Long Beach DUI Accident Victim Lawyers
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Long Beach DUI Accident Victim Lawyers Helping You Make Informed Legal Decisions
If you or a loved one got injured in a DUI crash, you can pursue financial compensation with the help of experienced Long Beach DUI accident lawyers. Call Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.
Long Beach, California, is a coastal city located 20 miles from Los Angeles. More than 450,000 Californians make Long Beach their home. Being a hotspot for tourism and travel, the bustling city also sees a significant number of traffic accidents every year, including those caused by drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
The legal team at Arash Law, founded by attorney Arash Khorsandi, Esq., has decades of experience helping injured Californians pursue compensation for their losses after a DUI crash. We aim to help victims and their families move forward with their lives.
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 Dangerous Is It To Drive While Impaired In Long Beach?
It is dangerous to drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. There is no way to make impaired driving safe, so it is important to avoid doing so at all costs. Driving while impaired can cause an accident that will leave another person and their family devastated.
In Long Beach, several roads are especially dangerous when drivers are under the influence of substances. All drivers should be aware of their surroundings and exercise caution when traveling on these roads:
- Long Beach Boulevard
- Anaheim Street
- Willow Street
- Cherry Avenue
- Pacific Coast Highway
- Interstate 710
- Interstate 405
Long Beach is a dangerous city for drunk driving accidents and does not seem to be getting safer. According to the Office of Traffic Safety, 333 victims, out of the 2874 total, were killed or injured in the city in 2020 due to drunk driving, leading to 543 DUI arrests. There are many risk factors that are particular to Long Beach, too. Drivers in the city tend to speed when driving, resulting in 308 fatal and injury crashes that same year.
Unsafe driving practices coupled with driving under the influence lead to tragic accidents. If you suffered an injury or a loved one was killed in a drunk driving accident, contact Arash Law’s DUI accident lawyers in Long Beach for legal guidance.
Common Injuries From DUI Traffic Accidents
DUI traffic accidents can lead to severe injuries and death. Drunk drivers cause collisions that are typically more severe than those caused by sober drivers. Examples of common injuries DUI crash victims sustain include the following:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Head, neck, and back injuries
- Cuts and bruises
- Sprains and strains
- Burns
- Amputations
In some incidents, victims may suffer severe injuries that could lead to death. Our Long Beach DUI accident victim attorneys can assist eligible family members in pursuing a wrongful death action in such cases.
What Is Blood Alcohol Level?
The term “blood-alcohol level” refers to the concentration of alcohol in a driver’s blood. In California, a DUI is considered if a driver’s blood-alcohol level is at or above 0.08 percent.
Remember that drivers can get a DUI even if they are not consuming alcohol but are under the influence of drugs, either prescription or illegal. Drivers can also get a DUI if over-the-counter drugs compromise their ability to drive. That means if a driver takes medication that causes drowsiness, like cough medicine, and gets behind the wheel, they may be guilty of DUI and civilly liable for the injuries they may cause.
Do I Have To Take The Chemical Blood Alcohol Test If I Get Pulled Over?
If a driver is pulled over on suspicion of driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they must submit to a chemical blood-alcohol concentration test. The allegedly impaired driver must either submit to a breath or blood test when asked to do so. Refusal to take the test usually ends with the driver having their license suspended.
What Should I Do After A DUI Traffic Accident?
As a DUI accident victim, the steps you take after an incident are critical to seeking compensation. Consider taking the following steps after being involved in a DUI traffic crash.
Get To Safety
Your safety is important after an accident. If possible, move your car to the side of the road or to another place that will not impede traffic.
Call 911
If you or anyone else involved in the accident suffers an injury, call an ambulance. See a medical professional right after the crash, both for your physical safety and for your legal claim. In addition, be sure to work with the police officer who responds to the scene. California law requires that drivers who are involved in a traffic crash resulting in bodily injury or death make a report to the police.
Start Collecting Evidence
You should start collecting evidence from the accident scene as soon as you can. It is important to collect all available evidence to help you and your attorney properly tell your story, including how the accident happened and the extent of your property damage and injuries. Examples of what you can do when collecting evidence regarding the accident include:
- Take pictures and videos of the accident scene, your injuries, and your property damage.
