Injured by a Drunk Driver
Though data from the DMV shows that there has been a downward trend of drunk driving arrests since 2008, there are still more than 100,000 such arrests per year in California. In fact, a full third of fatal car accidents in 2015 were caused by drunk and impaired drivers.
Drunk driving is a serious issue in LA County, often leading to deadly accidents. If you are in an accident that involves a driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs, it is important to contact a local LA County drunk driving accident attorney as soon as possible so that they can ensure your case is handled appropriately. Call a compassionate attorney to schedule a consultation.
Consequences of a Drunk Driving Arrest in Los Angeles, Claremont, and Pasadena
Anyone convicted of drunk driving faces serious penalties. The first, second, or third charge is usually written up as a misdemeanor. A felony drunk driving charge will result from any additional drunk driving charges, or for any drunk driving charge that occurs after any felony drunk driving charge in the past ten years. Drunk driving accidents that result in injury or death are generally tried as felonies.
In addition to legal ramifications, someone charged in a drunk driving accident case can be held responsible for damages sustained by accident victims. This can include medical bills, lost wages, damage to property, damage to a spousal or familial relationship, and more.
Establishing Liability in a Drunk Driving Accident
In any accident case, it is important to establish the defendant’s negligence for the incident. In a drunk driving accident case, this may involve showing that the driver was intoxicated at the time of the wreck. Drunk driving accident lawyers in Pasadena can use police reports to show this, including breathalyzer results or the results of roadside sobriety tests.
Other ways that attorneys can seek to establish liability are through accident reconstructions that show how the accident likely occurred, eye-witness statements and testimony, and the use of surveillance cameras near the accident scene.
Benefits of Having a Drunk Driving Lawyer in LA County
The legal system in Los Angeles, Claremont, and Pasadena can be tedious and difficult to navigate. This can feel especially true to someone who has just been through an accident and understandably wants to spend time recovering from such a traumatic event.
Being hit by a drunk driver only exacerbates an already tense situation, and it can be a relief to have an accomplished LA County lawyer help simplify the process. A qualified attorney can gather the necessary evidence to argue the plaintiff’s case, aid in communication between the court, and offer invaluable advice when negotiating with the defendant and their legal team.
Get in Touch with a Drunk Driving Accident Attorney in Los Angeles, Claremont, and Pasadena
If you are involved in a drunk driving accident, an experienced drunk driving lawyer in Los Angeles, Claremont, and Pasadena can help you secure the damages and results you need to recover from your injuries and traumatic experiences. Having a lawyer by your side from the outset can often lead to a much better outcome.
Call today to schedule a consultation and get started on your case. The sooner a lawyer is brought onto a case, the sooner they can begin to help.