — Get in touch with our Bakersfield drunk driving accident lawyers right away. You will have a better chance of winning your case if you seek legal counsel as soon as possible. Our team will handle everything so you can focus on your recovery.
Gomez v. PG Transportation (settled on 8/11/2023) – settlement involving a man who was struck by a car resulting in a mild traumatic brain injury as well as other orthopedic injuries.– TINA ESHGHIEH
Statute Of Limitations For Drunk Driving Accident Cases
The statute of limitations sets the legal deadline for filing a claim after an accident. In California, the statute of limitations for bringing a personal injury case after a drunk driving collision is two years from the date of the incident. If you fail to file your lawsuit within this timeframe, you may lose your right to seek compensation for your injuries and damages.
There are, however, some exceptions to this rule that could shorten or extend the deadline. Thus, it is crucial to take legal action as soon as possible. If you are asking yourself, “Do I need a personal injury lawyer for my drunk driving case?” the answer is yes. Contact us at (888) 488-1391; our drunk driving accident lawyers in Bakersfield are ready to take your call 24/7.
Drunk Driving Accident Statistics
Driving under the influence of alcohol remains one of the greatest threats to road safety in California. In 2021, there were 1,370 alcohol-related deaths statewide, representing a 16% increase from 2020. These fatalities accounted for nearly one-third (32%) of all traffic-related deaths.
According to provisional data from UC Berkeley’s Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS), there were 355 incidents of alcohol-related fatalities and injuries in Bakersfield in 2023, averaging 293.6 cases annually over the past five years.
If a drunk driver has injured you or a loved one, don’t wait to seek help. Speak with our Bakersfield drunk driving accident attorneys today to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Is My Drunk Driving Accident Case Worth?
Determining how much a drunk driving accident case is worth can be complex, as various factors influence the compensation you may receive. While it’s challenging to pinpoint an exact amount, the following factors typically play a key role in the value of your claim:
- The extent and severity of injuries sustained.
- The scope of your current and future medical treatments.
- Your lost income.
- Your ability to work following the collision.
- The extent of property damage.
- The accident’s impact on your quality of life.
If you were injured by an impaired driver, our experienced Bakersfield drunk driving accident attorneys are here to help. We will thoroughly review your case, identify the factors that could affect your claim, and build a strong strategy to maximize your financial recovery. Call us at (888) 488-1391 to get legal advice free of charge.
How Long Will It Take To Settle My Drunk Driving Accident Case?
There are several factors affecting the settlement timeline for a drunk driving incident claim. These factors include the complexity of the case, the legal procedures involved, and the willingness of the parties to settle. Your Bakersfield drunk driving accident lawyers can give you an approximate timeline based on the facts of your claim.
Will My Drunk Driving Accident Case Go To Trial?
In most cases, drunk driving accident claims are resolved through settlements outside of court. However, there are situations where a fair agreement cannot be reached, and taking the case to trial becomes necessary. Your Bakersfield drunk driving accident attorney will protect you in court and represent your best interests as an injured victim if this happens.
A Family Member Was Killed By A Drunk Driver. Do I Have Any Legal Options I Can Pursue In Bakersfield?
If someone dies as a result of another person’s wrongful, reckless, negligent, or intentional actions, surviving family members can sue for damages. If the estate wins the lawsuit, they may recover burial expenses, lost income, and compensation for the loss of their loved one’s company and support. Consult with our experienced drunk driving accident lawyers in Bakersfield right away to determine whether you have a valid claim.
How Much Will It Cost To Hire An Accident Attorney In Bakersfield?
Should I Accept A Settlement From My Insurance Company For A Drunk Driving Accident?
It is not advisable to accept any settlement from insurance companies without first consulting a lawyer. Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts, and their initial offers may not account for the full extent of your injuries, damages, and future expenses. To ensure a fair settlement, it is always advisable to speak with drunk driving accident lawyers in Bakersfield to understand your options.
Contact The Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers Bakersfield Relies On
If you or a loved one is injured in a drunk driving accident, you do not need to face this challenging time alone. Arash Law is here to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. We’ve secured over $500 million in settlements and awards, demonstrating our commitment to achieving the best possible results for our clients.
Call our Bakersfield drunk driving accident attorneys at (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I have a case?” form. Our team also handles other types of personal injury cases, including Uber and Lyft accidents, truck collisions, motorcycle crashes, pedestrian accidents, slip and falls, dog bite cases, and more. We provide legal services in neighboring locations, including Oildale, Lamont, Arvin, Shafter, Wasco, Taft, Delano, and Tehachapi.