Our Los Angeles Drunk Driving Injury Lawyer Can Help You

A person who is injured by a drunk driver may experience an entirely changed life. The serious injuries that may be sustained in any car accident may be catastrophic, leading to paralysis, brain damage, amputation, or other debilitating injuries. Drunk driving accidents may also cause fatal injuries. If you or a loved one suffered a serious injury in a drunk driving accident in the Los Angeles area, call our firm today at 1-800-358-9617. Your initial consultation is free, and we will be happy to discuss your case with you and offer you an evaluation by a competent Los Angeles drunk driving injury attorney.

When a drunk driver causes an accident that then injures you or someone you love, we believe it is important that you have the opportunity to hold that driver responsible for his or her actions. In doing so, you may also be able to recover much-needed financial compensation for medical care, and more.

Los Angeles Drunk Driving Injury Attorney
Los Angeles Drunk Driving Injury Attorney

Drunk Driving Laws in California

In California, drunk driving laws, also known as DUI (Driving Under the Influence) laws, are stringent and strictly enforced to ensure road safety. As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, the following points outline key aspects of drunk driving laws in California:

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limit: The legal BAC limit for drivers 21 years and older is 0.08%. For drivers under 21, the “zero tolerance” law applies, making it illegal to drive with any measurable amount of alcohol in their system.

Penalties: Penalties for DUI convictions in California can include fines, license suspension, mandatory alcohol education programs, and in some cases, jail time. The severity of the penalties depends on factors such as BAC level, prior DUI convictions, and whether the DUI resulted in injury or death.

Implied Consent: California has an implied consent law, which means that drivers are deemed to have consented to chemical testing (breath, blood, or urine) to determine their BAC if lawfully arrested for DUI. Refusal to submit to such testing can lead to license suspension and other penalties.

Enhanced Penalties: Aggravating factors such as high BAC levels, reckless driving, or causing injury or death while driving under the influence can lead to enhanced penalties, including longer license suspension, mandatory ignition interlock device installation, and potential felony charges.

Ignition Interlock Devices: In some cases, individuals convicted of DUI in California may be required to install an ignition interlock device in their vehicles. This device requires the driver to pass a breathalyzer test before the vehicle can be started.

It’s important to note that DUI laws and penalties can change over time, so it’s advisable to consult with a qualified Los Angeles drunk driving injury attorney or refer to the latest legal resources for the most up-to-date information on drunk driving laws in California.

The Dangers of Drunk Driving

Drunk driving poses significant dangers to both the driver and others on the road. The consumption of alcohol can impair a driver’s abilities in several ways, increasing the risk of accidents and potentially life-threatening consequences. Some of the dangers of drunk driving include:

  • Impaired Judgment and Coordination: Alcohol impairs a driver’s ability to make sound decisions and reduces coordination, increasing the likelihood of reckless driving behaviors and an inability to respond appropriately to road conditions.
  • Reduced Reaction Time: Alcohol consumption slows down reaction time, making it difficult for a driver to respond promptly to unexpected events or hazards on the road, such as sudden stops or pedestrian crossings.
  • Decreased Visual Function: Alcohol can affect vision and perception, leading to blurred or double vision, impaired depth perception, and difficulty focusing, all of which are crucial for safe driving.
  • Increased Risk of Accidents: Drunk driving significantly increases the risk of accidents, including collisions, injuries, and fatalities. Alcohol-related accidents often result in severe consequences for all parties involved.
  • Legal and Financial Ramifications: In addition to the physical dangers, drunk driving can lead to serious legal consequences, including fines, license suspension, and potential incarceration. It can also result in civil lawsuits if injuries or fatalities occur as a result of impaired driving.

Understanding these dangers underscores the importance of responsible decision-making and the avoidance of driving under the influence of alcohol. It is essential to prioritize safety and utilize designated drivers, public transportation, or ride-sharing services when alcohol consumption is involved.

