If you’ve been injured in a drunk driving accident in Morgan Hill, we understand that you’re facing a difficult time. The road to recovery can be challenging, but with our legal representation, you can take the first step towards holding the responsible party accountable.
At Omega Law Group, our experienced Morgan Hill drunk driving accident lawyers can provide you with the guidance and support you need to build a strong case. If you’re seeking knowledgeable and dedicated car accident lawyers in Morgan Hill, we are here to help.
Understanding Drunk Driving Laws in Morgan Hill
In California, people are considered legally intoxicated. They can be charged with driving under the influence (DUI) if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher, regardless of whether their driving abilities are impaired. This is an important aspect of understanding drunk driving laws, as it dispels the myth that people need to be ‘falling drunk’ to be arrested.
It’s imperative to debunk other drunk driving myths, such as the notion that you can ‘sleep it off’ in your car or that coffee can sober you up quickly. These misconceptions can lead to devastating accidents and fatalities. Furthermore, it’s important to be aware of legal loopholes that may allow drunk drivers to avoid accountability. Our Morgan Hill personal injury lawyer can help you further understand the laws in Morgan Hill.
Causes of Morgan Hill Drunk Driving Accidents
When people are behind the wheel after consuming alcohol, they’re more likely to make mistakes that can lead to devastating accidents. Here are some of the causes of drunk driving accidents:
Impaired Judgment Errors
As people get behind the wheel after a few drinks, they may think they’re fine to drive. But the reality is, they’re not. Drunk drivers often make critical mistakes, like misjudging distances, speeds, and spatial relationships, due to impaired judgment errors that substantially increase the risk of accidents.
Impaired judgment errors can also lead to reckless behavior, such as speeding, tailgating, or running red lights. They may become overconfident and take unnecessary risks, which can have devastating consequences.
Alcohol-Impaired Reaction Time
Drunk drivers may think they can react quickly to unexpected events on the road, but alcohol substantially slows down reaction time, making it more likely that they’ll be involved in a drunk driving accident. When you consume alcohol, it affects your brain’s ability to process information, leading to what’s commonly known as ‘brain fog.’
As a result, drunk drivers’ reflexes are slowed, and their reaction time is delayed. They may not be able to brake in time to avoid a collision or swerve to avoid a pedestrian.
Injuries and Damages Sustained in Morgan Hill Drunk Driving Accidents
As a victim of a drunk driving accident, you may be left dealing with severe and long-lasting injuries. Drunk driving accidents can result in a wide range of severe injuries. The impact of these injuries can be devastating, affecting not only your physical well-being but also your emotional state. Some of the potential consequences of a drunk driving accident include:
- Painful scars: Lacerations and cuts can leave permanent scars, both physical and emotional, serving as a constant reminder of the accident.
- Emotional trauma: The psychological impact of a drunk driving accident can be just as debilitating as physical injuries, leading to anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
How a Morgan Hill Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Can Help With Filing a Drunk Driving Claim
When filing a drunk driving claim, you’ll need to take swift action to gather evidence that supports your case. To build a strong foundation for your claim, you’ll want to collect police reports, witness statements, and any available video footage. By doing so, you’ll be well on your way to proving the liable party’s clear responsibility for the accident and the resulting damages.
Gathering Evidence Quickly
Timely evidence collection is important in drunk driving accident cases, as it substantially increases the chances of building a strong claim and obtaining fair compensation. As you handle the claims process, it’s imperative to prioritize evidence preservation to guarantee that key details aren’t lost or destroyed.
You’ll want to act quickly to gather and document evidence, including:
- Witness statements and contact information
- Police reports and incident records
- Photos and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and injuries
- Crash reconstruction experts’ analysis and reports
Proving Liability Clearly
To build a successful drunk driving claim, you must establish a clear chain of liability, which requires documentation of the at-fault driver’s reckless behavior. You’ll also need to gather evidence that meets legal standards, demonstrating the driver’s negligence and responsibility for the accident.
This evidence can include police reports, toxicology results, and witness statements. Witness statements, in particular, can be important in establishing liability, as they provide firsthand accounts of the accident and the at-fault driver’s behavior. It’s important to collect witness statements as soon as possible while the details are still fresh in their minds.
Additionally, photographs and videos of the accident scene, as well as any damage to vehicles or property, can help to build a strong case. Our Morgan Hill drunk driving accident lawyer can help you prove liability after you’ve been injured.
Proving Liability in Morgan Hill Courts
In a drunk driving accident case, establishing liability in court requires a thorough investigation and presentation of evidence to demonstrate the defendant’s negligence and responsibility for the harm caused to you or your loved one. As you go through the legal process, it’s important to understand that liability can be proven in various ways, such as:
- Negligent supervision: If the defendant was not adequately supervised, leading to their ability to drive under the influence, you may be able to hold the responsible party accountable for their lack of oversight.
- Criminal intent: If the defendant intentionally got behind the wheel while intoxicated, you may be able to prove criminal intent, further solidifying their liability.
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Compensation for Victims in Morgan Hill
Two primary forms of compensation are available to victims of drunk driving accidents: economic damages, which reimburse for tangible losses, and non-economic damages, which account for intangible suffering.
Economic damages cover the financial burden of your accident, including medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. These damages are calculated based on the actual costs you’ve incurred, and they’re designed to restore your financial stability. On the other hand, non-economic damages compensate you for the intangible effects of the accident, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
When pursuing compensation, it’s important to work with an experienced Morgan Hill drunk driving accident attorney who can help you handle the legal process. Your lawyer will gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and advocate for your rights to guarantee you receive fair compensation for your economic and non-economic damages.
Contact a Morgan Hill Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
A Morgan Hill drunk driving accident lawyer will help you handle the legal system, ensuring you receive fair compensation for your injuries and emotional trauma. With our experience, you’ll be able to hold the responsible parties accountable and get the justice you merit.
At Omega Law Group, we understand the difficulties you’re facing, and we’re committed to providing you with dedicated legal representation. Contact us today for a free consultation.
