Salinas Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers
We’ll tell you if you have a case or not, call (888) 488-1391 — We’re here 24 hours a day.
Our Salinas Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers Are Committed Legal Advisors In Tough Times
Collisions involving drunk drivers lead to catastrophic injuries. If you or a loved one is injured in a drunk driving incident in Salinas, legal representation can help you seek justice. Our experienced Salinas drunk driving accident lawyers can assist you in filing a claim for damages. Call us at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free initial consultation.
Arash Law has been advocating for the rights and interests of victims of drunk driving crashes for years. We understand the immense pain and disruption these collisions can cause, and we are committed to seeking accountability from negligent drivers for the harm you suffered. We can help you pursue the compensation you may need to begin rebuilding your life.
Why Hire Our Salinas Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers
The Salinas drunk driving accident attorneys at Arash Law offer a compassionate, client-focused approach. Here are key reasons to consider our personal injury firm:
- No Upfront Legal Costs — Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t owe any attorney fees unless compensation is obtained. Please note that you may still be responsible for certain case-related costs. Our lawyers will discuss the fees and any other potential costs during your initial consultation.
- Personalized Attention to Your Case — We are dedicated to every case we handle, providing the focused attention and commitment your case needs. Our team works diligently to help you navigate the legal process.
- Flexible Meeting Options — We serve clients throughout California. If your injuries prevent you from visiting us in person, our lawyers can come to you at a location of your choosing.
- Relevant Legal Experience — Our team consists of experienced lawyers who have supported many clients in personal injury cases. We have the resources and knowledge to help you with your claim.
- Open Communication — We value transparency and keep clients informed with regular updates about their case.
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
How Our Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys Can Help With Your Case
Victims of drunk driving accidents can face a challenging time. In addition to the physical injuries you’ve suffered, you may be burdened with mounting medical bills and lost wages. As a personal injury law firm in California, Arash Law can guide you through your legal journey with compassion and experience.
Our Salinas drunk driving accident attorneys can help you with the following:
- Investigating the Accident — Our team will conduct an investigation into the accident to build an evidence-based case. We may work closely with accident reconstructionists and investigators to help demonstrate the connection between the cause of the crash and your injuries.
- Calculating Damages — We can help document your losses, identify available damages, and estimate the potential value of your case.
- Managing Negotiations With Insurance Companies — Our team can handle communications and negotiations with insurers and opposing counsel, advocating for a fair settlement on your behalf.
- Taking Legal Action — If negotiations fail, we are prepared to take your case to court and represent your interests. Our attorneys will work diligently to build a well-documented case and present legal arguments to support your claim for damages.
We understand that recovering from a drunk driving accident can be both emotionally and physically challenging. Our Salinas injury law firm is dedicated to providing compassionate legal support throughout the process. When appropriate, we may assist with connections to medical professionals and help coordinate transportation if you are unable to visit our office, with the goal of helping to reduce the burdens often associated with pursuing a legal claim.
How Our Salinas Lawyers Establish Negligence In A Drunk Driving Accident
Establishing negligence is essential in building a solid personal injury claim. Our Salinas drunk driving accident attorneys can help you gather crucial evidence that can help establish the following key elements of negligence:
- Duty of Care — We show that the other driver had an obligation to act safely on the road. For example, all drivers must obey traffic laws and avoid driving while impaired.
- Breach of Duty — We demonstrate how the driver failed to meet that obligation. In a drunk‑driving case, this could involve proof of alcohol use or disregarding safety rules.
- Causation — We connect the driver’s misconduct directly to the crash and your injuries. This means showing that but for the driver’s impaired or reckless conduct, the collision and resulting harm would not have occurred.
- Damages — We provide evidence of the harm you suffered, which may include medical treatment costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses caused by the accident.
In California, driving under the influence (DUI) is negligence per se, meaning anyone who violates the DUI statute is automatically considered negligent. This legal doctrine simplifies the process of proving negligence for DUI accident victims and their families.
While driving under the influence can establish negligence per se under the law, it remains necessary to show that the impaired driving led to the accident and caused your injuries. Our car accident lawyers can carefully evaluate the specifics of your case to help you understand your rights and legal options moving forward.
