Ontario DUI Accident Victim Lawyers

with over $500 Million Recovered in Compensation for Injury Clients.
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Our Skilled Ontario DUI Accident Victim Lawyers are Personally Committed to Securing Your Justice

Drunk driving is a predominant issue that causes fatal traffic collisions in the city of Ontario. If you’re injured from an accident caused by a drunk driver, immediately call Arash Law’s experienced Ontario DUI accident victim lawyers for help. Call us today at (888) 488-1391 for a free consultation.

Not to be mistaken for the Canadian province, Ontario is a city in San Bernardino County, California. It is about 35 miles from downtown Los Angeles and 23 miles from San Bernardino. Notably, it is in the western part of the Inland Empire metro area. The 2020 Census reports a 163,924 population, a significant increase from the last census.

A significant landmark is the Ontario Airport, which brings in many visitors. These guests are staying in nearby hotels and often renting cars. Since travelers are on vacation, they may decide to drink and drive. This decision can lead to severe accidents. If a drunk driver injures you, you have legal options. You must speak to our knowledgeable Ontario DUI accident victim lawyers from Arash Law, founded by famous attorney Arash Khorsandi, Esq.

Car Accident
$6,000,000.00
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

DUI Accidents in Ontario Affect the Community

Operating motor vehicles requires concentration and focus. One second of inattention can lead to tragedy. Many drunk drivers only think they are endangering themselves, but that is not true. They are causing a significant strain on the community. Residents are suffering permanent disabilities and dying at the hands of drunk drivers.

The Centers for Disease Control reports that from 2009 to 2018, there were 9,288 fatal crashes involving alcohol impairment statewide. There are grave injuries and other consequences that people suffer in these incidents. In 2021, the California DUI Management Information System reported that drug-related crashes with fatalities increased by 7.5% in 2019. You must get justice by speaking to an Ontario DUI accident victim lawyer.

Elevated Risk Factors for DUI Accidents

The most common way to endanger others is by drinking and driving. Intoxicated drivers in Ontario choose to put their lives in danger. When they get behind the wheel, they are endangering the community.

Drunk driving accidents can happen at any time within seconds. However, there are certain times when there is an elevated risk of these collisions happening, such as at the end of regular business hours and during holiday weekends.

Another risk factor is drunk drivers have unpredictable behavior. They are not in their right mind and can drive erratically. You often see these drivers swerve from their lane or change lanes without notice. They may also slow down or stop suddenly. Sometimes, they will stop inside an intersection or far before it.

Vision, awareness, and other impairments can significantly increase the risk of a drunk driver causing an accident. Many driver actions happen because alcohol or drugs have taken over the person’s body. Drunk drivers should pay for their negligence. You should speak to DUI accident victim lawyers in Ontario from Arash Law to hold these drivers responsible.

Emperatriz Ayala
Emperatriz Ayala
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My husband had an accident 2 years ago, a 85 years old man hit him, the Arash law group works very well on my husband case that took 9 month and he won the case and my husband was happy with the results. A year later I got into an accident as well and I’m still waiting in my case is almost resolving and it’s 9 months already. This people knows the law and they do their job right to help you out in getting the most for you to fight on your behalf. I strongly recommend the Arash Law firm they do things right in a efficient and professional manner.
Chris Zavala
Chris Zavala
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Had a great experience with all the people at Arash law. Long story short was in a bad car accident. It was overwhelming and the whole process was a lot, but they kept me in the loop. They answered all my questions and gave me great advice. Couldn't be any happier. Would definitely recommend anyone looking for a personal injury lawyer. They'll guide you through the whole process!
Jill Smith
Jill Smith
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Having Arash Law handle my auto accident was the best decision I could have made. Everyone I interacted with was kind, professional and detail oriented. I am extremely happy with the outcome and would recommend them highly.
Joseph R. Porter
Joseph R. Porter
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From start to finish, Arash Law firm is there every step of the way with close, constant, personal contact and attention. I never knew a Law firm could actually care so much for me as a person and what I was personally going through as well as the settlement I was going to recieve once my case was finally completed. Thank you to everyone at Arash Law for your ongoing support and communication. You are the ONLY firm I will ever recommend to someone who is need of a great attorny.
Monica Parra
Monica Parra
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I had an excellent experience with Arash Law. I will definitely recommend to my family and friends. I interviewed a few firms before deciding to work with Arash Law. What made my experience excellent was (i.e. head attorney being accessible to talk to and he answered all my questions and concerns, sensitive and thorough personel who completed in home intake & follow up process, being connected immediately to quality Physicians who addressed my injuries and recovery process, clear contract-read throughly to ensure its something you can commit to). Being in a car accident is a traumatic experience and I had a sense of peace knowing Arash Firm was walking with me throughout the whole process. Thank you Arash Firm for all your hard work and help. I am so grateful and appreciative for you all! 🙏 With Gratitude, Monica Parra
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The Effects of Alcohol and Drugs on Driving Ability

