Injured in a Drunk Driving Accident in Sacramento? – Contact a Lawyer Today
Each year drunk drivers injure and kill thousands of innocent California motorists and pedestrians. In some instances, entire families are lost to the reckless and negligent behavior of an out of control drunk. The effects of these accidents can be devastating and last a lifetime. Victims and survivors of such accidents are left to struggle with the physical and emotional trauma that follows. On top of that, they also must deal with the associated medical and legal issues. But, help is available.
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a DUI accident in Sacramento, the law is on your side. The driver faces not only stiff criminal penalties but also civil liabilities. The defendant is obligated to pay for your injuries or loss of your loved one, including your pain and suffering. The Sacramento car accident lawyers at Demas Law Group, P.C., can help you hold the intoxicated driver accountable. Give our office a call or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
You can reach us at (916) 764-3059.
Of course, legal action against the at-fault motorist can’t undo the past, nor will it change the current circumstances. But a successful personal injury claim can force the guilty party to take ownership of their behavior. It can also ease any financial burden you may be facing. Car accidents are expensive enough, but a drunk driving accident can end up costing you and your family hundreds of thousands of dollars. The following are just some of the possible damages you may be able to pursue compensation for:
- Emergency medical transportation
- Extensive hospitalization
- Pain and suffering
- Pharmaceuticals
- Wrongful death
Consequences for Drunk Driving in Sacramento
In California, the average penalty for driving under the influence (of alcohol or other substances) is a night in jail, thousands of dollars in fines, and an automatic four-month driver’s license suspension. A drunk driver who causes a serious or fatal collision faces a lengthy prison sentence.
I’m the Victim in a DUI Accident, What Do I Do?
When a drunk driver causes serious injury or death, they are charged with felony DUI. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and causing an injury carries a potential prison sentence.
If you’ve been injured by a drunk driver, or a driver intoxicated on prescription or illicit drugs, you’re entitled to sue the driver in civil court for your damages. Motor vehicle collisions can cause many serious injuries, lifelong debilitation, or other pain and suffering. You can also pursue punitive damages. This is compensation designed to punish the driver’s negligence.
Contact DUI Accident Attorneys in Sacramento Today
There can be many different parties involved in a drunk driving accident. Potential litigants include the defendant, the defendant’s insurance company, and the defendant’s employer. Each will fight for every penny because the stakes are high. Putting an experienced Sacramento drunk driving accident lawyer from Demas Law Group, P.C., on your side can help ensure justice prevails.
Call us at (916) 764-3059.
This literature may be considered attorney advertising or an offer of professional services, according to rule 1-400 Rules of Professional Conduct by the State Bar of California. The information does not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your potential legal matter.
Demas Law Group, P.C. | DUI Accident Attorneys in Sacramento
FAQ About Drunk Driver Accidents
Q1. How do drunk driving accidents differ from other types of personal injury accidents?
Because criminal charges are usually involved, drunk driving accidents tend to be handled a little differently from a civil standpoint than straightforward personal injury cases. Felony DUI, the charge that most drunk drivers incur when they cause death or injury to an innocent person, is a crime that carries potentially serious penalties, including long jail sentences and heavy fines. However, although the criminal penalties may be stiff, the criminal court does not address victim compensation.
In order to collect damages from a drunk driver, the victim must file a lawsuit in civil court. The outcome of the criminal case does not change or impact the civil lawsuit. In most cases, negligence is evident, meaning that the victims have a strong case in civil court. However, the civil case can be complicated by the criminal matter in practical terms, particularly if the driver is sent to jail for an extended period of time. A personal injury attorney must be able to navigate the realities of both legal actions in order to recover damages for the victim.
The experienced DUI car accident attorneys at Demas Law Group, P.C., are ready to help you recover damages as soon as possible after your injuries. Located in Sacramento, the attorneys at Demas Law Group, P.C., have experience in navigating the complicated legal process of holding drunk drivers financially responsible for their actions.
Q2. I have been injured by a drunk driver. What should I do?
With any injury, the first and most important step is to notify the authorities and get immediate medical attention. You should document every aspect of your injury, from your medical records to police reports. This will help your attorney recover damages more easily. Obtain contact information for witnesses and take detailed notes, with photographs, if possible, of the accident scene.
Whatever you do, do NOT discuss your case with an insurance company prior to speaking with a personal injury attorney. A personal injury lawyer can help you negotiate your case, while an insurance company will probably pressure you to settle quickly for a very small amount of money.
Q3. What are my legal options if I have lost a family member as a result of a drunk driver’s actions?
It is complicated, but it may be possible to file a wrongful death claim against a drunk driver. The attorneys at Demas Law Group, P.C., have years of experience in working with wrongful death claims.
Q4. How can victims of drunk drivers receive compensation?
One question that frequently arises after a DUI accident is: how can I receive compensation from a drunk driver if the driver has no money? There are many ways to get compensation from a drunk driver that do not involve directly collecting from the driver, including:
- The insurance company that provides liability coverage for the driver;
- Your own insurance company, if the driver has no insurance, under your uninsured motorist policy;
- The employer or the employer’s insurance company if the driver was on the job at the time of the accident;
- A friend or relative who loaned a vehicle to the driver;
- Any establishment that served alcohol to the intoxicated driver, under certain circumstances.
Demas Law Group, P.C., offers a free initial consultation so that you can learn the facts about your drunk driving lawsuit. You may be surprised to learn that you have options for collecting damages from the driver who injured you.
Q5. Can I still file a lawsuit if the other driver was legally intoxicated but I was partially at fault?
California observes something known as the rule of comparative negligence. Comparative negligence means that even if you are partially responsible for an accident, you may still be able to collect a portion of the damages to which you would have been entitled had you been completely without fault.
As an example, suppose that you sued a drunk driver and the jury determined you were entitled to $100,000 in damages. If the jury felt you were 30 percent responsible for the crash, you would then receive $70,000 instead of $100,000. Your monetary award would be reduced by the amount of fault you had in the accident.
Q6. Does my civil action against a drunk driver depend on the criminal action against that driver?
You have a limited time to file a civil lawsuit against a drunk driver, so Demas Law Group, P.C., attorneys usually advise you to proceed with your civil case prior to the conclusion of the criminal case. While the civil case does not hinge on the results of the criminal case, a conviction may strengthen your civil claim.
Q7. Where can I get more information on filing a civil lawsuit against a drunk driver?
If you believe you have been a victim of a drunk driving accident and are entitled to damages, we strongly encourage you to contact us at Demas Law Group, P.C., for a free, no-obligation consultation. You may also want to visit our General FAQs section for information on personal injury claims and the types of damages that are available. Do not wait, as the time for filing a personal injury lawsuit is limited.
Q8. Where can I obtain more information about the impact of drunk driving accidents and access victim support resources?
Demas Law Group, P.C., is a proud supporter of the Mothers Against Drunk Driving organization, also known as MADD. We often refer clients to MADD for support services, which can help victims of drunk driving accidents tremendously. For more information about how MADD can help, visit www.madd.org. You may also want to explore the resources available at Advocates Against Impaired Driving, or AAID, located on the web at www.aaidonline.org.
