Los Angeles Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers

Los Angeles Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers

Were you injured in a drunk driving accident due to the negligent actions of an alcohol-impaired driver? Farahi Law Firm’s Los Angeles drunk driving accident lawyers are committed to protecting your rights and getting your life back on track by obtaining the maximum compensation you deserve.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 30 people die in drunk driving crashes daily. This means that one person dies from a fatal car accident every 52 minutes. Even though these deaths have fallen by a third in the last three decades, drunk-driving crashes claim over 10,000 lives a year.

With a high percentage of traffic crashes in the U.S. each year, triggered by alcohol-impaired drivers, drivers in Los Angeles run the risk of being involved in a drunk driving accident by using busy roads in the city.

One cannot control the behavior of other motorists with whom they share the road and can still get involved in motor vehicle accidents. But one thing accident victims can control is the outcome of their personal injury claim. A skilled drunk driving accident attorney can hold the negligent driver accountable for your losses and help you recover compensation for your damages and accident injuries.

Drunk Driving Accident Statistics in California

• 29% of single/multiple-vehicle fatal crashes in California were due to the influence of alcohol.
• 949 lives were lost in California because of alcohol-impaired driving (2019).
• The five-year (2014-2018) average of alcohol-impaired driving fatalities in Los Angeles is 193.
• The highest Percent of Alcohol-Impaired Driving accidents occurred between midnight to 3 a.m.
• California’s percentage of surviving drivers in fatal crashes with Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) between .01-.07 g/dl was only 3% in 2018.
• Alcohol involvement was seen in 33% of fatal motor crashes in Los Angeles with BAC .01+ g/dl (2018).
• In 2018, 628 fatal crashes occurred in Los Angeles, and 29% were due to alcohol-impaired driving, where BAC was >.08+ g/dl.
• In Los Angeles, the highest percentage of alcohol-impaired fatal crashes was noticed in April and July with 39%.

What Is Considered Drunk Driving or DUI?

Driving under the influence (DUI), commonly referred to as “drunk driving,” means driving a motor vehicle while the alcohol content of one’s blood is above the statutory limit. Generally, compared to the intoxication level of the driver, a BAC (blood alcohol content) based drunk driving offense is known as a “per se” DUI. In every jurisdiction, driving with a BAC of .08 g/dl or higher is illegal.

The Effects of Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) 0.08+ g/dl:

• TYPICAL EFFECTS – Muscle function is impaired (e.g., posture, voice, vision, response speed, and hearing) and it is more difficult to identify hazards; perception, self-control, thinking, and cognitive are affected.
• PREDICTABLE EFFECTS ON DRIVING – Concentration and memory loss, speed modulation, reduced ability to interpret information ( e.g., signal recognition, visual search), poor vision, reduced ability to correctly monitor the lane direction and brake.

Los Angeles City’s Drunk Driving Laws

In Los Angeles, people may be charged with a DUI if their BAC exceeds the statutory limits set by the state. To legally operate a vehicle, you have to keep your BAC:

• Below 0.08% if you are over 21
• Below 0.04% if you are a commercial driver
• Below 0.01% if you are under 21

Establishing Liability in Drunk Driving Accidents in Los Angeles

Drunk driving accident claims are similar to other personal injury claims. You will have to be able to identify who the liable party is and the causes of injury and property damage in order for the case to have a favorable outcome. The difference lies in the type of evidence you need to establish the liability. 

Injury victims will first be required to prove that the at-fault driver was intoxicated and that their BAC levels were above the state’s standard limits. Remember: it’s not the intoxication but the driver’s negligent actions that caused the collision. So how can you use intoxication in claim negotiations? 

If the reckless driver was arrested for DWI/DUI, it is usually enough to establish the negligence and convince the claim adjuster that the insured was liable for the accident. The following ways can help you establish drunk driving liability:

• A formal police report at the site showed DUI
• Arrest and conviction reports
• Eyewitness testimony
• Videos from dashcams or CCTV footage
• Video footage or receipts from businesses that sold the driver alcoholic beverages before the crash
• Social media posts showing that the at-fault driver was drinking before the auto accident

Collecting evidence of accountability is just a part of the process. You will also need to prove the types of damages you’ve incurred and assess their economic value to achieve full financial compensation. These include your hospital and other medical expenses, your pay stubs to show loss of wages, an estimation of your car repair, invoices of any expense related to the accident like a rental car, home health care, medical treatments, etc. 

The aftermath of a drunk driving crash can often cause emotional distress for the victims and their loved ones. Thus, it is vital to seek counsel from expert Los Angeles drunk driving accident lawyers immediately after the accident to protect your legal rights and secure a favorable settlement. 

An expert personal injury attorney will access information that may be impossible for you to collect on your own. This could be information such as drug or alcohol test reports of the drunk driver from the hospital, the driving history of the at-fault driver, and other relevant details.

