Under California state law, it is illegal for anyone to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher or while impaired to any extent by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. Nevertheless, driving under the influence (DUI) is one of the most common criminal charges filed by police and pursued by prosecutors in the Golden State. It is also one of the most common causes of traffic collisions.
If you have been hurt in a wreck caused by a drunk driver, you very likely have grounds to file suit against them and demand civil compensation for the harm you have sustained. However, getting a favorable outcome from a claim based on a drunk driving car accident in Woodland Hills can be challenging in many ways, so seeking help from a seasoned auto accident lawyer is a key first step toward achieving the recovery you deserve. Reach out to Valero Law Group today to learn more about your options.
Proving Another Driver Was Drunk Behind the Wheel
If someone has been criminally charged with or convicted of DUI in relation to a car crash in Woodland Hills, relevant criminal records can serve as very strong evidence to support a civil claim against that person for causing the crash. Even if someone is not arrested for DUI at the scene of the wreck, it is still possible to hold them civilly liable for ensuing injuries, since civil claims have a less stringent standard of proof compared to criminal cases.
Still, without a police accident report to fall back on, proving that someone else was intoxicated when a car accident occurred can be very tricky, and it often requires extensive evidence from multiple sources. A skilled legal professional can provide vital assistance with preserving and making effective use of things like witness testimony, surveillance/dashboard camera footage, and even purchase records from bars or liquor stores to establish that drunk driving was the main and direct cause of a traffic wreck. Learn more about our process for gathering evidence by connecting with our team.
Demanding Compensation for All Available Damages
Legal counsel can also help identify and demand a fair amount of compensation for every economic and non-economic loss that a drunk driving car wreck in Woodland Hills will result in. This can include both past and future damages relative to when the legal process begins, such as:
- Short-term and long-term medical expenses
- Car repair/replacement costs and other expenses stemming from personal property damage
- Lost working capacity and/or work earnings
- Physical discomfort and pain
- Emotional anguish and trauma
- Decline in quality of life and other intangible effects of permanent disability/disfigurement
However, there are strictly enforced deadlines on when someone injured through another’s negligence must file suit over their injuries, so time is of the essence when contacting a car accident lawyer and formally starting a claim after a wreck like this.
Contact a Woodland Hills Attorney for Help Filing a Drunk Driving Car Accident Lawsuit
Getting hurt in a car crash caused by someone else can be an aggravating experience, no matter who or how the crash happens. However, finding out that the person to blame for your wreck was also driving drunk at the time can upgrade the entire situation from aggravating to infuriating—and even worse, you still may have a harder time than you would expect obtaining civil restitution for the injuries you have sustained.
If you want the best chance of getting the best possible result from your claim, you will want assistance from an attorney who is willing to litigate on your behalf, will travel to where you are if needed, and is always available for calls. Call today to learn more about your options following a drunk driving car accident in Woodland Hills.
Valero Law Group
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