While the legal limit is a BAC of 0.08 percent, it takes much less to impair a driver. For some, it takes as little as 0.02 percent to become impaired. At this rate, motor skills can be affected, making driving challenging. The chances of a collision begin to increase when a person reaches a BAC of 0.05 percent and will continue the higher the intoxication levels go.

Most DUI offenders have a 0.15 percent BAC when they cause severe accidents. Other substances can also impair drivers. Marijuana, cocaine, and opiates can impact a driver’s skills. Opiates like Oxycontin and Vicodin are prescription medications that can impair sensory perception. They can cause a delay in reaction times.

The type of intoxication and impairment level can be evidence for your case. It can also impact how the criminal court system presses charges. The Ontario DUI accident victim lawyers from Arash Law can explain how BAC and specific substances can impact your DUI accident claim.

California Vehicle Code About Drinking and Driving

When it comes to driving while under the influence, every state has different laws. California has Vehicle Code Section 23152, which states:

“(a) It is unlawful for a person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage to drive a vehicle.

(b) It is unlawful for a person who has 0.08 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in his or her blood to drive a vehicle.

For purposes of this article and Section 34501.16, percent, by weight, of alcohol in a person’s blood is based upon grams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood or grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath.”

As you can see, the laws are very complex. While they outline specifics, they are also open to some interpretation. The laws go more in-depth regarding penalties for breaking the law. Offenses can stay on a person’s record for ten years.

As a victim of a drunk driver, you might be happy to get justice for your collision. However, the criminal process is separate from the civil one. While you can get a form of justice through criminal proceedings, it does not come with financial reimbursement. You must file a car accident claim to get compensation for your losses. You can schedule a consultation with the Ontario DUI accident victim lawyers from Arash Law.

The Effects of Alcohol and Drugs on Driving Ability
Who Can Face Criminal Charges for DUIs
Who Can Face Criminal Charges for DUIs
When negligent drivers exceed the legal BAC, they can face criminal charges. Penalties will vary by offense. Generally, most drivers over 21 should stay below 0.08 percent, with some exceptions. Exceptions to the standard BAC limit include:
  • Anyone under 21 – There is a zero-tolerance policy for these individuals.
  • Commercial vehicle drivers – They have a BAC of 0.04 percent.

Commercial drivers might have a lower BAC but should not drink and drive at all. They are operating massive trucks with cargo. One wrong action and a collision can happen, resulting in death.

When responding to a collision or pulling over a driver, police officers can administer chemical tests. These exams will determine impairment and BAC levels. Officers can administer blood, breath, or urine tests depending on the circumstances. While urine tests are possible, it is rare for them to occur in Ontario.

Chemical tests are vital because the results are often used when prosecuting an individual in criminal court. These results may also be beneficial to your civil claim. If you witnessed police officers administering tests to a drunk driver, inform your trusted DUI accident victim lawyers in Ontario today. Arash Law can gather evidence and pursue compensation.