Dangers Of Drunk Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol is reckless and unlawful. Alcohol can impair a driver’s ability to make responsible decisions and increase the likelihood of mistakes on the road, such as:
- Dozing off while operating a vehicle.
- Running a red light or a stop sign.
- Crossing lanes and drifting into oncoming traffic.
- Reacting poorly to an abrupt shift in traffic or road conditions.
- Driving too fast or too slow.
- Failing to check blind spots or forgetting to use signals when changing lanes.
- Stopping too late or too early at an intersection.
Impaired drivers may make poor decisions that can lead to accidents. They may have difficulty stopping on time or swerving to avoid collisions. They are also more likely to cause fatal crashes, such as head-on collisions, rollovers, and lane-drifting accidents.
Drunk driving accidents can lead to injuries or, worse, fatalities. Pedestrians, occupants of other vehicles, motorcyclists, and cyclists are all at risk when crashes occur with intoxicated drivers. Common injuries sustained in these accidents include:
- Cuts, bruises, and lacerations
- Broken or fractured bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Internal injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Back injuries
If you are a victim of a drunk driving accident, the severity of your injuries impacts the damages you may pursue in a claim. Our Salinas drunk driving accident attorneys can connect you with local healthcare professionals and help you seek compensation for your medical expenses for emergency care, chiropractic treatment, or surgery.
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Potential Parties Liable For Drunk Driving Accidents
In most drunk driving accidents, the intoxicated driver is the primary party liable for the incident. The decision to drive under the influence is inherently reckless. According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), driving is prohibited when a driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) exceeds legal limits. These limits depend on the driver’s age, situation, or occupation.
- For Drivers 21 Years Old and Older — It’s prohibited to drive with a BAC of 0.08% or higher.
- For Drivers Under 21 Years Old — It’s against the law to drive with a BAC of 0.01% or higher.
- For Drivers on DUI Probation — Regardless of their age, their BAC must not exceed 0.01% when driving.
- For Commercial Drivers — The BAC should not exceed 0.04% when operating a commercial vehicle.
In some cases, third parties may also be held liable under California law if they knowingly provided alcohol to a minor who later caused an accident. These third parties can include:
- Parents or guardians
- Bars and restaurants
- Party or social hosts
In drunk driving accidents involving third parties, the situation can become more complex. A lawyer in Salinas can help you navigate the legal process of your drunk driving accident case. They can help you understand your rights, gather evidence, and assess liability.
Drunk driving accidents can become particularly complex when third parties are involved, such as passengers, pedestrians, or other drivers. In these situations, a Salinas drunk driving lawyer can provide valuable guidance throughout the legal process. They can help you understand your rights, gather evidence, assess potential liability, and work to pursue accountability from the responsible parties.
Available Damages In A Drunk Driving Accident Case
Victims of drunk driving accidents can seek various types of damages to help compensate for the physical, emotional, and financial toll caused by the crash. Depending on the circumstances of the case, our Salinas personal injury lawyers can assist with filing claims for the following types of damages:
- Ongoing & future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment in life
Our Salinas drunk driving lawyers assist in identifying the damages available for your case and help you seek fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Recommended Steps To Take After Being Hit By A Drunk Driver
The steps you take following an accident can help protect your well-being and your rights. Consider these suggestions when navigating the aftermath of a drunk driving accident:
- Remain at the Location of the Accident — Remain at the scene of the accident, if possible. Try to move to a safer place, such as the sidewalk, to avoid further accidents. If you leave the scene of the accident, you may be charged with a hit-and-run. If someone is injured, call 911.
- Report the Incident to the Local Authorities — The police can conduct a sobriety test on the drivers involved in the accident, investigate the scene, and create a police report.
- Obtain Important Evidence and Information — Take photos of the accident scene, your vehicle, the other driver’s vehicle, and any visible injuries. Capture any damage and relevant details such as road conditions, traffic signs, and skid marks. Collect information from the other driver, including their name, contact information, driver’s license number, insurance details, and license plate number. Get also the contact information of any witnesses.
