A Walnut Creek drunk driving accident lawyer can help you understand the legal requirements to file a claim after a car accident. Drunk driving accidents can lead to severe injuries, financial losses, and lasting emotional distress. If you or a loved one has been affected by a drunk driving crash, you may have the right to seek financial compensation.
At Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys, we believe every client deserves personalized attention and compassionate legal guidance.
Our Walnut Creek car accident lawyer prioritizes treating each client like family, ensuring they receive the support they need throughout the legal process.
Understanding DUI Accidents in California
For accident victims, the consequences of a drunk driving crash can extend far beyond the initial collision. A Walnut Creek personal injury lawyer can help victims recover compensation for property damage, lost income, and other financial losses that create lasting challenges.
California’s DUI Laws and Their Impact
California enforces strict traffic laws to reduce the risks of drunk driving crashes. A driver is legally impaired if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) meets or exceeds:
- 0.08% for most motorists
- 0.04% for commercial drivers
- 0.01% for drivers under 21 years old
However, even lower BAC levels can slow a driver’s reaction time, increasing the risk of collisions. Those responsible for DUI-related motor vehicle accidents can face both criminal trials and personal injury lawsuits.
Common Types of DUI-Related Accidents
A drunk driver may cause various types of accidents, often depending on road conditions, speed, and traffic flow. Some of the more common ones include:
- Rear–end collisions: A delayed reaction can lead to hitting another vehicle from behind.
- Head–on crashes: Swerving into oncoming traffic may result in severe injuries or fatal crashes.
- Side–impact collisions: Running a red light or stop sign can lead to T-bone crashes.
- Pedestrian accidents: Impaired motorists may struggle to see or react to pedestrians.
- Motorcycle accidents: Riders often suffer serious harm when hit by a drunk driver.
Beyond financial strain, victims may experience emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, or ongoing psychological trauma. While compensatory damages can provide financial relief, the emotional effects can last much longer.
Common Injuries from Drunk Driving Accidents
The impact of a drunk driving crash can leave victims with long-term or catastrophic injuries. Some of the most common injuries in motor vehicle accidents involving alcohol-impaired drivers include:
- Broken bones: Fractures can require extended medical care, surgeries, and rehabilitation.
- Spinal injuries: Damage to the spinal cord may lead to partial or complete paralysis.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Head trauma can result in cognitive impairments, memory loss, and difficulty with daily activities.
- Soft tissue injuries: Muscle strains, ligament tears, and whiplash are common in high-impact collisions.
- Internal injuries: Damage to organs or internal bleeding may not be immediately noticeable but can be life-threatening.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: Injuries may prevent victims from engaging in activities they once loved.
In cases involving fatal accidents, families may file a wrongful death lawsuit to seek financial compensation for burial expenses, lost income, and emotional suffering.
Consulting a Walnut Creek catastrophic injury lawyer can help them understand the process and their rights.
(310) 526-8383How Can a Lawyer Determine Liability in a DUI Accident?
Establishing liability in a drunk driving accident is an important step in seeking compensation for injury victims. A personal injury attorney may examine different types of evidence to determine who is at fault. Liability can extend beyond the intoxicated driver, depending on the circumstances.
Evidence Used to Prove Fault
To support a personal injury claim, an attorney may gather and analyze various forms of evidence, including:
- Police reports: Officers responding to the accident scene often document signs of impairment, such as slurred speech or failed sobriety tests.
- Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) test results: Breathalyzer or blood tests can confirm whether the driver responsible was under the influence of alcohol.
- Witness statements: Testimony from bystanders, passengers, or other motorists can help establish the at-fault driver’s behavior before the crash.
- Traffic camera or dashcam footage: Video evidence may show reckless actions, such as running a red light or swerving between lanes.
- Accident reconstruction: Accident reconstructionists can analyze skid marks, vehicle damage, and road conditions to determine what led to the collision.
Possible Liable Parties
While an intoxicated driver is often at fault, others may also bear responsibility for a DUI-related crash. In some cases, a liability claim may involve:
- Bars or restaurants: Under California’s traffic laws, businesses that served alcohol to an underage or visibly impaired motorist may share responsibility.
- Employers: If a commercial driver caused a crash while working, their employer could be held accountable.
- Car manufacturers: If a defective auto part contributed to the collision, the vehicle’s manufacturer might be liable.
The Role of Comparative Negligence
California follows comparative negligence laws, meaning more than one party may be responsible for a motor vehicle accident. If the injured party is partially at fault—for example, by speeding or not wearing a seat belt—their compensatory damages may be reduced.
Insurance companies often use this rule to lower payouts, making it important to present strong evidence in a personal injury lawsuit.
Get Help from a Walnut Creek Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
After a drunk driving accident, victims often experience financial losses from medical bills, lost earnings, and ongoing treatments. Seeking guidance from a Walnut Creek drunk driving accident attorney can help victims understand how the car accident lawsuit process works and pursue a claim to recover damages.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving crash, an accident attorney can explain available legal options. At Omega Law Group, our experienced team assists injured victims in pursuing fair compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other damages.
Schedule a free consultation today.
