Stockton DUI Accident Victim Lawyers

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Stockton DUI Accident Victim Lawyers Offering Legal Representation Rooted In Integrity

Stockton is the county seat of San Joaquin County in the Central Valley of California. Founded in 1849, Stockton is the eleventh most populous city in California and the 58th largest city in the nation. According to the 2020 census, Stockton has a population of more than 309,000 people. It is the city with the largest population in San Joaquin County.

Given its large population, the city is no stranger to rush-hour traffic. Highway 99, Interstate 5, and State Route 4 are associated with a high number of traffic accidents. These car crashes cause traumatic injuries that cost thousands of dollars in medical treatment.

If you have suffered an injury in a traffic accident, Stockton DUI accident victim lawyers can help you pursue compensation for your losses. The dedicated legal team at Arash Law can handle your case while you focus on getting better from your injuries. Contact us at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your claim with one of our experienced and knowledgeable DUI accident victim lawyers in or near Stockton, California.

California Statistics On DUI Accidents

The California DUI Management Information Systems and the Office of Traffic Safety Statistics in California published statistics about accidents involving impaired drivers. Despite California leading the nation in advancement in safety in the automotive industry, there are still a significant number of drunk driving accidents across the state. These organizations found the following statistics regarding DUI accidents in recent years:

The number of DUI convictions increased across the state. This number represents a 72.6 percent increase in the overall conviction rate over the past several years.
In 2017, police arrested 123,548 people for driving under the influence of alcohol. Of these arrests, 4,944 people were charged with felony drunk driving throughout the state.
DUI arrests for misdemeanors dropped to 118,604 in 2017 from 124,868 in 2016.
In recent years, DUI crash fatalities decreased by 33.1 percent across the state.
Of all crashes reported in 2017 across California, 829 involved a driver under the influence of drugs. This number represents 21.2 percent of the total traffic crash fatalities.
In 2017, 2,982 drug-involved traffic accidents caused injuries, representing just over one percent of the total number of crash-related injuries.
In 2017, there were 26,967 alcohol-involved crashes, representing 9.7 percent of crash injuries caused by drunk drivers.
The California DUI Management Information System claimed in its annual report that the DUI arrest rate per 100,000 licensed drivers across the state decreased to 458 in 2019 from 491 reported in 2016.
Men made up 77.3 percent of all DUI arrests in recent years.
Women historically have been convicted at a lower rate than men for impaired driving, but over the last several decades, the number of women arrested for drunk driving has steadily increased.

Car Accident

$4,100,000.00

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

Stockton DUI Accidents

According to a report published by the Office of Traffic Safety, when adjusted for the population and the number of miles that Stockton drivers travel daily, this large metropolis is ranked as the fourth-worst city for accident rates among the largest California cities studied. According to the OTS, Stockton has a high number of car accidents that cause injury or death in the state, with 2,271 yearly.

There are areas throughout Stockton that have a higher number of DUI accidents per number of drivers.

Particularly dangerous areas of Stockton include:

West Lane
Pershing Lane
Hammer Lane
March Lane
Pacific Avenue

Particularly dangerous intersections include:

Airport Way and Park Street
El Dorado Street and March Lane
Hammer Lane and Lower Sacramento Road
Hammer Lane and West Lane
DaVinci Drive and March Lane

Per the Office of Traffic Safety, the following statistics represent the number of accidents that happened in Stockton in 2019:

Of the total number of traffic accidents that occurred in that year, 418 of them involved speeding.
2,712 people suffered fatal injuries.
Of the accidents that happened that year, 175 involved drunk drivers.
There were 497 DUI arrests that year.

Drunk driving accidents continue to be a huge problem in California. Seeking assistance from California DUI lawyers and pursuing accountability from offenders through personal injury claims may help reduce the number of drivers who choose to drive after drinking. The law imposes criminal, administrative, and civil penalties for impaired driving.

