Ontario DUI Accident Victim Lawyers
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- DUI Accidents in Ontario Affect the Community
- Elevated Risk Factors for DUI Accidents
- The Effects of Alcohol and Drugs on Driving Ability
- California Vehicle Code About Drinking and Driving
- Who Can Face Criminal Charges for DUIs
- Consequences of DUI Charges
- License Restrictions After a DUI
- Drunk Driving Equals Negligence
- You Can Recover Compensation for DUI Accident Injuries
- Staying Calm Is Critical
- Vital Steps You Can Take After a Drunk Driving Accident
- You Have Rights After a Drunk Driving Collision
Our Skilled Ontario DUI Accident Victim Lawyers are Personally Committed to Securing Your Justice
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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 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.
Who Can Face Criminal Charges for DUIs
- 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.
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.
- Fines amounting to $2,000
- A six-month jail sentence
- Driver’s license restrictions
- Attendance in a DUI program
License Restrictions After a DUI
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Settlement in a motor vehicle accident; client suffered internal injuries.– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
Staying Calm Is Critical
Vital Steps You Can Take After a Drunk Driving Accident
- 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.