Bakersfield Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers

Attorneys helping victims of drunk driving accidents. 

Although it is common knowledge that drinking and driving should never be mixed together, it is still one of the leading causes of car accidents in America. This type of accident can cause great mental anguish for the victims and their families. 

Over the years, society has made more of an effort to raise awareness of the repercussions of drunk driving. More and more accident victims and their family members have been vocal about the hardship they’ve experienced due to these tragic accidents. Sadly, this still does not deter some negligent drivers from getting behind the wheel of a vehicle while intoxicated. 

In 2019, drunk driving accident statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recorded 10,142 cases of drunk driving-related fatalities, which totaled about 28 deaths each day. Of these numbers, men were more likely to get into these types of accidents than women.

The year prior, young drivers (21-24) made up the largest percentage of fatalities involving alcohol-related auto accidents. 

If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving car accident in Bakersfield, California, contact Farahi Law Firm today for a free consultation. Our skilled and experienced drunk driving attorneys will guide you through the legal process of your personal injury claim. We will obtain the justice and financial compensation you deserve!

Drunk Driving According to Law

Driving under the influence (DUI), also known as drunk driving, means operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) at or above the legal limit at which a person cannot drive safely.

Chapter 12 of the California Vehicle Code states that the following conditions are considered illegal:

• Drivers over 21 years operate a vehicle with a BAC of 0.08 g/dl or more.
• Drivers of commercial motor vehicles cannot have a BAC level equal to or above 0.04g/dl.
• Drivers under 21 years and on DUI probation (any age) cannot have a BAC level equal to or above 0.01g/dl.

Nonetheless, many factors can affect your BAC level, such as:

• Gender
• Body size/weight
• Number of drinks
• Type of alcohol consumed
• The time during which drinks were consumed
• How much food you eat before/during drinking, also
• Certain medical conditions that affect how the body metabolizes alcohol

An increase in blood alcohol level produces some side effects and impairments that could reduce your ability to control a vehicle, such as:

• Slowed reflexes and reaction time
• Slurred speech
• Blackouts and memory loss
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of physical coordination
• Passing out
• Increased heart rate and breathing
• Blood pressure changes

Most Common Injuries in a Drunk Driving Accident

These types of accidents can lead to severe property damage and could lead to mounting repair bills. Sadly, this is not the only outcome when someone causes an accident due to alcohol impairment. An accident victim can sustain severe physical injuries. Below we have listed some of the most common types of drunk driving bodily injuries:

• Broken bones
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal injuries
• Internal organ injuries
• Burns
• Partial or total paralysis, among other injuries.

These catastrophic injuries can be life-changing and greatly hinder the victim’s enjoyment of life. It may be extremely difficult for a victim to return to normal life after sustaining these injuries.

How to Recognize a Drunk Driver

To be safer on the road, it is important to be attentive and aware of your surroundings, and part of that is knowing the signs when another car on the road might have a drunk driver at the wheel.

Here are some signs that can help you identify an intoxicated or impaired driver:

• Inability to judge the road and proximity to other objects
• Trouble staying in the lane
• Sharp or jerky turns, sudden maneuvers, and over-correction of steering
• Failure to maintain speed (driving over the speed limit or driving very slowly)
• Running over curbs, weaving, or straddling lanes
• Stopping short of a traffic signal, overshooting the signal or stop sign, or abruptly stopping
• Failure to adapt driving to accommodate changes in surroundings and driving conditions
• Crossing the centerline or a double-yellow line
• Failure to signal or making signals that do not reflect what the driver does
• Night driving without lights or failure to dim high-beams

Always be vigilant if you suspect a driver is driving under the influence. These reckless and negligent actions can lead to a range of injuries or worse, fatal crashes.

What To Do If You Spot a Drunk Driver

If you suspect that another vehicle on the road may be driven by an intoxicated driver, taking these safety precautions could help you evade a motor vehicle accident:

• Stay far behind the suspected drunk driver. Drunk drivers often stop abruptly.
• Be sure you and your passengers are correctly wearing your seat belts.
• Get out of the way. Please don’t attempt to pass the car. Beware of any sudden moves. Keep as much distance as possible between your vehicle and theirs.
• Stop and pull off the road if it’s safe to do so.
• Call 911 and report the location, direction of travel, description of the car, and the behavior of the driver.
• Do not attempt to stop the drunk driver’s car on your own. Leave that to the police!