Criminal punishments for driving under the influence include:

Jail or prison time, which can range from up to six months for a first misdemeanor offense to 16 months or more for felony DUI convictions.
Thousands of dollars in fines.
Automatic four-month suspension of the driver’s license.

There are administrative consequences that a driver must face after a DUI conviction. The California Department of Motor Vehicles will impose the following penalties:

The driver must complete a DUI education program.
The driver’s license is generally suspended for six months for a first offense, although a restricted license may be available under certain conditions.
A DUI conviction will remain on the driver’s California driving record for ten years.

Although the legal consequences for driving under the influence of alcohol are significant, neither the at-fault party nor the administrative penalties provide restitution to the victim. If you suffered an injury in a drunk driving accident, you may have the option to pursue a civil action to seek compensation for injuries and losses.

DUI Civil Accident Claims

Drivers who operate a vehicle while intoxicated are considered negligent. Such drivers may face criminal liability, including potential jail time and fines, as well as civil liability for injuries and other damages they cause. In California, a driver operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher is considered legally guilty of driving under the influence.

There can be many people responsible for causing a drunk driving accident. Identifying who might be responsible for causing a drunk driving accident is crucial when pursuing a claim. Experienced Stockton personal injury lawyers can assist you as you search for each potentially liable person or entity and seek accountability for your injuries.

Additionally, California has dram shop laws, but they are limited in scope. Generally, bars, restaurants, and social hosts are not liable for damages caused by an adult who was served alcohol. However, California law may allow a claim against a person or business that provided alcohol to a minor (under 21) who then caused an accident. If you believe a third party may be responsible for your injuries in a DUI accident, an attorney can help evaluate your case and determine legal options for your specific situation.

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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.

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!

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.

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.

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

Damages Available In A DUI Accident Case

As a DUI accident victim, you may be able to seek compensation for your injuries. Pursuing damages is part of the legal process in addressing financial losses after an accident involving a drunk driver. Our Stockton DUI accident victim lawyers will investigate your case and help you gather evidence to assist you in filing a claim for damages.

There are three general categories of damages: economic, non-economic, and punitive. As a DUI accident victim, you may be able to file a claim for each type of damage, depending on the specific circumstances of your case.

Economic damages are generally easier to document, and their calculation is often straightforward. Our attorneys can help you assess your losses and prepare a settlement demand that addresses your current and anticipated future expenses. After an accident, you may be able to file a claim for:

Current medical bills.
The cost of anticipated future medical expenses.
Rehabilitation and occupational therapy.
Lost wages.
Loss of ability to earn or a diminished earning capacity.
Property damage.
The cost of hiring domestic workers, including cleaners, chefs, and people to assist with daily errands.
In-home healthcare.
Childcare.
Pet care.

Non-economic damages are more difficult to calculate because they are intangible. Accident victims may be able to seek compensation for their physical and non-physical losses, depending on the circumstances of their case. Non-economic damages may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Mental anguish.
Emotional trauma.
Pain and suffering.
Loss of enjoyment of life.
Diminished quality of life.
Temporary or permanent disability.
Loss of companionship or consortium.

Punitive damages may also be available in DUI accident cases, although they are usually reserved for extreme cases of gross negligence and malicious conduct. The availability of punitive damages varies by state. Under California state law, DUI accident victims may be able to claim punitive damages when specific legal standards are met and sufficient evidence supports such an award. In drunk driving accidents, courts award punitive damages to punish impaired drivers for their behavior and deter others from acting similarly in the future.

What To Do After A DUI Accident?

There are certain steps you can take following a DUI accident to help protect your rights and support your potential claim, such as:

Seek Medical Attention — Go to your local emergency department promptly after an accident, even if you do not think you sustained any injuries. Get proper medical attention to help determine if you are suffering from internal bleeding, a concussion, or any other medical condition requiring a medical diagnosis. Putting off seeing a physician can hinder you from healing or leave you much worse off than if you had been treated right away.
Talk to a Stockton DUI Accident Victim Lawyer — An attorney will advocate for your legal rights and assist you in pursuing compensation for your injuries. We can help you handle communications with all the parties relevant to your case, including the other driver, insurance company, witnesses, and anyone who may ask you questions regarding the accident. Keep in mind that anything you say from the time of the accident until your case concludes could be used in evaluating your claim.
Notify Your Insurance Company — Inform your insurance company about the accident, providing them only with the necessary details. It’s important to remember that the actions and statements you make can affect the outcome of a claim. Recorded statements or posts about the accident on social media may impact the process, especially before consulting an attorney.

