Madera 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 Award-Winning Madera DUI Accident Victim Lawyers Are Here For You When You Need Us Most
Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs is a reckless practice that has killed many innocent people. Each year, hundreds of individuals—particularly in Madera, California—fall prey to DUI-related collisions, shattering families and destroying communities. If you are a victim, contact our Madera DUI accident victim lawyers at (888) 488-1391 to protect your right to compensation. We offer free initial consultations and a “no win, no fee” guarantee.
Madera County is located in Central California, resting peacefully in the Sierra Nevada foothills. It’s best known for its breathtaking landscapes and award-winning wineries. Madera County is a great place for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, and camping. Yosemite National Park is also just a short drive away.
Like any other place, however, there is the possibility of various accidents happening to locals and tourists alike. Among them are DUI accidents caused by negligent drivers. If you’re injured in one of these incidents, we are here for you. Our Madera DUI accident victim attorneys will fight for your rights and help you win your case.
Arash Law, managed by the esteemed attorney Arash Khorsandi, Esq., ensures reckless drivers are held accountable for their actions. Our track record speaks for itself. We have secured over $750 Million in compensation for our clients. Our team is dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for your case. We will be by your side every step of the way.
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 Madera DUI Accident Victim Lawyers Help?
Our DUI accident victim lawyers in Madera are consistently victorious in securing millions for our clients through court rulings and out-of-court negotiations. Our goal is to help victims cope with the consequences of accidents caused by someone else’s negligence.
We are also determined to provide you with:
- Legal Guidance
Our lawyers will guide you throughout the entire process. We will help you comply with the legal requirements, understand your rights, and pursue just compensation for your losses and injuries. - An Extensive Investigation
We will thoroughly investigate your accident to gather evidence and build a compelling case on your behalf. Our team will work with experts, such as medical professionals and accident reconstruction specialists, to establish liability. - Settlement Negotiation
Our attorneys are expert negotiators who know how to fight for just compensation from the at-fault party and their insurance company. We leverage our legal knowledge and expertise to make sure victims receive payment for their medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages - Court Trial Representation
Our Madera DUI accident victim attorneys are prepared to go to court if a settlement cannot be reached. We will remain by your side until you obtain the payment you are due.
If someone’s negligence has caused you harm, don’t let worries about expensive legal bills stop you from pursuing justice. We work on a contingency basis, so unless we win your case, you won’t owe us anything.
Why Choose Our DUI Accident Victim Attorneys?
Injured in a DUI accident? Our Madera DUI accident victim lawyers can guide you through the claims process. When you choose us, you also choose:
Expertise In DUI-Related Cases
Our Madera lawyers for victims are experts in DUI accidents. We are well-versed in the rules, statutes, and legal procedures concerning these cases. We’ve helped countless victims in similar situations navigate the legal system and achieve successful outcomes. Call us today and let our experience work for you.
Strong Legal Representation
Navigating the legal system can be stressful and challenging, particularly when handling a DUI accident case. However, our Madera personal injury lawyers can offer strong legal representation and ensure your voice is heard in and out of court.
Advocates To Protect Your Rights
Sustaining injuries in a DUI accident is distressing, and you may not be in the best mental state to handle the legal legwork. Throughout the process, our DUI accident victim lawyers in Madera will protect your rights and make sure you receive fair treatment. We will communicate on your behalf with the law enforcement authorities, insurers, and other concerned parties.
Skilled Negotiators To Maximize Your Compensation
DUI accidents can leave you with medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. You deserve to be compensated for your losses, and our skilled negotiators will fight to get you the maximum settlement amount from the insurance company. Our Madera DUI accident victim lawyers understand the challenges of these cases and won’t back down until you receive what you’re owed.
What Is A DUI?
Driving under the influence, or DUI, refers to the act of operating a vehicle of any type while being affected by alcohol or drugs. When a driver gets arrested for a DUI, it essentially implies that the police have a compelling reason to think they were too drunk or impaired to drive safely.
According to the California Vehicle Code, drivers should not operate a car while intoxicated. Section 23152(a) specifically provides that it is unlawful for anyone who is under the influence of drugs or alcoholic beverages to drive a vehicle. The legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit for most drivers is 0.08%. A person’s ability to drive is considered impaired if a test shows their BAC is at or above 0.08%.
