San Diego Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

San Diego Drunk Driving Accident Attorney

Being injured in an accident is always stressful, but knowing it was caused by another person’s decision to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol can add a new level of anxiety. Hiring a San Diego drunk driving accident lawyer makes it easier to file a claim against the responsible driver, giving you access to the money you need to heal and holding the driver accountable for their decision to drive while drunk.

Trust Perry Law

If you need to file a drunk driving accident claim, you can trust the team here at Perry Law to help. Over the years we’ve been in practice, we’ve developed a deep understanding of drunk driving accident laws, and we can use that knowledge to help you hold the driver who caused your pain accountable. Perry Law practices personal injury law exclusively, so you can rest easy knowing that we have what it takes to help with your claim.

Why Hire a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer?

San Diego ranks fourth in the state for both serious injuries and fatalities caused by drunk drivers. In 2022, 93 people were killed, and 237 sustained severe injuries due to crashes with drunk drivers. Across California, 4,428 people were killed in drunk driving accidents the same year. Needless to say, the Golden State has a pervasive problem with people driving under the influence.

If you’ve been hit by a drunk driver, you deserve to get compensated for your injuries and other damages, and that person deserves to be held responsible for their actions. That’s just what will happen if you hire a drunk driving accident lawyer to help you file your claim and build your case. Your lawyer can assist you with everything from making sure paperwork gets completed on time to negotiating a settlement with the responsible driver’s insurance company.

What Is Considered a DUI in California?

California Vehicle Code 23152 defines driving under the influence as having a blood alcohol content of 0.08 or more. However, there are some exceptions to the rule. If you’re under 21, California has a zero-tolerance policy, and you can have your license suspended for a BAC of just 0.01.

Commercial drivers are also exempt from the rule. You’re not allowed to operate a commercial vehicle with a BAC of 0.04 or higher. The same standard applies to rideshare drivers, such as those working for Uber or Lyft. California also has a specific limit for aggravated DUI: 0.15%.

Why Drunk Drivers Cause Accidents

Driving under the influence is illegal for a reason. Motorists with BACs above the legal limit experience:

• Delayed reaction times
• Poor vision and hearing
• Difficulty concentrating
• Drowsiness
• Cognitive deficiencies

The cumulative effect of these factors is to reduce the driver’s control over their vehicle’s speed and trajectory.

Compensation for Drunk Driving Accidents

When you file your claim at the San Diego Superior Court’s Central Division, you’ll have to claim specific damages. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, you can be compensated for:

• Injuries. Injuries that occur in a drunk driving accident can range from minor bruises to fatal damage. You can get compensation to pay for medical bills.
• Lost wages. If you’ve missed work due to your injuries, you can also be compensated for the wages you’ve lost.
• Property damage. If your vehicle or any personal property within it was damaged, you can file a claim for property damage.
• Pain and suffering. Some damages are non-economic, such as pain and suffering. You can be compensated for these non-economic losses.

Your compensation package should cover 100% of your losses, including future medical treatment.

FAQs

What Happens if You Get in an Accident While Drunk in California?

What happens if you get in an accident while drunk in California varies based on whether anyone gets hurt. If there are no injuries, you could face either a misdemeanor or a felony DUI charge. If anyone gets injured or killed, the penalties become more severe. In a worst-case scenario, you could face charges for vehicular manslaughter. If you cause an accident while drunk, you’ll face possible jail or prison time, large fines, and the potential for civil liability.

What Is the 3-Hour Rule for DUI in California?

The 3-hour rule for DUI in California refers to the fact that chemical tests for blood alcohol content are considered to be accurate for three hours following the last time the person being tested was driving. If the test is administered more than three hours after the incident, the results may not hold up in court.

How Much Can You Get for a Drunk Driving Accident in California?

How much you can get for a drunk driving accident in California varies by accident. The amount of money you’ll stand to make in a settlement will vary based on factors like the severity of your injuries, whether you face permanent disability, and how much insurance coverage the driver responsible for causing the crash was carrying. You can maximize your chances of getting a good payout by hiring a skilled San Diego drunk driving accident attorney.

Can I File a Claim Against a Drunk Driver Who Hit Me in California?

You can file a claim against a drunk driver who hit you in San Diego, California. The claim gets filed in civil court and is separate from any criminal charges being brought against the driver. Filing a claim against a drunk driver who caused you injury can get you the compensation you need to pay for medical bills and make up for lost wages and other damages, so it’s always a good idea.

Your San Diego Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been in a crash with someone driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you need to hire a San Diego drunk driving accident lawyer right away. You can trust the team here at Perry Personal Injury Lawyers. We focus exclusively on personal injury cases and have represented hundreds of injured Californians. We can help you file your drunk driving accident claim, too. Contact us to schedule an initial consultation today.

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