Santa Clara DUI Accident Victim Lawyers
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Our Top-Rated Santa Clara DUI Accident Victim Lawyers Fight For The Average Joe
If you sustained injuries or lost a loved one in an accident with a drugged or drunk driver, our Santa Clara DUI accident victim lawyers can help you get compensated for all your losses. Call Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 to discuss your case in a free initial consultation.
Santa Clara County is a hidden gem for most Californians. The deep forest trails and untouched natural terrain all over the county make for a great hiking or cycling location. Adventures in the county’s beautiful landscape, however, carry inherent dangers for tourists and locals alike. Traffic collisions are among the most common dangers they face.
When going through Sierra Road or heading up to Castle Rock State Park, make sure to drive carefully. When you’re exploring urban centers, pay attention to the traffic before crossing the road. Santa Clara has experienced a lot of DUI accidents in recent years, leading to serious injuries or even death.
If you are suffering from injuries due to an impaired driver, you’re entitled to compensation. Reach out to our personal injury attorneys, who fight for the rights of DUI accident victims in Santa Clara. Arash Law, under the guidance of our esteemed founder, Attorney Arash Khorsandi, Esq., will secure a just settlement for you.
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
Why Choose Our Santa Clara Lawyers For DUI Accident Victims?
Arash Law takes pride in our decades of experience and proven winning track record. We use our expertise in personal injury and car accident laws to win claims and obtain justice for our clients. Our lawyers in Santa Clara County are committed to representing DUI accident victims, whether in negotiation or, if necessary, in court.
We understand the importance of clear communication and transparency throughout the legal process. We take the time to listen to our clients’ concerns, answer their questions, and keep them informed at every stage of their case. If you are facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress, our relentless Santa Clara DUI accident victim attorneys will ensure you get fairly and fully compensated.
You don’t have to worry about the financial costs of hiring a lawyer, either. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we don’t get paid unless we win your case. You also don’t have to pay any upfront fees. Start your journey to claim your compensation by calling Arash Law today!
Let Our Top-Rated DUI Accident Victim Attorneys Get You Maximum Compensation
Our top-rated Santa Clara personal injury lawyers are here to fight for your rights after a catastrophic collision caused by a drunk or drugged driver. Our Santa Clara attorneys, who specialize in DUI accident victim cases, will take the following steps to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve:
- Assess the severity of your injuries and their overall impact on your life.
- Gather relevant documents to strengthen your claim.
- Hire professional witnesses, such as economists, surgeons, physical therapists, chiropractors, and other medical experts, to help assess your damages.
- Protect your case against insurance companies, which will do everything to minimize payouts.
- Represent you in court, if necessary. Our Santa Clara litigation attorneys are known to win favorable awards for victims of DUI accidents.
Get in touch with our Santa Clara DUI accident victim attorneys today. Having recovered over $500 Million in settlements and awards for our clients, our team can successfully handle your case while you focus on recovering. We will work tirelessly to represent you and negotiate on your behalf to get the best settlement possible.
Most Common Injuries In A DUI Accident In Santa Clara
- Pedestrian accidents
- Hit-and-run incidents
- Bicycle collisions
- Motor vehicle crashes
These unsafe driving behaviors can sometimes result in fatal car accidents or catastrophic injuries. According to our Santa Clara lawyers, the following are some of the most common injuries victims sustain in a DUI accident:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Serious car accidents often result in traumatic brain injuries. These conditions can significantly affect a victim’s way of life due to changes in mood, memory, vision, and cognitive functions.
Spinal Cord Injuries
The force of impact could damage the spine, particularly in collisions involving high speeds and large commercial vehicles like trucks. The victim may experience a ruptured or slipped disc, causing chronic pain and nerve damage. Some spinal cord injuries could also result in paralysis below the affected site.
Broken Bones
Fractures range in severity, but even the mildest cases may cause mobility issues and require long-term rehabilitation. In severe accidents, the victim may have to undergo surgery or limb amputations.
Internal Organ Injuries
Most traffic accidents injure organs such as the lungs, kidneys, and spleen. These types of bodily injuries could result in internal bleeding and other life-threatening complications.
Burns
Cars may also explode and catch fire in catastrophic accidents. As a result, trapped occupants or pedestrians within the vicinity could incur burn wounds. These injuries are extremely painful for the victims, and they have a high possibility of getting disfigured because of the scars.
Wrongful Death
A devastating DUI accident in Santa Clara could result in wrongful death. In this case, the victim’s loved ones can file a claim for the deceased victim.