What Happens If A Drunk Driver Does Not Have Car Insurance?

California law requires every driver to carry a minimum level of liability car insurance. According to California law, each driver must carry the following minimum amount of coverage before hitting the road:

$15,000 minimum for an accident that causes the bodily injury or death of a person.
$30,000 minimum for an accident that causes the bodily injury or death of multiple people.
$5,000 minimum coverage to address the property damage caused by the accident.

Although the law requires drivers to carry a minimum level of liability insurance coverage, some do not comply. It is not uncommon for individuals who cause drunk driving accidents to lack valid car insurance. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage can help address financial losses when the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance, if available.

Uninsured Motorist And Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured motorist coverage (UM) and underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) are types of insurance that may help pay for losses if the at-fault driver has no insurance or inadequate coverage. This coverage can help address financial losses in situations where the other driver does not carry enough insurance. Without UM or UIM coverage, individuals may face challenges pursuing the full cost of their losses after an accident.

You may recall that uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is an optional form of insurance that may have been offered when you purchased your policy. Although this coverage is sometimes overlooked, it can help address losses if you are involved in an accident with a driver who has no insurance or whose policy limits are insufficient to cover your injuries. DUI accidents may result in more severe injuries and higher costs compared to other traffic accidents, which can exceed the other driver’s insurance limits.

UM and UIM coverage are part of your own insurance policy and are used only when the at-fault driver’s coverage is unavailable or inadequate. To use your uninsured coverage, it’s crucial to show that the other driver did not have insurance coverage at the time of the accident. This typically involves completing and submitting an SR-22 form to your insurance company. An attorney can assist with this process.

For underinsured motorist coverage, it’s important to demonstrate that the other driver’s liability insurance policy is exhausted. UIM coverage is unimportant unless you are injured, lose property, or suffer damages exceeding the other driver’s insurance limits.

Pursuing a claim against your UM or UIM policy can be a complex process. Our Stockton DUI accident victim lawyers can help determine the coverage applicable to your case, guide you through the UM or UIM claim process, and assist in meeting all necessary deadlines.

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Franchot M.

$610,000

Personal Injury Settlement

Our client was the victim of a rear-end accident who was left injured and severely in pain. Arash Law was able to outshine other injury law firms when he searched online, and thankfully we were able to handle everything for our client from A to Z — All that he had to do was ask and focus on his recovery. Our client’s life has changed forever, and the compensation received for the pain and suffering has opened paths for new lifelong opportunities.

Personal Injury Settlement

How Much Time Do I Have To File A Civil Lawsuit After A DUI Accident?

The statute of limitations is a legal deadline that requires an accident victim to file their claim or a lawsuit within a specific period. Failing to comply with the statute of limitations may result in losing the ability to pursue a claim in court.

In California, the statute of limitations to file a personal injury claim is two years from the date of the accident. Plaintiffs have three years to file a lawsuit to seek compensation for property damage. Consulting an attorney can help clarify the time limits that apply to your case and assist with filing your claim within the time limit.

Do I Have A Claim If My Loved One Died In A DUI Accident?

If your loved one lost their life in a drunk driving accident, you and your family may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit, depending on eligibility. The ability to pursue a wrongful death claim varies from state to state. An experienced California wrongful death attorney can guide you through the process if your loved one was killed by a drunk driver in Stockton.

How Can An Attorney Help Me?