Consequences of DUI Charges

Our DUI accident victim lawyers in Ontario often get asked by clients what consequences the drunk driver will face. Criminal penalties will vary in each case. DUI convictions have severe penalties, which can ease the mind of victims. You are suffering life-altering consequences, and the person responsible should pay for what they did.

A first-time conviction does not carry leniency in Ontario. A DUI conviction can result in some of the following penalties:
  • Fines amounting to $2,000
  • A six-month jail sentence
  • Driver’s license restrictions
  • Attendance in a DUI program
Subsequent offenses will have similar consequences but can be higher. They can result in higher fines, more jail time, etc. DUI offenses count for ten years. So that means if a person is arrested for a DUI in 2021, any subsequent offenses count against them until 2031.
License Restrictions After a DUI
Another significant penalty for a drunk driving conviction is license restrictions. In Ontario, their license can be suspended for 30 days after a DUI arrest and without a conviction. The DMV will handle this part of the process.

Drunk Driving Equals Negligence

Drinking and driving is illegal and dangerous. It also shows negligence. While there are limits to how much alcohol can be in a person’s system, any drinking can show a disregard for the safety of others. If their actions cause an injury, they are breaking the law. In California, they can be held liable under “negligence per se.” This rule applies to various situations, including driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The state can get a conviction without having to prove anything else. The only relevant factor is the person’s intoxication. Remember that most DUI convictions result from BACs of 0.08 percent and higher, but not all. Even a lower blood alcohol content can result in impairment. It can be more challenging to prove negligence.
When a crash happens, police officers try to determine if the driver is intoxicated. If a police officer notices other signs of impairment, like slurred speech or open containers, such signs are evidence of negligence. When an officer administers a chemical test, they are looking for alcohol in the person. What these tests might not show is drug use.
Drug use is another form of negligence. However, proving it is challenging since a BAC does not give an impairment rating. Additional evidence from the crash can prove negligence in these cases. In either instance, getting a favorable civil outcome is easier than a criminal one. It can be easy to get discouraged when there is no criminal conviction. Remember the cases are separate, and you may still be eligible for compensation recovery.
A common misconception is that insurance companies do not cover drunk driving accidents. That is false. They understand that an accident can happen. While drinking and driving is a conscious choice, insurance policies still cover collisions. So, insurance companies will cover a drunk driver in an accident.
However, just because the insurance company covers these crashes doesn’t mean they are forthcoming with settlement offers. The one thing that these companies will not cover is punitive damages. These losses cover damage awards involving egregious actions. They are often awarded for willful actions that result in harm. These damages are awarded in particular circumstances.

Often, the best option for getting punitive damages is through a personal injury lawsuit. Drunk driving accidents are some of the circumstances that qualify for punitive damages. It is best to discuss whether your case may qualify for punitive damages with skilled Ontario DUI accident victim lawyers from Arash Law.

Legal repression is necessary for these cases. The insurance company is working harder than ever to deny your claim. They have a responsibility to protect their insured. But their main goal is to save themselves money. Insurance companies like to delay, but they do not like going to trial. They will often work to settle out of court so they do not have to pay more after a trial.

While your case is unlikely to go to trial, it is a possibility. Most practicing DUI accident victim lawyers in Ontario agree that preparing for all possibilities is best. We will prepare your claim for trial while negotiating toward a fair settlement.

Maria Marroquin
$2,000,000.00
Personal Injury Settlement
In 2019 Maria was struck by a golf ball while she and her husband were out for a walk. The catastrophic accident left her with injuries that impacted her physically, mentally and financially. Setting her on a difficult road to recovery.
Personal Injury Settlement
In 2019 Maria was struck by a golf ball while she and her husband were out for a walk. The catastrophic accident left her with injuries that impacted her physically, mentally and financially. Setting her on a difficult road to recovery.

You Can Recover Compensation for DUI Accident Injuries

You are not guaranteed financial recovery after a DUI accident. However, you have the right to pursue compensation. There are various steps you should take to secure a settlement. While working with qualified Ontario DUI accident lawyers, you will prove the driver was negligent and their actions led to your accident and subsequent injuries. You will also have to prove your losses.