For commercial vehicle drivers, such as those operating large trucks and Uber vehicles, the legal limit is even stricter, at 0.04%. After all, accidents involving trucks are particularly dangerous. Furthermore, it is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to drive with detectable alcohol in their system. The same code punishes those who have caused the deaths of others due to their actions.
Our Madera lawyers for victims can help you pursue a claim against the people liable for the DUI accident. We will collect evidence of the drunk driver’s negligence, including blood tests, their driving history, and even social media posts. Contact us now to see how else we can help.
What Are The Penalties For DUI Crimes In Madera?
Anyone convicted of DUI in Madera is bound to receive criminal penalties, including lengthy sentences in jail, huge fines, license suspension or revocation, probation, and the need to use an ignition interlock device while driving.
In most cases, first-time DUI offenders will receive the following penalties as per California Vehicle Code Chapter 2, Articles 2 and 3:
- Prison term from 10 to 20 days or more, depending on the sentence;
- A fine of almost $2,000;
- Up to 5 years of rehabilitation for potential involvement in narcotics or, if found alcoholic;
- 3 to 9 months of attendance in a DUI program;
- Strictly prohibited from taking alcohol during the treatment period; and
- 6-month suspension of the driver’s license.
Even if these penalties are significant and effective deterrents, they might not be enough to serve justice for DUI victims. Following an intoxicated driving collision, DUI victims frequently experience extreme financial, emotional, and physical struggles.
Many have crippling injuries or lifelong impairments that keep them from leading regular, productive lives. You and your family are entitled to pursue damages for the accident’s lasting impact on your life.
Hire the best DUI accident victim lawyers Madera relies on. Our firm will help you file a claim against the at-fault parties. We will strive to resolve your case amicably and negotiate a reasonable settlement, ensuring you get paid and the at-fault parties are held accountable.
How Does A DUI Accident Impact Your Life As A Victim?
The drunk driver will eventually face the consequences of their wrongdoings. However, the true burden falls on the victims, who have no choice but to suffer the unexpected disruption of their lives. DUI accidents often leave victims facing financial hardship. Victims often face a long road to recovery, burdened by medical bills and other expenses that can last years or even a lifetime.
Our top-rated Madera DUI accident victim attorneys are here to ensure you receive excellent legal services. We’ll fight to recover the compensation you need to move forward with your life.
Common Injuries Following A DUI Accident
Here are some of the common injuries our Madera lawyers have seen victims sustain after a DUI accident:
- Head injuries—The sudden impact of a crash can cause your head to hit the steering wheel, dashboard, or window, leading to concussions, contusions, or even more severe brain injuries.
- Paralysis—A loss of movement, feeling, and even control over bodily functions can occur when there’s damage to the spinal cord.
- Whiplash—This type of injury results from the forceful back-and-forth movement of the neck, causing pain, stiffness, and headaches.
- Broken bones—The force of the impact can cause fractures in any bone in the body, with the limbs and ribs being especially common.
- Bruising—Also known as contusions, bruising is a very common injury following a car accident, even in seemingly minor collisions. It occurs when the impact of the crash damages small blood vessels under the skin, causing blood to leak into surrounding tissues.
- Internal Damage—The blunt force trauma from a collision can damage internal organs, such as the spleen, liver, or lungs. These injuries can be life-threatening.
If you’ve sustained any of these injuries, our DUI accident victim attorneys in Madera can help you deal with the legal aspects of your case so you can focus on your recovery. Don’t hesitate to reach out for guidance during this challenging time.
How To Determine The Liable Parties For Your Injuries And Losses After A DUI Accident
The DUI driver is the primary party liable for your injuries and losses. Their negligence can lead to both civil and criminal charges. He or she would be responsible for paying for the damages from the accident, including injuries and damage to property.
The compensation you receive may depend on several factors, like how much the driver’s insurance can cover. Unfortunately, the drunk driver’s insurance policy may not always be enough to cover all your losses. This is where our Madera DUI accident victim lawyers can help.
Our team will fight to get you the maximum compensation you deserve from the at-fault driver’s insurance policy. On top of that, we’ll also look into other avenues for compensation.
For instance, California allows victims to sue parties who knowingly served a minor, including bars, restaurants, alcohol suppliers, and social hosts. In some cases, companies or employers could also be held accountable for the behavior of their staff, such as when they consume alcohol while attending an event where the employers themselves give the alcohol.
