Westminster Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Westminster Drunk Driving Accident Attorney

When someone makes the reckless decision to drive while intoxicated, they can endanger other drivers. Drunk driving collisions are often catastrophic and leave injured victims seeking accountability. If you were injured in a collision involving a drunk driver, you have the right to secure representation from a Westminster drunk driving accident lawyer. Legal representation can play a critical role in ensuring that you receive the compensation and justice you deserve.

A Westminster Injury Law Firm Focused on Holding Drunk Drivers Accountable

The team of trial-ready injury lawyers at Duque & Price understands the devastation that can follow a drunk driving collision. One of our founding attorneys interned at the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, where drunk drivers and other criminal defendants were prosecuted in criminal court. Our personal injury attorneys in Westminster focus on holding drunk drivers accountable in civil court so the clients we represent have the resources they need to recover and rebuild their lives.

When you work with our team of skilled litigators, you gain representation from dedicated lawyers who understand how to build strong injury claims that lead to meaningful outcomes for the men and women who come to us for support and guidance during a difficult ordeal. We can take the time to learn about your story and the setbacks you endured following a drunk driving crash before aggressively pursuing the compensation that you are owed.

Understanding Drunk Driving Collisions in Westminster

Drunk driving remains a leading cause of preventable injuries and deaths across California, and Westminster is no exception. In 2022, Los Angeles County reported 277 alcohol-related fatalities and 615 serious injuries tied to drunk driving.

Within Westminster, there were 642 collisions involving fatalities and injuries in 2021, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety. Alcohol-impaired driving threatens communities throughout Southern California, including neighborhoods such as Goldenwest, Little Saigon, and West Garden Grove.

In 2021, roughly 67% of seriously injured victims in alcohol-involved crashes were male. Common injuries from these collisions include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, internal bleeding, and bone fractures. Victims in Westminster are often taken to Kindred Hospital Westminster at 200 Hospital Circle, where recovery can be prolonged and costly.

Why Drunk Driving Collisions Are Especially Dangerous

Drunk driving collisions often lead to catastrophic injuries that leave victims contending with uncertain recoveries and unexpected financial hardships. Drunk drivers are more likely to engage in reckless driving behaviors like speeding and dangerous lane changes. One of the most serious types of collision is a head-on crash, which is more likely to occur when a driver is intoxicated and fails to notice that they are driving on the wrong side of the road.

Alcohol impairs coordination, reaction time, and judgment, meaning intoxicated drivers often fail to brake or swerve in time to avoid impact. Erratic behavior can trigger a devastating chain of events involving multiple parties. The result is a higher likelihood of traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and internal organ damage.

Common Injuries Following a Drunk Driving Collision

Drunk driving collisions frequently result in severe, life-altering injuries that can take months or even years to heal. Victims commonly suffer traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and bone fractures that require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. Internal bleeding and organ injuries are also common due to the extreme force of impact.

Soft tissue injuries, such as whiplash and torn ligaments, can cause chronic pain that limits a person’s ability to work or complete daily tasks. Psychological trauma, including anxiety and post-traumatic stress, often accompanies physical damage and can prolong recovery. Even with immediate medical care, the financial and emotional burden can be overwhelming.

How the Criminal Case Could Affect Your Civil Claim

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a criminal offense in California. Following a collision, police would likely quickly assess that the driver is impaired and arrest the at-fault party if they do not need immediate medical attention. Even if they require urgent medical treatment, they would still be charged with a DUI afterward and face the consequences of a potentially serious criminal charge.

It is important to remember that the criminal and civil courts can work concurrently to deliver justice to victims of DUI collisions. While criminal courts can impose jail time or suspend a convicted defendant’s driving privileges, civil courts can also deliver justice by finding a defendant liable for the harm they cause. You do not have to wait for a criminal case to resolve before you can take decisive action through a civil claim seeking compensation.

What to Expect During Your Injury Claim

Following a drunk driving collision, several steps will need to be completed before you can secure compensation. Even after a devastating drunk accident collision where fault appears clear to you, an injury claim still requires evidence to back up any accusations of wrongdoing. The police investigation may take time to complete before law enforcement issues a final report. Documenting your injuries and securing copies of medical treatments is also critical.

Another important step is finding an attorney to represent you through the injury claims process. A lawyer can facilitate the injury claims process so you can focus on recovering. One of the first places your attorney can look for compensation is the at-fault party’s insurance policy. Depending on the type of coverage they have, a settlement from an insurance carrier could compensate you for the hardships you endured due to a drunk driving crash.

If the driver is uninsured or underinsured, you can take them to court by filing a civil claim seeking economic and non-economic damages. The courts provide a reliable venue for holding drivers accountable for misconduct. Once a claim is filed, the at-fault party must be served and allowed to respond and participate in the civil court process.

