Pasadena DUI Accident Victim Lawyers
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Driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, or DUI, is a serious offense that remains prevalent in cities like Pasadena. This reckless driving behavior often causes traffic accidents, endangering the lives of many. If you get injured in a crash involving an impaired driver, reach out to our Pasadena DUI accident victim lawyers immediately. We will guide you through the legal process of seeking compensation for your damages and losses. Contact us at (888) 488-1391 for a free case review.
Pasadena is a popular city in Los Angeles County, known for its historically lavish neighborhoods, and globally recognized events like the annual Rose Parade. Thousands attend the famous Rose Bowl Game, a collegiate football game played every New Year’s Day. The city also boasts world-class museums, famous architectural gems, a 150-acre botanical garden showcasing 14,000 plant varieties, and a vast national forest. Moreover, it features a lively business district with numerous boutiques, retail stores, and restaurants. Pasadena’s vibrant nightlife is equally enticing. Professionals and partygoers usually head to Old Pasadena, which offers a variety of pubs, bars, and nightclubs, such as Club 54 and The Dungeon.
Although the city is generally considered safe, Pasadena isn’t exempt from accidents caused by negligent people. Not everyone acts responsibly, especially when alcohol and drugs are involved. When drunk and drugged individuals get behind the wheel, road crashes are likely to occur. If you’re a victim of a DUI accident, contact our attorneys in Pasadena. We will help you hold the negligent parties accountable and obtain maximum compensation for your injuries and damages. Our injury law firm operates on a contingency basis. You won’t pay us anything unless we win your case.
What Is A DUI Accident?
A DUI accident pertains to any traffic incident that results from drugged or drunk driving. Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or both is a blatant demonstration of negligence. It doesn’t matter whether the driver took legally prescribed medicines or illicit narcotics before driving. As long as the substance impairs their driving abilities, they may be charged with DUI if they get behind the wheel and harm someone on the road.
DUI-related cases are a persistent problem in Pasadena and other cities throughout the Golden State. Alcohol and some medications compromise a person’s judgment, reaction time, and coordination. That’s why anyone driving under the influence of these substances is likely to engage in reckless and aggressive driving. Unfortunately, this behavior increases the risk of crashes that may result in catastrophic injuries, fatalities, and substantial property damage.
If you are a victim of a DUI accident, consult our attorneys in Pasadena. We will guide you in taking legal action, ensuring all responsible parties face accountability for the damages you suffered.
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
Why Should You Hire Our Pasadena DUI Accident Victim Lawyers?
Accidents caused by impaired driving can have devastating consequences. If you get into one, don’t hesitate to call the best DUI accident victim lawyers in Pasadena. Arash Law has a long history of winning cases involving drugged or drunk driving. We have many decades of combined experience handling thousands of personal injury cases, and this expertise makes us adept at navigating the legal system and fighting for the justice you rightfully deserve.
When you work with our personal injury lawyers in Pasadena, your case is our top priority. We provide dedicated and personalized representation to achieve the best possible outcome for you.
Our Pasadena DUI accident victim attorneys will tirelessly fight for your rights. We’ve already secured over half a billion dollars in settlements and verdicts for our previous clients and are ready to do the same for you.
How Can Our DUI Victim Attorneys Help Win Your Case?
Our DUI accident victim attorneys in Pasadena understand that car accidents caused by an impaired driver take a significant toll on anyone involved. That’s why we are determined to ease your burden by accomplishing the following tasks:
- We will promptly secure a copy of the police report to gather crucial information about the accident, including statements from the responding officers and details of the incident.
- We will request the results of breath and field sobriety tests, including horizontal gaze nystagmus (HGN), walk-and-turn, one-leg stand, and finger-to-nose tests, to establish the level of intoxication of the at-fault driver.
- Our attorneys will work to obtain any available video footage from dashboard cameras, CCTVs, or nearby surveillance systems that can provide visual evidence of the accident and the driver’s behavior.