Our Madera DUI accident victim lawyers will identify all potentially liable parties to ensure your compensation reflects the full extent of your injuries and losses. Schedule a free case review with our team today.
Recoverable Damages After A Madera DUI Accident
Our Madera DUI accident victim lawyers can help you obtain compensation for damages, such as:
- Property damages. These include damage to your vehicle and personal belongings such as phones or laptops.
- Medical expenses. These include emergency transportation and treatment, hospitalization, surgeries, medication fees, medical equipment, and other related bills.
- Rehabilitation costs. These pertain to the costs of rehabilitative care necessary for your fast recovery from the accident, including physical therapy or chiropractic care.
- Lost income. Victims are entitled to receive payment for the wages and other benefits lost while recovering from the injuries. If the injuries are catastrophic and the disabilities are permanent, you can also seek compensation for lost future income or livelihood.
- Pain and suffering. DUI accidents cause physical, mental, and emotional suffering for the victims.
- Loss of consortium. A spouse can file for this claim on behalf of the victim who was injured during the DUI accident.
- Wrongful death of a family member. This covers the costs of medical care provided to the deceased before their death, funeral and burial expenses, and emotional distress.
Are Punitive Damages Available After A DUI Accident?
Punitive damages are typically awarded in cases where the defendant’s actions were not just negligent but also exhibited malicious or reckless disregard for the safety of others. Punitive damages are rare, but the court might award them in cases where the defendant has a history of DUI arrests, demonstrating a pattern of recklessness. They may also be awarded if the defendant fled the scene or put other people at exceptional risk, such as driving drunk with children in the car.
Statute Of Limitations For Personal Injury Claims In Madera
The statute of limitations sets a specific period for the plaintiff or victim to file a lawsuit. For DUI cases in Madera and the rest of California, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims will apply. Victims can only initiate their personal injury lawsuits within two years; otherwise, they won’t be allowed to file a case.
Considering this timeframe, you must act swiftly by approaching our Madera DUI accident victim lawyers. Contact our experienced legal team today. We will handle all the paperwork and ensure your claim is filed on time, maximizing your chances of a successful outcome.
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
What Should You Do After A DUI Accident In Madera?
Getting into a DUI accident can be confusing and overwhelming. You’re likely dealing with physical injuries, emotional distress, and property damage. However, taking the right steps in the immediate aftermath is crucial to protecting your rights.
Here’s what you need to do.
First, move to a safe location, if possible. Check for injuries. Contact emergency medical providers if you or anyone else is injured. Do not attempt to provoke or argue with the motorist if you believe they were intoxicated when they struck you. You would not want to get into a fight with someone who is in that position and end up a victim of road rage.
Contact the police right away. When they come, they will take notes on the collision, collect statements from you and the other driver, and take the drunk driver into custody. The accident report they create will serve as critical evidence later on.
You must collect evidence to back up your claim. Take enough photos of the collision using your phone or a camera. Capture the accident scene, any visible injuries you may have sustained, the damage to your car, and any other relevant details. This visual documentation will be crucial when building your case.
Carefully obtain the statements of all witnesses to your accident, if there were any. Record their information and try to request written accounts with their signature. Their testimonies are strong proof that may be beneficial to your personal injury claim.
Even if you feel okay initially, it's crucial to see a doctor right away after a DUI accident. Some injuries, especially head injuries, might not show symptoms immediately. A medical evaluation ensures you receive the necessary treatment. It also establishes a record of your injuries.
Be sure to keep copies of all medical records and bills you receive. This documentation will be essential when seeking compensation for the medical costs associated with the accident.
After receiving medical treatment and gathering information, contact our personal injury lawyers as soon as possible. Don't discuss settlements with the at-fault party or their insurance company without legal representation. Our experienced Madera DUI victim attorneys will handle all communications and negotiations, ensuring your rights are protected throughout the process.
DUI-Related Accident Statistics In Madera
Everyone deserves to feel safe on our roadways. Unfortunately, drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs pose a significant threat to themselves and everyone around them, including innocent motorists and pedestrians. While Madera has made progress in reducing DUI cases, there’s still work to be done to ensure our streets are safe for all.
