Drunk driving is one of the main causes of traffic accidents. Since a driver under the influence of alcohol does not have full control of the vehicle, these crashes are often severe.
If you have been hurt in a drunk driving accident in San Bernardino, you may have the right to seek damages for your losses. An experienced car accident attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve while you focus on recovery.
Drunk Driving Accident Statistics
San Bernadino has one of the highest percentages of people who have been arrested for DUI in the United States. This means that driving on local roads is more dangerous than, for example, driving in the nearby Fontana area.
According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, the majority of drunk driving crashes happen during the weekend. Meanwhile, the highest concentration of DUI drivers on the road is between 12:00 am and 3:00 am. Drunk driving car accidents can happen even on the smallest roads. However, the most serious crashes usually occur on busy highways, such as I-215.
Common Drunk Driving Car Wreck Injuries
The most common injuries sustained in drunk driving car wrecks in San Bernadino range from minor soft tissue injuries to more catastrophic forms of harm and often include:
- Cuts and lacerations
- Whiplash
- Burns
- Broken bones
- Head and neck injuries
- Traumatic brain damage
- Internal organ damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
The type and severity of injuries play a direct role in a case’s value. Compensation from the at-fault party can lighten the burden and help an injured motorist return to normal life or adjust to a new version of normal.
Damages You Can Recover After a Drunk Driving Accident
Damages is another word for the compensation an injured person seeks after an accident. There are three main types of damage awards for personal injury claims: economic, non-economic, and punitive.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are directly related to the financial impacts of a San Bernardino drunk driving car crash. This includes all medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and a diminished earning capacity.
Non-economic Damages
Non-economic damages are the more subjective losses related to crash. They include emotional and psychological distress, pain and suffering, and a decrease in the enjoyment of life.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages, also known as exemplary damages, are meant to punish the defendant and discourage similar actions in the future. A court is less likely to award punitive damages, but it may do so in circumstances where the person at fault displays particularly egregious or intentional behavior. Our team could help injured motorists determine what types of damages they are eligible for.
Navigate San Bernardino Drunk Driving Car Wreck Claims With an Attorney
If you have been injured in a drunk driving car wreck, you may be able to seek compensation for your losses. Doing this on your own while you are recovering from severe injuries can feel impossible.
With an experienced attorney on your side, you can focus on your treatment while a legal professional fights for your financial rights.
At Valero Law Group, we are passionate about protecting the rights of drunk driving accident victims in San Bernardino. Call us to schedule a free consultation at any time.
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