- We will collaborate with a network of professionals, including doctors, law enforcement authorities, and accident reconstruction experts, to build a comprehensive and compelling case on your behalf.
- We will handle all communications with the parties involved, including insurance companies and their legal representatives, to prevent you from being taken advantage of and overwhelmed by the process.
Our Pasadena car accident lawyers usually resolve DUI-related cases through out-of-court discussions with defendants and their insurance providers. However, some opposing parties may be difficult to deal with, especially when they insist on lowball offers. If this happens, we are prepared to pursue a lawsuit and provide the relentless courtroom representation you need. Our Pasadena DUI accident victim attorneys will take care of the legalities, so you don’t have to do anything except focus on your recovery.
California Laws About DUI Accidents
California is among the states that impose zero tolerance for DUI. That’s why various laws and regulations are in place to provide sanctions to those liable for these offenses.
Generally, it’s illegal for anyone to drive with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or more. Individuals under 21 years old may face DUI charges if they are found with a BAC of 0.01%. Meanwhile, commercial drivers must not have a BAC of 0.04% or higher.
Additionally, the law defines intoxicated drivers as those who have impaired motor and cognitive functions and are unable to control a vehicle with the same level of care as a normal, sober person would have. Our attorneys represent DUI accident victims in Pasadena, and they are familiar with relevant laws. If you have questions about your accident, call us at (888) 488-1391 today.
Types Of DUI Charges
Misdemeanors
The governing law classifies an accident as a misdemeanor if the impaired driver has only committed up to three offenses in the last ten years and has never been convicted of a DUI felony. Furthermore, no one should have been injured in the incident.
At-fault drivers may face penalties such as:
- Informal probation lasting from three to five years
- Jail sentence from five days to one year
- A fine ranging from $390-$5,000
- Driver’s license suspension for one to three years
- DUI classes from three to 30 months
Felonies
Unlike the first kind, felonies are more severe and frequently reserved for repeating offenses. In Pasadena, a DUI accident may be deemed a felony if it involves an intoxicated driver with four or more offenses within the past ten years. Moreover, they must have a prior felony conviction and have caused bodily injury to a motorist.
In these cases, responsible drivers might be charged with the following penalties:
- A fine of up to $5,000
- Jail time for one or more years
- Aggravated record following the Three Strikes Law (for accidents resulting in severe bodily injuries)
- Driver’s license revocation for five years
- DUI classes lasting from 18 to 30 months
Apart from filing a criminal case against the defendant, victims can also pursue a personal injury claim to seek compensation for damages suffered in a DUI accident. While a criminal case focuses on punishing the offender, a personal injury claim aims to recover financial compensation for the victim’s losses. Get in touch with our DUI accident victims lawyers in Pasadena for a free initial consultation.
Hurt in a DUI accident?
Common Injuries Sustained In A DUI Accident
Similar to typical traffic incidents, DUI accidents may lead to catastrophic injuries, especially since many impaired drivers tend to speed, increasing the risk of high-impact collisions.
Our Pasadena lawyers have handled DUI accident claims for victims who sustained the following injuries:
- Head & Brain Injuries — The powerful force of a vehicle collision may cause the occupants’ heads to strike the interior of the car or be thrown forward with great impact. Consequently, they may sustain mild concussions, skull fractures, or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). These injuries can have long-lasting consequences on their cognitive function.
- Spinal Cord Injuries — A pedestrian or occupant of another vehicle may incur spinal cord injuries during a collision. These injuries can cause mobility issues and partial or complete paralysis.
- Internal Injuries — The forceful impact of a DUI-related crash may cause internal bleeding and organ damage. These internal injuries may not be apparent immediately. Victims must undergo a thorough medical assessment to receive early treatment.
- Fractures — A strong collision, especially in large truck accidents, may break the bones of vehicle occupants. These injuries often heal over time, but severe conditions may require extensive surgeries and rehabilitation.