- Medical bills
- Loss of wages
- Loss of future income
- Funeral and burial expenses
California Laws On Driving Under The Influence
According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), it is illegal to drive under these circumstances:
- Drinking alcohol above certain thresholds
- Taking illegal drugs
- Taking any drug that alters an individual’s cognitive state
The law doesn’t define “drunkenness” based on the driver’s ability or behavior. Rather, it’s measured by the blood alcohol concentration (BAC). In California, it is illegal to drive if an individual’s BAC is above certain levels. The DMV imposes varying limits based on classification:
- Drivers over the age of 21 – 0.08%
- Drivers under 21 – 0.01%
- Commercial drivers – 0.04%
The effects of elevated blood alcohol levels can be serious, regardless of how sober you feel. BAC can rise quickly, making driving unsafe even with a few drinks. A standard drink is defined as 12 ounces of 5% alcohol beer, 1.5 ounces of 40% alcohol liquor, or 5 ounces of 12% alcohol wine.
One’s weight can also affect one’s BAC. Due to their smaller weight, women may have a higher BAC level per drink than men.
Even with a BAC of 0.02% to 0.05%, a driver may experience impaired vision, reduced coordination, difficulty steering, and a reduced response to emergencies.
If a law enforcement officer suspects a driver is under the influence, they will request a breath, blood, or urine test. The DMV has the right to suspend or revoke the driving privileges of anyone who refuses to take these tests.
In a DUI accident, our Santa Clara lawyers will consider the driver’s BAC when building your case. These applicable drunk or drugged driving-related laws in California will help establish negligence further.
Penalties For DUI Accidents In California
First-time DUI convictions carry serious consequences, including jail time, fines, probation, and mandatory programs. Additional penalties may apply if the BAC is 0.15% or higher. Furthermore, multiple DUI convictions within ten years can result in more severe punishments, such as license suspension and mandatory counseling.
Driving responsibly and staying sober is critical to ensuring the safety of oneself and others on the road. Those who drive under the influence don’t only face the penalties above but also potential liability for accidents they might cause.
If you or a loved one is a DUI accident victim, reach out to our Santa Clara personal injury attorneys. We will see to it that the drunk driver is held responsible for your hospitalization bills, doctor fees, lost income, as well as pain and suffering.
How Alcohol And Drugs Affect A Driver’s Ability To Drive
- Altered depth perception – This effect can make a driver misjudge distances, leading to accidents.
- Blurred vision – Having a clear vision is essential for reading road signs, identifying hazards, and maintaining awareness of surroundings while driving.
- Overconfidence – Drivers may severely underestimate the risks of driving recklessly.
- Drowsiness – Driving while sleepy or fatigued is extremely dangerous because drowsiness impairs cognitive function and reaction times.
- Hostility and aggressiveness – Certain substances can make an individual prone to anger. It can cause a driver to act dangerously while on the road, posing significant risks to other motorists and pedestrians.
- Hallucinations – When a driver experiences hallucinations, they might react unpredictably. For example, seeing a non-existent animal on the road may cause them to swerve and collide with another car.
Our DUI accident victim lawyers in Santa Clara have witnessed thousands of injuries and fatalities due to drugged or drunk driving. DUI is not only dangerous for the affected individual but for other road users as well.
Signs Of An Impaired Driver
- Inability to stay in their lane
- Turning sharply, making sudden maneuvers, or overcorrecting the steering wheel
- Driving too fast or too slow
- Inconsistent driving speed
- Hitting objects on the road or sidewalk
- Overtaking curbs, weaving, or straddling lines
- Stopping at a traffic signal or stop sign too quickly or overshooting
- Failure to use signal lights or using signals that do not reflect their actions
- Driving at night without light
- Failing to dim high beams
Always keep these critical signs in mind and be vigilant on the road. Unfortunately, accidents can still occur despite your best efforts. If you’re suffering from injuries caused by impaired drivers, reach out to our DUI accident victim lawyers in Santa Clara County. Arash Law’s team of award-winning attorneys will ensure they are held accountable for your medical expenses and other losses.
Determining The Negligent Parties In Drunk/Drugged Driving Accidents
Typically, the drunk or drugged driver is primarily liable in a DUI car accident. However, multiple parties could also be involved in a single accident, raising significant legal questions about responsibility and accountability.
- The drunk or drugged driver – They likely have the largest percentage of liability in an incident.
- Bar or restaurant owners – Establishments are not allowed to serve alcohol to an already intoxicated patron. If they break this rule, they could be held liable for the resulting accident.
- Social hosts – Similar liability applies if social hosts serve alcohol to an obviously intoxicated person.
- Vehicle owners – They might also be responsible if they knowingly allowed an intoxicated individual to drive their car, leading to an auto accident.
- Employers – If the at-fault driver was on the job when the accident occurred, the employer might also be found negligent.
- Other motorists – Sometimes, an accident can also involve negligence on the part of other drivers on the road. For example, another car was speeding through a red light, and the drunk driver improperly maneuvered into a collision with your vehicle.
Since California is a pure comparative negligence state, all the liable parties are responsible for compensating you for your damages. Our skilled lawyers, who win DUI accident cases for victims in Santa Clara, will hold all at-fault parties accountable for your injuries, financial difficulties, and emotional trauma.
Comparative negligence also entails that if you are found partially liable, your total compensation will be reduced based on the percentage of your liability. Our attorneys will make sure you are not unfairly blamed for your accident.
