Newport Beach is a popular tourist destination in Orange County, and there is an active nightlife scene in the area. The Pacific Coast Highway runs through Newport Beach, offering scenic ocean views to drivers. Unfortunately, while there is plenty to enjoy in the area, drivers face serious risks due to intoxicated drivers putting themselves and others in harm’s way. A Newport Beach drunk driving accident lawyer is a valuable asset if you are hurt in this kind of accident.
The attorneys at Duque & Price have many years’ experience representing injured clients in Newport Beach and surrounding areas of California. We have handled all kinds of accident cases, and while most vehicle accidents in Newport Beach happen because of driver negligence, they also occur due to intentional and illegal misconduct like intoxicated driving.
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, a total of 90 people were injured or killed in drunk driving accidents in Newport Beach in 2022. That year, local police conducted 319 arrests for driving under the influence (DUI). This is one of the most commonly prosecuted criminal offenses in the state and a leading cause of serious accidents. A driver who causes an accident while intoxicated faces criminal prosecution and civil liability for the damages they caused.
The aftermath of any vehicle accident can be difficult to navigate, but the right attorney can help you feel more confident about your situation and increase your chances of reaching a positive outcome. Duque & Price can carefully review the details of how your accident happened, gather evidence to prove the full scope of the damages the defendant caused, and assist you with claiming compensation for your losses.
Establishing fault for your accident is the first step in recovering compensation for the damages. The at-fault driver is likely to be arrested, and you should seek medical treatment for your injuries immediately. Your Newport Beach drunk driving accident lawyer can obtain a copy of the police report from the accident as well as any other evidence you need to prove fault for the damage you suffered.
Do not assume that if the other driver was intoxicated, your case will be easy to resolve. While the state handles prosecuting the drunk driver for breaking the law, this criminal case does not aim to secure compensation for a victim’s damages. You will need an experienced attorney to build a civil case for you, and recovering your losses will likely require filing an auto insurance claim and/or personal injury suit against the at-fault driver.
You have the right to claim compensation for your costs to repair your vehicle, lost income, medical expenses, and your physical pain and emotional suffering. Additionally, you could also get additional compensation in the form of punitive damages at the court’s discretion.
These cases can be difficult to resolve, but the right attorney on your side increases your chance of reaching a positive outcome. Reach out to Duque & Price today to learn how we can help with your case.
A: The penalties for drunk driving in Newport Beach can include heavy fines, suspension of one’s driver’s license, as well as jail time. These penalties automatically increase when a driver has a record of prior DUI convictions and/or when they cause severe or fatal injuries to others. In addition to the civil liability the drunk drivers will have for the damages they caused, they may also be required to pay punitive damages to the victims of the accident.
A: The amount of compensation you can claim for a drunk driving accident largely depends on the severity of the injuries you suffered. The at-fault driver is liable for the cost of the medical treatment you should recover from the accident, any income you are unable to earn while you recover from your injuries, and the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle. Additionally, you have the right to claim compensation for your pain and suffering.
A: You should hire a Newport Beach drunk driving accident lawyer because your case will be difficult to resolve in many ways. With an experienced attorney representing you, you will have a better chance of establishing fault for the damage you suffered and maximizing your compensation. Your attorney can guide you through an auto insurance claim and help you build an effective personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
A: Yes, insurance can pay for drunk driving accidents in Newport Beach. If the drunk driver who caused your accident has insurance coverage, you can file a claim against their policy seeking compensation for your damages. The insurance company is likely to increase the driver’s premium rates, or the driver may be denied further coverage according to the terms of their policy. Your attorney can help you obtain a fair settlement offer.
A: The cost to hire a Newport Beach drunk driving accident lawyer depends on the total compensation you win from the defendant when you choose Duque & Price to represent you. We take these cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning we will only charge our client a fee if and when we win their case. There are no upfront fees, and you pay nothing if our firm is unable to obtain compensation for you for any reason.
The attorneys at Duque & Price have many years’ experience handling a wide range of complex accident cases for clients in Newport Beach and surrounding areas of California. We can help you make sense of your legal options and will fight for maximum compensation for you. If you are unsure what to do after you are in an accident caused by a drunk driver, contact our firm today and schedule a free consultation with a Newport Beach drunk driving accident lawyer.
3300 Irvine Avenue,
Suite 225
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Call: 949.336.1530
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