- Emotional Distress — DUI accidents can also have adverse psychological effects. Victims may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.
- Wrongful Deaths — The most tragic DUI accidents lead to the deaths of victims. Surviving family members may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for their loss. While no amount of money can ever replace a life, a wrongful death claim can provide financial relief during such a difficult time.
If you get injured in a DUI accident, consult our Pasadena attorneys. We will assist you in initiating legal action to obtain compensation that covers the full extent of your medical bills and other losses.
Who Is Liable In A DUI Accident?
Determining the responsible parties in a DUI accident is crucial to establishing who must pay for the damages. In most cases, the driver who got behind the wheel after drinking or taking drugs is liable for the untoward incidents they caused.
Although this is the usual case, drugged or drunk drivers aren’t the only individuals who may face accountability. Parents, other adults, and establishments that sell or provide alcohol to minors may also be deemed responsible if the latter causes a DUI collision. Other parties that may also pay for a victim’s damages are the following:
- Intoxicated driver’s employer who supplied the alcohol during working hours or special events
- The trucking company, if the intoxicated trucker was on duty
- Rideshare companies, such as Uber and Lyft, if an impaired rideshare driver is logged onto the app or actively transporting a passenger when the collision happened
- At-fault driver’s insurance company
- California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB)
Identifying the liable parties is challenging. Even intoxicated drivers will find ways to defend their negligence. Reach out to our Pasadena DUI victim accident lawyers, and we will help you build a strong case by carefully evaluating all the parties involved and proving their liability.
Establishing Negligence In A DUI Accident
Negligence is a legal concept that essentially means failing to exercise the degree of care that a reasonable person would under similar circumstances. In DUI accidents, negligence is typically presumed when a driver operates a vehicle while intoxicated. Under the legal doctrine of negligence per se, if someone violates a statute, and that violation directly causes injury to another person, the person who violated the statute is automatically considered negligent.
However, you must prove that the drunk driver’s actions directly caused the accident. If other factors contributed to the crash, such as faulty brakes, negligence per se may not apply.
To establish negligence, your Pasadena DUI accident victim lawyer will prove the following elements:
Duty Of Care
Drivers are legally required to exercise the utmost care when operating their vehicles to avoid harming other road users. Part of this duty is ensuring sobriety before getting behind the wheel.
Breach Of Duty
Usually, it is presumed that a driver who controls their vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs has breached their duty of care. This is because impaired driving may jeopardize the safety of road users.
Direct Causation
Next, you must show that the negligent behavior of the drunk or drugged driver led to the collision that caused you to sustain injuries.
Damages
Lastly, you must present evidence confirming your losses in the DUI accident. These may include medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. This final step will also help determine the potential compensation you may obtain from the intoxicated driver.
Establishing the elements of negligence requires a meticulous approach. If you are a victim of a DUI accident, it’s best to speak with our attorneys in Pasadena. We will lead a separate investigation and work with reconstruction experts to verify the cause and other details of the incident.
Damages To Recover In A DUI Accident Case
DUI accident victims can rely on our lawyers in Pasadena to recover the following damages and losses:
- Past & future medical expenses.
- Missed wages.
- Loss of future earnings.
- Repair for damaged property.
- Pain & suffering.
- PTSD.
- Emotional distress.
- Mental anguish.
- Permanent disabilities.
- Scarring and disfigurement.
Unfortunately, no law firm can guarantee a specific amount you can claim for damages, especially for subjective non-economic losses. Nevertheless, our attorneys in Pasadena handling your DUI accident claim can guarantee all your damages are fully accounted for. We’ll protect your rights, ensure you receive fair compensation, and prevent insurance companies from taking advantage of your situation.
What To Do After A DUI Accident In Pasadena
- Remain at the accident scene. You may move your car to the side of the road to avoid further incidents, but you should not think about leaving. California law requires all individuals involved in a traffic collision to stay, regardless of who’s at fault. Otherwise, you may face hit-and-run charges.