Types of Injuries in Drunk Driving Accidents

A driver, passenger, pedestrian, or bicycle rider may sustain any of several serious injuries in a drunk driving accident, depending on the force, speed, and location of impact. Pedestrians and bicyclists are far more likely to sustain catastrophic or fatal injury, because they are virtually unprotected in the event of a collision with a much larger and heavier motor vehicle. Injuries resulting from drunk driving accidents can range from minor to severe, and even life-altering. Some common types of injuries that can occur in drunk driving accidents include:

  • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): These can range from concussions to severe brain damage, impacting cognitive function, motor skills, and overall quality of life.
  • Spinal Cord Injuries: These injuries can lead to paralysis, loss of sensation, and other long-term complications.
  • Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma from a collision can cause internal injuries such as organ damage, internal bleeding, and fractured ribs.
  • Bone Fractures: Victims of drunk driving accidents often sustain fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, and other parts of the body.
  • Soft Tissue Injuries: These include sprains, strains, and whiplash, which can cause chronic pain and limited mobility.
  • Psychological Trauma: The emotional impact of a drunk driving accident can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.

Seeking immediate medical attention and legal support is crucial for anyone who has sustained injuries in a drunk driving accident. An experienced Los Angeles drunk driving injury attorney can help victims pursue compensation for their physical, emotional, and financial losses.

Get legal help with your injury claim in the wake of a drunk driver accident. Contact a Los Angeles drunk driving injury attorney today!

What Are Common Types of Accidents Caused by Drunk Drivers?

Accidents caused by drunk drivers can take various forms, including:

  • Rear-End Collisions: Drunk drivers often exhibit delayed reaction times and impaired judgment, leading to an increased likelihood of rear-end collisions with other vehicles.
  • Head-On Collisions: Impaired drivers may veer into oncoming traffic lanes, resulting in devastating head-on collisions that can cause severe injuries and fatalities.
  • Intersection Accidents: Drunk drivers may fail to yield at intersections, run red lights, or stop signs, leading to T-bone collisions and other intersection-related accidents.
  • Single-Vehicle Crashes: Drunk drivers are more likely to lose control of their vehicles, leading to single-vehicle crashes such as rollovers and collisions with roadside obstacles.
  • Pedestrian and Cyclist Accidents: Impaired drivers may fail to observe pedestrians and cyclists, leading to accidents that can cause serious injuries or fatalities.

It’s important to note that these are just a few examples, and the impact of drunk driving can be far-reaching. Seeking legal counsel and support is crucial for anyone involved in an accident caused by a drunk driver.

Los Angeles DUI Truck Accident Attorney

Truck Accidents and Drunk Drivers

DUI (driving under the influence) is a serious criminal offense. It is also an action that takes the lives of many thousands of people throughout the United States every year. In 2008 alone, 11,773 people lost their lives in traffic collisions involving a driver with a blood alcohol concentration of .08% or greater, which is the limit that places a driver in the category of “driving under the influence” or DUI. This number accounted for 32% of all traffic fatalities that year.

Did you lose a loved one, or were you injured in a truck accident involving a drunk driver? You may be interested in finding out what legal action you can take against the driver who caused the accident, and an attorney at Pacific Attorney Group can help. Under California personal injury law, you may have a right to file a claim or lawsuit against the drunk driver that was responsible for your accident. This may be the driver of the big rig or semi-truck, or perhaps another driver. Regardless of the circumstances of your particular case, a lawyer experienced with DUI truck accidents can assess the situation to determine how to best approach your case.

Schedule a Free Consultation with an experienced Los Angeles Drunk Driving Injury Attorney For a Free Consultation

If you need legal advice regarding a drunk driving injury in Los Angeles, it’s crucial to consult with a qualified attorney who specializes in this area. A skilled Los Angeles Drunk Driving Injury Attorney can provide you with valuable guidance and representation, helping you understand your legal options and working to protect your rights. Whether you are the victim of a drunk driving accident or facing allegations related to a drunk driving incident, an attorney can offer the support and expertise needed to navigate the legal process effectively.

Los Angeles drunk driving injury attorney at Pacific Attorney Group has a proven track record in handling drunk driving injury cases and can provide you with personalized attention and dedicated representation. Many attorneys offer free consultations, allowing you to discuss your case and determine the best course of action. For more information, contact our law offices at 1-800-358-9617 and we will work quickly to set up your free case evaluation.

Contact a Los Angeles truck accident lawyer at our law firm today.