Santa Ana Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Santa Ana Drunk Driving Accident Attorney

Car accidents happen in various ways in the Santa Ana area, from speeding on the I-5 or the Costa Mesa Freeway to distracted driving on busy downtown roads. While most crashes result from driver negligence, it is also possible for illegal misconduct to cause a serious accident, and intoxicated driving is the leading example of this in California. A Santa Ana drunk driving accident lawyer is the ideal asset to have on your side after such an accident.

Representing Victims of Drunk Driving Accidents in Santa Ana, CA

The attorneys at Duque & Price have years of experience helping clients in Santa Ana and the surrounding areas of California recover from all types of accidents, including those resulting from drunk driving. Our goal in every accident case we accept is to help our client prove fault for the accident and maximize the compensation they receive for their damages. We know the challenges you can face after a drunk driving accident and how to overcome them.

The aftermath of your accident can be confusing. The police will likely arrest the drunk driver, and you will need medical treatment for your injuries. Once you are stable and can do so safely, you should hire a drunk driving accident lawyer right away so they can begin building your case. Fault for the accident may seem clear to you, but the formal legal process of recovering compensation is likely to be more challenging than you expect.

Building a Drunk Driving Accident Case in Santa Ana

The National Safety Council reported that in 2023, vehicle crashes caused more than five million injuries and nearly 45,000 deaths nationwide. Throughout the United States, drunk driving is a pervasive issue, and each state has different rules for handling these offenses.

The California Office of Traffic Safety reported 1,355 deaths from drunk driving in California in 2023, and in 2022, there were 126 injuries and deaths resulting from alcohol-involved crashes in Santa Ana alone.

When a driver causes a drunk driving accident in California, they will be arrested, and the state will file criminal charges against them. The purpose of this criminal case is to punish them for breaking the law, but it does not seek to obtain compensation for the victim’s damages. You will need to hire a drunk driving accident lawyer to help you build your case against the drunk driver and pursue compensation for the damages they caused.

Recovering Compensation for Your Drunk Driving Accident

Every California driver is required to have auto insurance, and filing a claim is likely to be your first option for recovering from any vehicle accident in Santa Ana. Your attorney can help you through this process and negotiate with the at-fault driver’s insurance company for you, ensuring you receive a fair settlement. If the insurance company attempts to dispute your claim, we can resolve the situation for you.

When you must file a personal injury case to recover your losses, you have the greatest chance of success with a skilled attorney representing you. Your Santa Ana drunk driving accident lawyer may be able to help you recover compensation for your economic and non-economic damages, and you could also receive additional compensation in the form of punitive damages at the court’s discretion.

Ultimately, recovering compensation for your damages will be difficult without an attorney’s help. You need to hire a drunk driving accident lawyer at your first opportunity to maximize your chance of success with your recovery efforts, and the team at Duque & Price is confident we can resolve your case efficiently. Reach out to our firm as soon as you can to learn more about the legal services we can provide.

FAQs

What Are the Penalties for Drunk Driving in Santa Ana?

The penalties for drunk driving in Santa Ana could include fines, jail time, and driver’s license suspension. Additionally, if the defendant caused an accident, their penalties could increase significantly if they caused bodily injury or death. They will also be liable for the damages they caused.

What Is Comparative Fault in a Drunk Driving Case?

In a drunk driving case, comparative fault could come into play if the injured driver was partially responsible for causing the accident. For example, if you were hit by a drunk driver but you were speeding at the time, you may be assigned a percentage of fault for the accident. Under California’s pure comparative fault rule, any percentage of fault assigned to the plaintiff is subtracted from their personal injury case award.

How Much Recompense Can I Claim for a Drunk Driving Accident?

The amount of compensation you can claim for a drunk driving accident depends on the severity of your injuries. You may be eligible to claim compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, lost earning capacity, and for the pain and emotional suffering you experienced. The court could also order the defendant to pay punitive damages for breaking the law. Your attorney can estimate the full potential value of your claim.

Why Should I Hire a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer?

You should hire a drunk driving accident lawyer because while the state may prosecute the defendant for breaking the law, you will need to file a civil action to recover compensation for your damages. Hiring legal counsel will significantly improve your chance of not only ensuring accountability for the defendant but also of maximizing the compensation you obtain for your damages.

What Will It Cost Me to Hire a Santa Ana Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer?

The cost to hire a Santa Ana drunk driving accident lawyer will depend on your chosen attorney’s billing policy. At Duque & Price, we take personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. This means we will only charge our client a percentage of the compensation we recover for them when we win their case. However, if we are unable to obtain compensation for our client for any reason, there is no fee.

Contact Our Santa Ana Drunk Driving Accident Law Firm

The attorneys at Duque & Price have years of experience helping injured accident victims in Santa Ana and the surrounding areas of California. We know the various challenges you are likely to face in the aftermath of a drunk driving accident, and we are confident we can guide you to a positive outcome in your case. Contact us today and schedule your free consultation with an experienced Santa Ana drunk driving accident lawyer you trust.