- Obtain prompt medical care. Call 911 if you or someone else sustains an injury. Receiving immediate medical attention on-site will help prevent complications. Moreover, this will allow you to document the physical damage you incurred, giving insurance companies no chance to downplay your claim.
- Contact the nearest local police department. Responding officers will investigate the scene and conduct field sobriety tests. They will also draft an accident report, which can support your case later.
- Collect evidence. Take photos and videos of the accident scene, the sustained injuries, and the wrecked vehicles. Furthermore, write down essential information, such as the other parties’ names, addresses, contact numbers, and insurance details. You may also request witnesses to provide testimonies.
- Inform the insurance company. Provide them with the basic details about the incident. However, be cautious of what you share, as they may use your words to their advantage.
- Consult Arash Law. Our Pasadena lawyers for DUI accident victims will explain your rights and guide you through the process of holding the intoxicated driver accountable. We will also negotiate with insurers, ensuring you get maximum compensation.
What initially seemed like a routine rear-end collision, commonly known as a “fender bender,” turned into a significant settlement with high maximum limits for a client who suffered lower back disc injuries. The case was resolved just two weeks before the scheduled trial commencement.– BRIAN BEECHER
Statute Of Limitations For DUI Accident Cases
California’s statute of limitations sets the time frame for victims to pursue cases against responsible parties. Typically, this statute kicks in on the date of the accident. For DUI accidents, injured individuals must file a lawsuit within two years from the day the accident happened. Disregarding this deadline may affect your legal capacity to recover damages. This timeframe also applies in Pasadena.
Hire the DUI accident victim lawyers Pasadena residents trust. We will ensure you don’t encounter issues with the time limit. When you work with us, you can expect all court documents to be submitted promptly.
Statistics About DUI Accidents
DUI-related traffic accidents are common in cities with diverse nightlife, such as Pasadena. Based on UC Berkeley’s Transportation Injury Mapping System, Pasadena logged 94 alcohol-related crashes, resulting in deaths and varying levels of bodily harm in 2023. This figure reflects a 28.7% increase from the previous year (73 cases). Moreover, the city tallied 12 drug-related fatalities and injuries, which climbed from only three counts in the previous year.
Overall, California witnessed 27,000 collisions caused by drunk driving and 2,405 incidents due to drugged driving in 2023.
The United States also observes a rising number of DUI accidents. In 2021, at least 10,903 Americans were killed in drug-involved traffic crashes. Additionally, the UC Berkeley Safe Transportation Research & Education Center (SafeTREC) revealed that 52% of 42,939 fatally injured drivers with known drug tests were positive for legal or illegal drugs.
Furthermore, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) admitted that one person every 39 minutes, or roughly 37 people die every day in drunk driving accidents. In 2022, 13,524 people died in alcohol-impaired driving traffic deaths.
Drunk or drugged driving is a devastating and pervasive national concern. Our lawyers in Pasadena are even more determined to help victims of DUI accidents. We will continue to provide compassionate legal services to injured victims seeking justice and compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About DUI Accident Cases
Do I Need A Lawyer For My DUI Accident Case?
Among the common questions raised by DUI accident victims is, “Do I need a personal injury lawyer?” The short answer is yes.
You should remember that insurance companies are businesses driven to increase their profit. They may be sympathetic at first, but the truth is they don’t consider the welfare of accident victims and their families. Their only goal is to resolve accident claims with as little compensation as possible. You may notice claim adjusters working to resolve cases before they escalate to trial, as going to court forces them to pay larger settlements.
In these difficult circumstances, you will need the aggressive representation of the best DUI accident victim lawyers in Pasadena. If you’re searching for a top-notch team, call Arash Law at (888) 488-1391. We have many decades of experience winning cases involving DUI accidents.