When you prove all elements of your case, you can recover compensation for items that include:

  • Property damage
  • Lost income
  • Medical expenses
  • Future lost income
  • Future medical expenses
  • Pain and suffering
The insurance company can consider many of these factors when calculating your settlement. However, their calculations are usually lower than your needs. Trusting the insurance company to provide adequate payment is not a good idea.
The insurance company knows that you cannot take any further legal action once you agree and sign a settlement offer. It will pressure you during this vulnerable time. The company wants to settle before you know the severity of your injuries and save it money and trouble.

A DUI accident victim lawyer in Ontario explains, “Attorneys have resources available to review all damages. We can find items you didn’t know were eligible for recovery.” Additionally, many DUI accident lawyers in Ontario, especially the good ones at Arash Law, are familiar with the insurance companies. They work with them frequently and can negotiate accordingly.

You Can Recover Compensation for DUI Accident Injuries
Motor Vehicle Accident
$3,500,000.00
Settlement in a motor vehicle accident; client suffered internal injuries.
–  JUDD ROSS ALLEN
Staying Calm Is Critical
Being struck by a drunk driver is incredibly confusing. The other driver is incoherent and might not have the capability to speak or provide any information. That is why remaining calm is crucial during these moments. If your injuries allow, try to check on others and gather evidence. It is best to stay in your car unless you are in grave danger.

Vital Steps You Can Take After a Drunk Driving Accident

You must start protecting yourself from the moment the collision happens. You can do so by taking some steps. What you do at the accident site can impact your compensation claim. Some crucial steps to take in a drunk driving crash in Ontario include:
  • Call emergency services – No matter how chaotic an accident scene is, you must report it to the authorities. Not only will it help your claim, but it is also the law. California requires drivers to report any collision with significant property damage or injuries. It is recommended to report every accident to the police. This way, they can file an official crash report that you can use for insurance purposes.
  • Get a medical evaluation – Your adrenaline can go so fast that you think you do not have any injuries. However, internal injuries are challenging to identify, and symptoms may appear later. Get treatment at the scene when your injuries are severe. If not, you should schedule a doctor’s appointment within a few days. You must also follow all treatment plans for your health and as evidence for your injury claim. When you do not speak to a medical professional, the insurance company sees it as a sign that you do not have any injuries, which is enough for them to deny your claim.
  • Document the scene – While waiting for the police, you can take some steps to build your case. However, doing so should only be done if injuries allow. You can take pictures from various angles and speak to drivers and witnesses. Get everyone’s contact information to provide to your Ontario DUI accident victim lawyer later.

Speak to DUI accident victim lawyers in Ontario from Arash Law, operated by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., for additional steps you can take.

You Have Rights After a Drunk Driving Collision

Similar to other collisions, you have legal rights as a victim of a DUI crash. You have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit against the driver. However, speaking to drunk driving accident lawyers in Ontario for assistance is essential. While you have these rights, accessing the compensation you deserve can be challenging.

The team of Ontario DUI accident victim attorneys at Arash Law has decades of experience handling drunk driving accident claims. We will fight to protect your legal rights.

Schedule a Consultation with The Best DUI Accident Victim Lawyers Ontario Has to Offer

After a crash, contact the experienced Ontario DUI accident victim lawyers from Arash Law, managed by Arash Khorsandi, Esq. We have the training, resources, and experience to fight for your best interest and understand that you are going through a difficult time. Arash Law is here to guide you through every step. We have collected over 500 million dollars for clients across the state.

If you are looking for qualified DUI accident victim lawyers nearby Ontario, know that legal help is available 24/7. Arash Law proudly serves clients in San Bernardino County, including the cities of Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, Upland, Chino, Rialto, and more. We also cater to other counties within California, such as Riverside, Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Diego County, and others.

With their expertise in personal injury law, our attorneys ensure that individuals in these areas receive dedicated legal representation and support for their specific needs. Schedule an initial consultation by calling (888) 488-1391.

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