December 2016: $22M+ verdict in a mild traumatic brain injury case. The entire details of the case can be found in the public record filings by the defendant entity that sued its defense.– BRIAN BEECHER
Damages DUI Accident Victims Can Claim In Santa Clara
If you or your family sustained an injury, you are entitled to compensation to cover medical costs and out-of-pocket expenses. Our Santa Clara DUI accident victim lawyers will fight for a fair settlement so you can get your life back on track.
- Medical expenses
- Physical therapy
- Property damage repair
- Loss of income
- Loss of future wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Loss of quality of life
- Loss of consortium
If a DUI incident leads to the loss of a loved one, you can still pursue a claim against the negligent parties. Our wrongful death attorneys will help you through the process of getting compensated. Under California laws, the surviving family members are entitled to:
- Medical bills of the deceased after the accident and before their death
- Loss of financial support from the killed victim
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of companionship
- Emotional trauma
No amount of money can replace the life of a loved one. Nonetheless, our DUI accident victim lawyers, who also specialize in wrongful death cases in Santa Clara, will help you get justice and financial support.
Statute Of Limitations For Personal Injuries In California
The statute of limitations in California for personal injury cases is two years from the date of the incident. This means you only have two years to file a claim after a DUI accident. In some cases, however, the deadline might be extended.
For instance, you discovered the injury later. The statute of limitations might instead start from the date of discovery.
For victims who are minors, their deadline would be two years from the date they turn 18 years old. The timer could also be paused while the defendant is out of state, in prison, or mentally insane.
If you miss the deadline, the court can dismiss your personal injury case. Make sure to reach out to our DUI accident victim lawyers in Santa Clara right away. We’ll discuss all the possible deadlines and extensions that might apply to your case.
What To Do After A DUI Accident In Santa Clara
- Ensure your safety. Stay calm and check yourself for injuries. If possible, move away from traffic to avoid further injuries.
- Contact 911. An officer must be present at the accident scene and create a police report. Your attorney may use this information during the claims process.
- Seek medical care. Once the paramedics arrive, submit yourself to a medical check-up. Get yourself checked, even if you believe you suffered only minor injuries. Some injuries do not show up immediately or on the surface.
- Document the accident scene. You should take as many photos as you can from different angles of the accident scene. You can also take notes and record a video. Make sure to highlight your injuries, property damage, and the road conditions.
- Gather information from the at-fault driver. Get the driver’s name, phone number, license plate number, and insurance company information.
- Collect the contact details of any witnesses. Our attorneys might have to ask for their statements later or request that they testify in court.
- Hire our DUI accident victim lawyers in Santa Clara. Our legal team will handle the claims process for you, ensuring your rights are protected every step of the way.
Drunk Driving Crash Statistics
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), DUI leads to the tragic loss of 37 lives every day in the United States. The number of alcohol-impaired driving fatalities increased by 14% in 2021 alone, resulting in 13,384 fatalities.
Drunk driving is a persistent issue, even in Santa Clara, California. In 2022, the Transportation Injury Mapping System reported that alcohol-involved traffic incidents caused fatalities for 22 drivers in the county. Meanwhile, there were six deaths from drug-involved accidents that same year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Santa Clara DUI Accidents
Where Can I Find DUI Accident Attorneys Near Me?
Our DUI accident victim lawyers serve all of California, including Santa Clara, San Jose, Los Angeles, Orange, Merced, and other counties. You can reach our award-winning attorneys via phone, online, or a personal visit to any of our offices. If you can’t physically come, our legal team will go to you instead.
What Happens If Someone Drinks And Drives In California?
Under California law, the drunk driver will be arrested and may be sentenced to up to six months in jail. If the driver causes serious injury or wrongful death, they will be charged with a felony. Additionally, authorities may impound the vehicle of the drunk driver.
Should I Hire A Lawyer For A Minor DUI Injury In California?
All injuries, minor or severe, are subject to compensation from the at-fault party. Moreover, even minor injuries can turn into more serious conditions later on. You need our DUI accident victim attorneys in Santa Clara, California, to help you get what you’re entitled to. Our attorneys will consider the full extent of your damages, including any potential developments, to calculate a more accurate compensation value.
Get Help From The DUI Accident Victim Lawyers Santa Clara Trusts!
You must file an auto accident claim against the liable party if you or a loved one is injured in an alcohol or drug-related collision. Our experienced personal injury attorneys have decades of combined experience representing DUI accident victims in Santa Clara, California. We’ll advise you on the next steps to take to ensure you receive a favorable settlement.
Arash Law, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., aims to help you get compensation for the full amount of your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Call us today at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.
We also serve justice in nearby areas, such as San Jose, Saratoga, Campbell, Burbank, Los Altos, Monta Loma, Palo Alto, East San Jose, River Oaks, Mountain View, Redwood City, Emerald Hills, Los Gatos, Warm Springs, Milpitas, Alamitos, Cupertino, Woodside, Stanford, Atherton, and Robertsville.