Will The At-Fault Driver’s Refusal To Take A Breath Test Affect The Value Of My Claim?
An intoxicated driver’s refusal to submit to a breath or field sobriety test doesn’t affect the compensation injured individuals may receive. The legal system will hold the at-fault individual accountable for the accident they caused, regardless of whether they submit to the necessary tests.
Under California’s implied consent law, drivers are required to submit to a chemical test (breath, blood, or urine) when lawfully arrested for DUI. Refusal to do so results in automatic license suspension and potential criminal penalties. In a civil case brought by a victim of a DUI accident, the defendant’s refusal can be used as strong evidence of the driver’s intoxication, making it easier to establish liability.
While the defendant’s refusal to take a breath test can strengthen your claim, it doesn’t guarantee a successful outcome or higher compensation. Our DUI accident victim attorneys in Pasadena can assess the details of the accident and estimate the potential value of your claim.
How Much Settlement Will I Get From My DUI Accident Case?
No lawyer can exactly determine how much settlement you can receive after a DUI accident. Since each case is unique, the value of recoverable damages will differ depending on the available circumstances. These include the following:
- The severity of the injuries sustained
- The extent of losses incurred
- The impact of collision
- Degree of liability of each involved party
- Insurance coverage of the at-fault driver
Even though it’s difficult to calculate the precise amount you can get in your claim, our Pasadena DUI accident victim lawyers will still help. We shall review the specifics of your case and ensure the settlement you receive covers all the damages and losses you sustained from the incident.
What If I'm Partially At Fault For A DUI Accident?
You may still be eligible to recover damages even if you’re partially liable for a DUI accident. California’s legal system adheres to the pure comparative negligence rule, which applies to cases involving multiple responsible parties. Under this legal doctrine, the court assigns a percentage of liability to each at-fault individual, including victims who may have contributed to the accident. You can still file a claim for your damages, but the settlement you may receive will be reduced in proportion to your degree of fault.
For instance, if the judge finds you 25% responsible for a DUI accident in which you incurred damages amounting to $125,000, you are left with 75% of your recoverable losses or $93,750.
Being partially at fault for a DUI accident doesn’t automatically bar you from pursuing a case against the other liable parties. Our Pasadena DUI accident victim attorneys will explain your rights and work tirelessly to help you obtain the maximum possible compensation.
Can Undocumented Immigrants File A Claim After A DUI Accident In Pasadena?
Yes, undocumented immigrants may file a claim if they get into a DUI accident in Pasadena. California law doesn’t prohibit injured immigrants with residency issues from taking legal action against negligent parties. The same rule also applies if they pursue a wrongful death claim for the loss of an undocumented family member.
Moreover, the legal system prevents undocumented immigrants from getting deported just because they decided to sue. California law essentially prohibits the use of immigration status as evidence.
Contact our Pasadena DUI accident victim lawyers to learn more. We represent clients regardless of their immigration status and are committed to fighting for the compensation they deserve.
Consult The DUI Accident Victim Lawyers Pasadena Depends On
DUI accidents are devastating — they shatter lives and families, inflicting unimaginable pain and suffering. If you or a loved one has been injured in a DUI-related crash, you need experienced legal representation. As one of the biggest law firms in California, we have the resources and expertise to handle even the most complex cases.
Led by the esteemed Arash Khorsandi, Esq., our Pasadena lawyers have a proven track record of success in helping DUI accident victims like you. We can help you get your medical bills paid, recover your lost wages, and get your vehicle repaired or replaced.
Call us at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free case evaluation. Rest assured that our staff will respond promptly to your queries and concerns.
Besides Pasadena, our injury law firm handles cases of injured victims from nearby cities and locations. These include South Pasadena, San Marino, Altadena, Alhambra, San Gabriel, La Cañada Flintridge, Sierra Madre, Temple City, Monterey Park, Rosemead, Arcadia, Glendale, Monrovia, El Monte, and South El Monte.
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