What To Do if You Were in a Drunk Driving Accident in Bakersfield

As the injured party, you are entitled to recover compensatory damages from the at-fault party. This list of details can help you strengthen your drunk driving accident case:

• Call 911. EMTs and the police must be at the scene of the accident. Make sure that you and your passengers receive the medical attention needed. 
• Take as many photos of the accident scene as you can. Remember that everything is relevant and could be evidence of your case.
• Gather all the information from the drunk driver (name, telephone number, license, plate number, and, if it is possible, their insurance info).
• Were there witnesses? If so, collect their contact information.
• Ask the police officers for the number of the accident report so you can request a copy.
• Contact your insurance company.
• Even if you do not feel pain, go to the ER and seek medical care. Most often, accident victims are unaware of the extent of their injuries.
• Contact Farahi Law Firm. Our experienced legal team will guide you through your accident claim and obtain the justice you deserve for the pain you’ve endured.

Damages You May Recover in a Drunk Driving Accident Claim

If you or your loved one suffered a severe injury from the actions of a reckless driver, depending on the details of your accident, you are entitled to damages that may include:

• Medical bills (past, present, and future)
• Psychological therapy
• Vehicle repairs/replacement
• Loss of income
• Physical impairment
• Physical therapy
• Loss of earning capacity
• Loss of consortium
• Loss of enjoyment
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• And more

If the DUI crash was fatal, you must immediately contact an experienced drunk driving accident lawyer. Your drunk driving accident lawyer will help you file a wrongful death claim and give you the legal representation you need to win your case. Among the damages you are entitled are:

• Medical expenses
• Funeral expenses
• Lost future income
• Property damages
• Emotional suffering
• Loss of care and service
• Loss of companionship
• Other non-economic damages

It is essential to remember that the at-fault driver’s insurance provider is never on your side. Therefore do not talk with an insurance adjuster before contacting a personal injury attorney. 

Always remember that an adjuster is looking out for their best interests, not yours. They will often try to push some of the blame onto the victim to help reduce the liability of their client to avoid offering a fair settlement. Remember that you have no obligation to give them a recorded statement after an accident.

Please, avoid early insurance settlement negotiations, and do not sign any documents without an initial consultation with your personal injury lawyer. Let our Bakersfield drunk driving accident lawyers handle negotiations. We will recover the fair compensation you deserve.

Why Do You Need A Lawyer In A Drunk Driving Accident?

At Farahi Law Firm, our Bakersfield drunk driving accident lawyers are committed to helping drunk driving accident victims make a financial recovery by winning them the maximum compensation needed to cover their financial damages.

While you and your family are focused on healing, we will:

1. Carry out an unbiased investigation of the crash,
2. Seek the most beneficial settlement, but also prepare for trial.
3. Bring expert witnesses
4. Put you in touch with professional doctors

Remember that in this difficult time, we are here for you 24/7.

Contact Farahi Law Firm

If you or a loved one were involved in a DUI crash in Bakersfield due to the actions of a negligent party, contact Farahi Law Firm. Our experienced accident lawyers specializing in drunk driving cases will work hard to obtain the justice you deserve. We work on a contingency basis of “no fees unless we win.” 

Contact our Bakersfield drunk driving accident lawyers at (661) 669-7239 for a free consultation.

Bakersfield Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers: FAQs

Here are some of the commonly asked questions about drunk driving accident liability and claims. 

How much time do I have to file my drunk driving accident claim?

A DUI claim must be brought within two years of the date of the accident. If the plaintiff is a minor, you have until their 19th birthday to bring the case. There is an exception to this law. When a government entity is in any way involved in the accident, you have only six months to file the claim, even if the plaintiff is a minor.

Who else is liable for a drunk driving accident?

In a drunk driving accident claim, other defendants may bear partial, or totally liable for the accident. These may include:

• Parents of teenage drivers
• Restaurants
• Hosts of private parties;
• Bars and clubs

Your attorney should explore all the possibilities that led to the negligent act and DUI crash.

What should I do if the drunk driver does not have insurance or leaves the accident scene?

You should file a claim under your auto insurance, this is known as an underinsured or uninsured claim (UM/UIM). This type of insurance should pay your medical bills and lost wages. It is critical that you contact a personal injury attorney immediately; you do not want to deal with the insurance company alone.

Will I need experts to testify that the other driver was under the influence?

If your case goes to trial, a toxicologist will have to be called to establish the level of alcohol and/or drugs in a person’s body.

Will my case settle out of court?

Yes. Insurance companies do not want to go to trial when their client has been driving under the influence. With DUI drivers, the verdicts tend to be more substantial.