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 Madera DUI Accident Victim Lawyers Are Advocates Who Stand By Your Side
Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs is a reckless practice that has killed many innocent people. Each year, hundreds of individuals in Madera fall prey to DUI-related collisions. If you’re considering filing an injury claim, contact our Madera DUI accident victim lawyers at (888) 488-1391. We can discuss your legal options in a free initial consultation.
Madera County is situated in central California, nestled peacefully in the Sierra Nevada foothills. It’s best known for its breathtaking landscapes and award-winning wineries. Madera County is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a range of activities including 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 can advocate for your rights while managing your case.
Arash Law helps victims seek damages from at-fault parties, including reckless drivers. Our team is dedicated to providing the legal support your case needs. 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 have experience representing clients through court proceedings and out-of-court negotiations. Our goal is to help victims cope with the consequences of accidents caused by the negligence of others.
We offer the following:
- 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 compensation for your losses and injuries.
- An Extensive Investigation — We will thoroughly investigate your accident to gather evidence that can support your case. Our team collaborates with experts, including medical professionals and accident reconstructionists, as necessary.
- Settlement Negotiation — Our attorneys are experienced negotiators who know how to advocate for their clients when dealing with the at-fault party and their insurance company. We leverage our legal knowledge and skills to seek damages for the victims’ 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 evaluate your case to determine whether this action is the right course of action for you.
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 recover compensation on your behalf, you won’t owe us lawyer fees. Certain case-related costs may still apply regardless of the outcome. Our attorneys will clarify this fee structure and your other concerns during your consultation.
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:
Experience In DUI-Related Cases
Our Madera lawyers for victims have experience handling cases for victims of DUI accidents. We are familiar with the relevant rules, statutes, and legal procedures applicable to these cases. We have experience helping clients in similar situations.
Dedicated 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 dedicated legal support, working diligently to negotiate on your behalf and pursue the compensation that may be available to you under California law.
Advocates To Protect Your Rights
Sustaining injuries in a DUI accident is distressing, and you may not be able to handle the legal legwork. Throughout the process, our DUI accident victim lawyers in Madera can help protect your rights and advocate for fair treatment. We can communicate on your behalf with the law enforcement authorities, insurers, and other concerned parties.
Skilled Negotiators
DUI accidents can leave you with medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. You may be able to seek damages for your losses, and our skilled negotiators can support your claim as they deal with insurers and other parties. Our Madera DUI accident victim lawyers understand the challenges of these cases and will work diligently to pursue compensation on your behalf.
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 the driver was 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 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, huge fines, license suspension or revocation, probation, or the need to use an ignition interlock device while driving.
First-time DUI offenders may 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 to be an alcoholic.
- 3 to 9 months of attendance in a DUI program.
- Strictly prohibited from taking alcohol during the treatment period.
- 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, some DUI victims may experience extreme financial, emotional, and physical struggles.
Injured victims may sustain crippling injuries or lifelong impairments that keep them from leading regular, productive lives. You and your family may be able to pursue damages for the accident’s lasting impact on your life. Our law firm can help you file a claim against the at-fault parties.
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 may leave victims facing financial hardship. Victims may face a long road to recovery, burdened by medical bills and other expenses that can last years or even a lifetime.
Our Madera DUI accident victim attorneys are here to provide the legal services you need for your case. We can help you pursue the compensation that may be available to you.
Common Injuries Following A DUI Accident
Here are some of the common injuries 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.
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. They would be responsible for paying for the damages from the accident, including injuries and damage to property.
The compensation you may seek depends 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 Madera DUI accident victim lawyers can help you pursue damages from the at-fault driver’s insurance policy. On top of that, we’ll also look into other possible avenues for compensation. We can assist with filing claims under your uninsured/underinsured coverage if it is part of your policy. Our team can also investigate other potentially liable parties.
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.
Damages Victims May Pursue After A Madera DUI Accident
Our Madera DUI accident victim lawyers help victims seek different types of damages. Depending on the details of the case, victims may be able to pursue compensation for the following:
- Property Damage — 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 injuries, including physical therapy or chiropractic care.
- Lost Income — Victims may be able to seek 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 must initiate their personal injury lawsuits within two years; otherwise, they may not be allowed to file a case.
Considering this timeframe, you must act swiftly by working with Madera DUI accident victim lawyers. They can manage the legal paperwork and help you file your claim within the time limit.
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 are recommended to do:
- Secure Your Safety — 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.
- Call the Police — 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.
- Take Pictures — 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.
- Get Witness Information — 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 may be beneficial to your personal injury claim.
Seek Medical Attention — 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.
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.
- Contact Our Madera DUI Accident Victim Lawyers — After receiving medical treatment and gathering information, contact our personal injury lawyers. Avoid discussing 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, advocating for your rights 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 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 helping them pursue compensation.
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 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 pursue damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. To support your case, you need to prove the driver’s negligence. The 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.
Who Can File A Claim Against A Drunk Driver?
DUI victims may have the option to take their case to court and press charges against the at-fault driver to pursue compensation for the losses 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.
- 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 can 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 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 obtain compensation for your case. The exact amount can vary, as lawyer fees depend on factors such as case complexity and the resources required to handle the case.
This approach allows you to focus on your recovery while we handle the legal side of things. However, you may still be responsible for other case-related costs regardless of the outcome. Our attorneys can discuss these costs with you during your consultation.
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 more losses.
California also follows a pure 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 the compensation that may be available to you.
If you’re wondering how much your case is worth, consult a Madera DUI accident victim lawyer. They can review the details of your accident and assess the potential value of your claim.
Consult Our DUI Accident Victim Lawyers In Madera!
DUI accidents are a serious problem in Madera County, affecting victims and families throughout the community. If you’ve been injured by a drunk or drugged driver, we’re here to support you. Our experienced Madera DUI accident victim lawyers will listen to your story and discuss your legal options.
We can help you seek damages for your medical bills, lost wages, and any other losses you may have sustained. Arash Law can help by assessing your situation, gathering evidence, and handling negotiations on your behalf. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.
Aside from Madera, we also provide our legal services to victims who are in Stockton, Modesto, Turlock, Merced, Mariposa, Groveland, Sonora, Benton, Bishop, Mammoth Lakes, Fresno, Sanger, Hanford, Tulare, Visalia, Los Banos, Soledad, Lemoore, June Lake, and Lee Vining.