- Keep an accurate account of all your medical records and bills.
- Get a copy of the official police report.
Call Our Skilled Long Beach DUI Accident Lawyers
Speak to our team of DUI accident attorneys in Long Beach before talking to the opposing insurance company about the accident. Insurance providers often conduct their own investigations to verify claims. In doing so, they may see reasons to dispute certain cases. Having an attorney by your side can help address this concern.
Criminal Penalties For Driving While Impaired
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a serious offense in California. In fact, DUIs can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. The California Vehicle Code provides the following penalties for felony or misdemeanor DUI convictions.
Misdemeanor DUI Conviction
An impaired driver may be charged with a misdemeanor if they have fewer than three DUI convictions on their criminal record. A misdemeanor DUI conviction carries a penalty of six months in county jail and a fine between $390 and $1,000. Further, a misdemeanor conviction may also require the completion of a court-approved DUI program in addition to driving with an ignition interlock device on the car. Impaired drivers may also lose their licenses. A second DUI conviction calls for the driver to spend 96 hours in county jail. If a third DUI conviction occurs within ten years, the minimum jail time for the convicted driver is 120 days.
Felony Conviction
If a driver has four or more DUI convictions, they may be charged with a felony DUI conviction, which can lead to extensive time in state prison, large fines, probation, and loss of license. Furthermore, the Department of Motor Vehicles may require the driver with a felony DUI conviction on their record to register as a habitual offender. This designation can stay on the driver’s record for years.
Penalties For Drivers Under The Age Of 21
Drivers under the age of 21 face penalties if they operate a vehicle with a blood-alcohol level of 0.01 percent or more, which is much stricter than the state limit of 0.08 percent.
Penalties For Commercial Vehicle Drivers
Commercial drivers are held to a higher standard than other drivers. They are prohibited from operating a commercial vehicle if they have a blood-alcohol level of 0.04 percent or higher. Such precaution makes the roads safer because commercial drivers typically drive much larger and heavier vehicles than other motorists.
Civil Damages Available In DUI Traffic Accident Lawsuits
Under California law, DUI accident victims can seek compensation for their losses and injuries. Some losses are easy to see and prove, while others are harder to describe and determine. Experienced Long Beach DUI accident attorneys can present your case to help you pursue the compensation available under the law.
Economic Damages
Damages available in DUI accidents are generally divided into economic, non-economic, and punitive. Economic damages are physical and tangible losses. An experienced attorney can help you document and calculate these damages. Examples of economic damages include:
- Current and future medical bills, the cost of rehabilitation, medical equipment, and other medical expenses.
- Property damage.
- Current and future lost income.
- Lost earning capacity.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are intangible losses that a victim may face after a DUI accident. These damages can be difficult to establish, so hiring an attorney may be a wise choice. They can help you file a claim for various non-economic damages, including the following:
- Mental anguish
- Permanent disability
- Decreased quality and loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship
- Pain and suffering
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are not compensatory. That means it is not meant to repay the victim for their economic or non-economic damages. California law allows a DUI accident victim to seek punitive damages if the defendant’s conduct involves oppression, malice, or fraud. If your case qualifies for punitive damages, skilled Long Beach DUI accident attorneys can pursue them on your behalf.
When Will My DUI Accident Case Be Resolved?
Every lawsuit is different, and there is no exact timeline for a settlement or court verdict. Several factors contribute to how quickly your DUI accident case can be resolved. The following are some of the things that affect the speed of your case:
Negotiations
Most civil lawsuits begin in the negotiation phase, where plaintiffs negotiate with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. It’s vital to remember that insurance companies carefully review claims to identify and prevent fraudulent cases. Insufficient evidence may lead to disputes, denials, or delays.
Our Long Beach DUI accident victim lawyers can help you gather crucial evidence and handle insurance negotiations. We will advocate for your interests throughout this process.