Discovery

Once a civil claim is accepted, both parties are afforded ample time to gather evidence in support of their respective cases. This is known as the discovery process, and it can uncover evidence that positions you for a large settlement. If the defendant in the case fails to offer a fair settlement, the case may ultimately proceed to trial, where a judge or jury decides who is at fault and what damages are owed.

When Should I Accept a Settlement Offer?

You should only accept a settlement offer after fully understanding the extent of your injuries, medical expenses, and long-term financial needs. In drunk driving cases, early offers from insurance companies are often designed to minimize payouts and close the claim quickly.

Accepting too soon can leave you without enough compensation to cover future medical care or lost income. Before agreeing to any settlement, consult with a drunk driving injury lawyer who can evaluate whether the offer reflects the true value of your claim. Your attorney can negotiate on your behalf to ensure that all current and future losses are considered, which can help you avoid the risk of settling for less than you deserve.

Why You Should Hire a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Pursuing compensation from a drunk driver without legal representation could be a costly mistake. Dealing with insurance carriers can lead to unexpected obstacles, and you risk accepting a settlement that does not provide you with the resources you need to rebuild your life and receive the high-quality treatments you need to recover.

When you hire a drunk driving accident lawyer, you gain support from an attorney who brings experience managing drunk driving accident claims based on their extensive knowledge of drunk driving accident laws. A lawyer understands how to calculate the full value of your claim so you receive the full compensation that you are owed.

An attorney does more than file paperwork on your behalf. They understand the legal process and how to negotiate a favorable settlement. If the at-fault driver fails to make a fair settlement offer, your attorney can take the case to court so you receive the accountability and justice you deserve.

How to Find the Right Drunk Driving Lawyer for Your Case

You can start your search for an experienced drunk driving collision injury lawyer by asking friends and family for referrals. If that does not lead to a suitable candidate, you can search online. Look for an attorney with a proven record of success in personal injury law and experience handling DUI-related collisions.

Reading client reviews, checking case results, and scheduling a consultation can help you determine whether a lawyer’s approach aligns with your goals. A strong attorney should communicate clearly, explain your rights, and outline a practical strategy for securing compensation. The right legal representation can make a meaningful difference in the outcome of your case, so take the time to find someone who will advocate for your rights and interests.

FAQs

What Are the Chances of Winning a Drunk Driving Injury Claim?

The chances of winning a drunk driving injury claim depend on the strength of your evidence and the quality of your legal representation. Proving that the driver was impaired can strengthen your case. With evidence such as police reports, breathalyzer results, and witness testimony, your attorney can establish negligence and help you pursue full compensation for your injuries and losses.

What Is the Average Settlement for a Drunk Driving Accident in California?

The average settlement for a drunk driving accident in California varies depending on the severity of the injuries, medical costs, and long-term impact of the crash. Victims with serious injuries may be compensated for medical expenses, lost income, emotional suffering, and future care needs. Settlements are determined by the unique facts and evidence supporting each claim and the strength of your legal representation.

How Much Do Drunk Driving Injury Lawyers Charge?

Most drunk driving injury lawyers work based on a contingency fee, which means you only pay if your attorney secures compensation for you. This arrangement allows injured victims to pursue justice without upfront fees. The attorney’s fee is often a percentage of the final settlement award, which is discussed clearly during your initial consultation. Under this arrangement, both the attorney and plaintiff are incentivized to maximize what you are owed.

How Long Does It Take to Settle a Drunk Driving Injury Case?

The time it takes to settle a drunk driving injury case depends on the complexity of the claim and whether the at-fault driver or their insurer accepts liability. Straightforward cases can be resolved quickly, while those involving severe injuries or disputed fault may take longer. Your attorney can handle negotiations and court filings to ensure the process moves efficiently and with a focus on maximizing what you are owed.

What Factors Can Affect the Value of a Drunk Driving Injury Claim?

Several factors can affect the value of a drunk driving injury claim, including the severity of your injuries, the cost of ongoing treatment, and the emotional toll of the crash. Evidence of clear intoxication and driver negligence can increase the likelihood of a higher settlement. The skill of your attorney and the quality of your documentation also play a major role in determining how much you receive in compensation.

Injured in a DUI Collision? Talk with Duque & Price Today

If you were harmed by an impaired driver, Duque & Price is ready to help you secure accountability and justice. Our legal team has years of experience handling complex DUI-related injury claims across California and understands how to build a strong case for compensation that can financially restore you following a serious car collision involving a drunk driver.

Our experienced legal team can help you weigh your legal options. We can investigate the crash, negotiate with insurers, and hold the at-fault driver accountable for their actions.

You deserve to recover physically and financially after such a devastating event, and strong legal representation can play a critical role in shaping the outcome of your claim in your favor. We can help you recover the financial resources you need to move forward with confidence. Contact Duque & Price today to schedule your consultation and discuss your case.