Your attorney serves as your advocate and can help you pursue compensation available to you after a DUI traffic accident. A Stockton DUI accident lawyer advocates for accident victims in the following ways:

Negotiate With the Insurance Company — Your attorney will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. Insurance companies, like other businesses, aim to manage their expenses and may use various approaches when handling claims. For example, they may try to settle cases promptly.
After an accident, you might be contacted by the other driver’s insurance company, and an adjuster may request a recorded statement about the incident. Following this, a settlement offer may be presented. While an initial offer may seem appealing, it may not fully account for your ongoing or future expenses. Reviewing any settlement offer with an attorney can help you understand whether it adequately addresses your needs.
Investigate the Cause of the Accident — The police will conduct the initial investigation into the accident. The officer’s report may include the names of witnesses, statements from each driver, the insurance companies of each driver, and a narrative describing the officer’s findings regarding liability. Additionally, the insurance company may investigate and reach a conclusion about liability.
Your attorney will review these findings and perform an independent investigation. This may include speaking with witnesses, examining video footage (such as cell phone or traffic camera recordings), reviewing your medical records and bills, and consulting expert witnesses to provide testimony as needed.
Prepare a Demand Package — A demand packet is a crucial component of settlement negotiations. It includes information that may persuade the insurance company to consider a reasonable settlement. The demand package may contain a detailed letter that describes your injuries, losses, and the impact of the accident on your life and the lives of your loved ones.
Your attorney may also include copies of your medical bills and other documentation to support your claim. Demand packages are often used in settlement negotiations and may contribute to resolving a case without the need for trial.
Manage the Claims Process — While you focus on getting better, your legal team works to address the legal and financial aspects of your situation. Civil cases are subject to various rules of civil procedure. An attorney can assist with filing your lawsuit in the appropriate court, meeting legal deadlines, and managing the information shared throughout the process.
Communicate With Third Parties — An attorney can handle correspondence with third parties on behalf of their clients. Once you are represented by counsel, communications from insurance companies and medical billing departments can be directed to your attorney.
Represent You at Trial — If your case does not reach an agreement, it will proceed to the trial phase. Preparing for trial and presenting your case to a jury can be intimidating, especially if you have not been through the process before. Your attorney will present your case according to the applicable rules of civil procedure, rules of evidence, and local court rules.
A trial is a key phase where your case is presented, and the decision reached is legally binding, subject to any appeals that may be filed. Given the significance of this stage, having experienced and knowledgeable legal representation can be beneficial as your case is presented.

Motor Vehicle Accident

$3,500,000.00

Settlement in a motor vehicle accident; client suffered internal injuries.

– JUDD ROSS ALLEN

How Can I Pay For An Attorney?

Some accident victims delay getting legal representation because they do not think they can afford a Stockton DUI accident victim lawyer. Many accident lawyers work with clients under a contingency fee agreement, a payment structure in which the attorney and client agree to defer payment for legal services until the case is resolved. If you don’t get a settlement or verdict for your claim, then the attorney does not charge for their services.

Under a contingency fee agreement, the DUI accident victim lawyer in Stockton will charge a percentage of the final settlement amount as payment for their services. A contingency fee agreement must be in writing and signed by the attorney and their client. While clients are still responsible for certain case-related expenses regardless of the outcome, this fee structure allows more accident victims to pursue legal claims after a DUI traffic accident.

Contact The Stockton DUI Accident Victim Attorneys At Arash Law

The legal team at Arash Law is committed to helping victims seek accountability from drunk drivers. We aim to give clear and honest answers to questions you may have about your drunk driving accident. If you suffered a loss due to a DUI accident, we can help you seek compensation through the legal process. Contact our firm to discuss your claim.

Our firm serves Stockton and the surrounding areas, including Ceres, Oakdale, Riverbank, Modesto, Oakley, Brentwood, Galt, Ripon, Tracy, Lodi, Manteca, Lathrop, Garden Acres, and Country Club.

Our Stockton DUI accident victim lawyers have decades of experience representing the victims of drunk driving accidents and seeking compensation on their behalf. Contact us at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free initial consultation with one of our attorneys.