Evidence
The evidence available also determines how long it will take to resolve your case. Sometimes, having an abundance of evidence near the beginning of your case can support your case. On the other hand, if there is little or circumstantial evidence of liability, the negotiations may take longer. When your case turns into a lawsuit, the trial date is set according to the court’s schedule and the availability of the parties, which may also affect the timeline.
Recovery Time
You should not settle your case until you have fully healed from your injuries. After a traffic accident, some victims may not be aware of the extent of their injuries for days, weeks, or months. Settling too quickly can affect your case, as a detailed assessment is essential to gauge the potential value of your claim.
Your attorney will likely advise you to follow your doctor’s recommendations for treatment. Since settlements are generally binding once signed, taking the time to assess your situation fully is critical. Our DUI accident lawyers in Long Beach can evaluate your case properly.
Settlement in a motor vehicle accident; client suffered internal injuries.– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
Why Is Having Experienced Long Beach DUI Accident Lawyers Important?
DUI accidents can be complex. A legal professional can help you navigate the process of filing a claim for compensation. An attorney can manage communications with insurance companies and represent your legal interests throughout the claims process. Further, attorneys can assist in proving certain types of damages, such as punitive and non-economic damages. Experienced DUI accident attorneys in Long Beach can compile evidence on your behalf to support your case.How Will My Attorney Help Me?
An attorney can investigate the facts of your case. They can guide you through the legal process following a car accident. Your lawyer can also work to identify potentially liable parties and help you file a claim against them. When it comes to settlement negotiations, they can advocate for your interests throughout the process.What Should I Look For In Long Beach DUI Accident Lawyers?
Take time to decide what you want in an attorney before you hire one. Certain qualities make an attorney the right match for you and your claim. Consider the following as you interview attorneys to represent you in your DUI traffic accident claim.
Experience
DUI accident cases are incredibly intricate. It may make you feel more comfortable if the attorney you hire has adequate experience. After all, experience should be a key consideration when hiring Long Beach DUI accident attorneys. Examine the lawyer’s experience and track record before hiring.
Availability
Your attorney should be available to answer your questions whenever you need them. Many DUI accident cases involve several moving parts that are not limited to traditional office hours. Consider hiring a legal counsel whose colleagues and staff work as a team. Teamwork means that when one cannot answer quickly, another can take the call to address your questions. Since accessibility is important, it may help if your legal team is available via text message.
Price For Service
Most Long Beach DUI accident lawyers who handle civil litigation charge on a contingency fee basis. In a contingency fee agreement, you only pay attorney fees if they obtain compensation on your behalf. However, certain case-related costs may still apply regardless of the outcome.
Meanwhile, some firms may charge hourly rates, which can quickly add up. Consider clarifying these payment arrangements before moving forward with an attorney.
Answers Questions Fully
You should never leave your attorney’s office or end a phone call with more questions than answers. The lawyer you choose to represent you in this important matter should be knowledgeable about the law and can anticipate potential outcomes for your case. They can prepare you for any possible outcome that may happen as your case progresses.
Shows Concern For Your Case
Building a good working relationship with your legal team is important, and part of that is feeling like they understand the gravity of your situation and the mixed emotions you have, like anxiety and stress, surrounding your case. Consider getting an attorney who shows compassion in handling cases like yours.
If you or a family member suffered an injury or died in a DUI traffic accident, contact Arash Law’s Long Beach DUI accident lawyers for legal guidance. They can provide legal representation when pursuing financial compensation for your losses.
Contact Our Long Beach DUI Accident Lawyers
Arash Law has years of experience helping injured victims. We offer the legal representation and support they need after an accident. Our Long Beach DUI accident lawyers can help you pursue compensation if you suffered an injury or lost a loved one due to the carelessness of an impaired driver.
Our DUI accident attorneys in Long Beach are committed to managing your DUI accident claim on your behalf. Contact us at (888) 488-1391 or complete our contact form to schedule a free, no-obligation initial case evaluation. We look forward to speaking with you.
We also offer services to nearby cities like Signal Hill, Seal Beach, Carson, Lakewood, Lomita, Los Alamitos, Hawaiian Gardens, Paramount, Compton, Bellflower, Artesia, Torrance, and Cypress.