Data from the California Office of Traffic Safety in 2021 showed that the county had 180 counts of fatalities and injuries due to DUI.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, DUI-linked accidents claimed the lives of 37 Americans every day, or one every 39 minutes in 2022. Drunk driving caused 13,524 fatal traffic incidents that same year.
The devastating statistics are a constant reminder of the importance of holding drunk drivers accountable. That’s why our Madera DUI accident lawyers are dedicated to serving victims and fighting for the compensation they deserve. Don’t hesitate to contact us today for a free consultation.
FAQs About DUI Accidents In Madera County
A Drunk Driver Injured Me. Shall I Let The Police Handle Things For Me, Or Do I Need A Personal Injury Lawyer?
After a DUI accident, you might wonder if it’s okay to let the police handle everything. The answer is no. The police will handle the criminal case against the drunk driver. However, you, the victim, will need a lawyer to pursue compensation for your injuries.
Even if the driver isn’t criminally convicted of DUI, you can still sue them in civil court to recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. To win your case, you need to prove the driver’s negligence. The best DUI accident victim lawyers in Madera can help you with this.
Can A Drunk Driver Be Convicted Of DUI If Their BAC Is Below The Legal Limit?
In California, a drunk driver can be convicted of DUI even if their BAC is below the legal limit of 0.08%. DUI laws focus on impaired driving, not just a specific BAC level. Even a small amount of alcohol can affect judgment, coordination, and reaction time, making drivers a danger on the road.
Furthermore, law enforcement officers consider various factors beyond a breathalyzer test to determine intoxication. Some examples are field sobriety tests, witness statements, and signs of intoxication like slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, or impaired balance.
Our Madera DUI accident victim lawyers can help you gather evidence to establish negligence and liability. Call us now at (888) 488-1391.
Who Can File A Claim Against A Drunk Driver?
DUI victims can always take their case to court and press charges against the at-fault driver to claim compensation for the damages incurred.
But what if the victim does not want to take legal action? Many drivers think the only way for the court system to start a DUI case is by pressing charges. However, this is not always the case. In reality, the court system may initiate a DUI case by:
- Making a misdemeanor complaint;
- Bringing a felony indictment;
- Placing a driver under arrest for the actual commission of the offense; or
- Issuing a driver’s bench warrant or arrest warrant.
If you’re wondering if you have a valid claim, fill out our “Do I have a case?” form. Our Madera DUI accident victim attorneys are available 24/7 to answer your questions.
How Much Does A Drunk-Driving Accident Victim Attorney Charge?
We understand that finances can be a major concern after a DUI accident. That’s why our top-rated DUI accident victim attorneys in Madera work on a contingency fee basis. Under this arrangement, you won’t pay any attorney fees upfront unless we win your case. This approach allows you to focus on your recovery while we handle the legal side of things.
What Is The Average Settlement For A DUI Victim In California?
DUI accident settlements in California vary greatly, depending on the specific circumstances of each case. For instance, serious injuries that require extensive medical care and result in long-term disability typically lead to higher settlements.
California also follows a comparative negligence system. This means that the settlement amount may be reduced if the victim is found to be partially at fault for the accident. For instance, if you were speeding or not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, it could affect your compensation.
Because of these varying factors, DUI accident settlements can range anywhere from a few thousand dollars to millions of dollars. If you’re wondering how much your case is worth, contact our Madera DUI accident victim lawyers today. We will review the details of your accident and assess the potential value of your claim.
Consult The DUI Accident Victim Lawyers Madera Counts On The Most!
DUI accidents are a serious problem in Madera County, and the number of victims continues to rise. If you’ve been injured by a drunk or drugged driver, we’re here to fight for you. Our experienced Madera DUI accident victim lawyers will listen to your story and discuss your legal options.
We have a strong history of successful cases, having recovered over $750 Million for our clients. We will help you get your medical bills paid, recover your lost wages, and get compensation for any other losses you may have sustained. Arash Law offers a “no-win, no-fee guarantee.” That means you won’t pay a dime unless we win your case. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free consultation.
Aside from Madera, we also provide our services in Stockton, Modesto, Turlock, Merced, Mariposa, Groveland, Sonora, Benton, Bishop, Mammoth Lake, Fresno, Sanger, Hanford, Tulare, Visalia, Los Banos, Soledad, Lemoore, June Lake, and Lee Vining.