- Seek Medical Attention — Regardless of the severity of your injuries, consult a doctor for medical evaluation. The documentation of your injuries and treatment can support your case.
- Consult Salinas Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers For Victims — Cases like drunk driving accidents can be challenging. Your attorney can help you gather and preserve key evidence, including the blood alcohol test result of the at-fault driver, to strengthen your case. They can handle the legal matters of your case while you focus on your recovery.
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
Time Limit For Filing A Drunk Driving Injury Claim
California allows victims to pursue legal action for injuries within two years from the date of the accident. This time limit, also known as the statute of limitations, may be adjusted depending on certain circumstances. For example, in cases where injuries are not immediately apparent, the statute of limitations may start from the date the injury was discovered or should have been discovered.
Retaining drunk driving accident lawyers in Salinas can help you file a claim within applicable deadlines and protect your legal rights. Prompt action allows your attorney to investigate the accident, speak to witnesses, and gather evidence while it’s still fresh.
Salinas Alcohol-Related Accident Statistics
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, in 2021, Salinas recorded 84 fatalities and injuries in alcohol-related collisions. The city ranked 21st among 60 cities/areas of a similar size. Of these incidents, three were victims of accidents that involved underage drinking. Additionally, incidents involving intoxicated drivers between the ages of 21 and 34 injured and killed 58 individuals.
There had been 321 DUI arrests in Salinas in 2021. DUI incidents can involve not only alcohol consumption but also a variety of other substances, including illegal drugs, prescription medications, and certain over-the-counter medications that may impair driving abilities.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident, our Salinas drunk driving accident attorneys are here to help you seek justice. Our team can guide you through the legal process and help you seek compensation for your medical expenses and other damages.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Will I Get From A Drunk Driving Accident Settlement?
Each accident is unique, and several factors can influence the amount of compensation you may receive. Key factors that can impact the settlement include:
- The types and severity of your injuries.
- The permanent and temporary impact of these injuries in your life.
- The drunk driver’s insurance policy limits.
Our Salinas drunk driving accident lawyers can assist in documenting your losses, identifying available compensation, and estimating the potential value of your claim.
What Are My Legal Options If I Have Lost A Family Member As A Result Of A Drunk Driver’s Actions?
One of your options is to pursue a wrongful death claim after losing a loved one or a family member in a drunk driving incident. Our Salinas drunk driving accident attorneys can help you assess the damages your family has suffered as a result of this tragic loss. These damages may include the deceased’s medical bills, funeral costs, burial expenses, and the loss of financial support.
The Drunk Driver’s Insurance Company Offered Me A Settlement. Should I Take It?
You are not required to accept a settlement offer from the drunk driver’s insurance company right away. It’s important to carefully consider the offer and, ideally, consult with an experienced drunk driving accident attorney. Quick settlements may not account for the full extent of your losses.
Our Salinas drunk driving accident lawyers can help you assess the offer and calculate the injuries and losses you’ve suffered. If a fair settlement isn’t reached, we can take your case to court and seek compensation that reflects all your losses.
Speak With Our Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers In Salinas
As a victim of a drunk driving accident, you may be eligible to seek compensation for your losses. If you’re wondering, “Do I need a personal injury lawyer to handle my case?” you can contact us for guidance. Our drunk driving accident lawyers can help you seek accountability from drunk drivers for the pain and harm they caused.
At Arash Law, our dedicated Salinas drunk driving accident attorneys are here to guide you throughout your case. From gathering crucial evidence and interviewing witnesses to establishing liability and negotiating with insurance companies, we are committed to supporting you at every step of the process.
Reach out to us by calling (888) 488-1391. If you’re unable to visit us, we’ll come to you. When necessary, our team even provides complimentary transportation.
Our Salinas lawyers also handle car accidents, Uber crashes, truck collisions, hit-and-run cases, and other personal injury claims. We also provide legal services to nearby areas, including Marina, Seaside, Monterey, Pacific Grove, Prunedale, Gonzales, Watsonville, Hollister, Gilroy, Aptos, Soledad, Corralitos, Aromas, and Castroville.