Damage Recovery from a Drunk Driver After a Crash

Recovery from severe injuries due to a drunk driving accident can be both complex and expensive. If you or a loved one have been involved in a drunk driving accident in Los Angeles, you may be able to receive monetary compensation for the following:

• Compensatory Damages – These damages cover past and future expenses, damage to property, loss of wages, as well as compensation for pain and suffering. Pain and suffering damages are non-economic damages paid to the crash victims to compensate for the loss of enjoyment of life, loss of consortium, emotional pain, mental trauma, and more.
• Punitive Damages – If the driver that caused the crash has a BAC of 0.08 percent or more, these compensatory awards are meant to prosecute the reckless actions of the driver financially. To seek punitive damages you must prove that the other driver behaved with deliberate contempt towards your rights and safety.
• Wrongful Death – Surviving family members of the victim killed in a fatal crash can file a wrongful death claim to recover damages for hospital bills incurred prior to the death, funeral expenses, lost future wages, property damages, emotional suffering, and loss of care and services.

Steps Drunk Driving Accident Victims Should Take

1. Call the police – Police reports are also helpful for accident victims who decide to file lawsuits against the drunk driver. The police will most likely conduct a breathalyzer test. If the test shows that the driver was driving drunk, this information will be helpful for the victim to pursue a lawsuit against the at-fault drunk driver.
2. Gather evidence – Gather as much information as possible at the scene of the accident. From at-fault driver’s details to witness information. Take photographs of the accident scene from different angles. Ask the police officers for the claim number on your accident report so you can request a copy of your police report after it is ready. 
3. See medical professionals – Seek medical care, even if you feel you only suffer from minor injuries. It is common for accident victims to be unaware of the extent of their injuries. The adrenaline that begins pumping after an accident can make it difficult to feel one’s injuries.
4. Speak to an attorney – Seek the help of a skilled Los Angeles drunk driving accident lawyer. Farahi Law Firm’s experienced personal injury lawyers can help you navigate the process of obtaining fair compensation.

Injured In a Drunk Driving Accident? Call Us Today!

After a catastrophic injury or a loved one’s devastating loss, your focus should be on healing — not fighting insurance companies. Your experienced lawyer will handle your case for you, so you can relax and focus on your recovery. 

Farahi Law Firm’s experienced Los Angeles drunk driving accident lawyers can help accident victims and their families navigate the complexities of the legal process with ease. They’ll help you gather vital evidence and information to build a strong case to recover maximum compensation.

Here’s how our attorneys can help you:

• Carry out a comprehensive, unbiased, crash and crime scene investigation.
• Press the at-fault drunk driver’s insurance provider to pay maximum compensation. 
• Identify all legal options to increase the amount you will receive including punitive penalties to the drunk driver.
• Seek the most favorable possible financial compensation but also prepare for trial (if need be)
• Bring expert witnesses to bring justice on your behalf if a trial is required
• Put you in close touch with professional doctors and experts to help you heal.
• If the case involves the most horrific circumstance – a drunk driver whose acts culminated in a wrongful death – we will aggressively pursue justice on behalf of the loved one.

The drunk driving crash attorneys at Farahi Law Firm, APC will diligently seek all possible avenues for your personal injury claim. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we collect no fees unless we win. Contact us at (310) 601-4925 to schedule a free consultation.  

Los Angeles Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers: FAQs

Here are some of the questions clients ask DUI attorneys:

Will My Case Be Settled Outside Court Against a Drunk Driver?

Yes, there is a great possibility that a settlement will occur before a trial. Insurance companies are afraid of trying cases where their insured was driving under the influence, and there is potential for a sizable amount verdict. Even the high demands for compensation will be accepted if the plaintiff is seriously injured.

How Long Do I Have to File My Drunk Driving Accident Claim?

Any DUI lawsuit must be brought within two years of the date of the accident unless the plaintiff is a minor. In that case, you have until her/his 19th birthday to file the claim. Nonetheless, when a public entity is involved in an accident, you only have six months.

What if I Was Partially At-Fault in The Drunk Driving Accident?

California follows a comparative negligence rule, which means –  your monetary award would be reduced by the amount of fault you had in the accident, once the fault is determined. For example, if the payout awarded was $100,000 and you were found to be  30 percent at fault, then you would get $70,000 instead of $100,000.

Can Injured Passengers of a Drunk Driver Sue the Driver?

Yes, an intoxicated driver’s passenger who is injured in a crash can have civil lawsuits against the driver, to recover damages for your losses.

Can I Get Punitive Damages in a Los Angeles DUI Lawsuit?

Drunk driving in California is a criminal offense. If you’ve been hit anywhere in Los Angeles by a drunk driver, you have the right to claim punitive damages where the conduct of the defendant was absolutely reprehensible.

Will I Be Required to Go to Court to Make a Claim for Injuries in a Drunk Driving Accident?

Many drunk driving accident victims hesitate to file a personal injury claim because of the fear of having to go to trial. The good news is not all cases go to trial, or even require a lawsuit to be filed. Most cases are in fact settled outside court. If you’ve been injured by a drunk driver in Los Angeles you need to speak with an experienced drunk driver injury attorney as soon as possible.

Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyers

With Los Angeles being one of the most populated areas in the United States, the possibility of getting involved in a car accident is higher than average. According to the World Population Review, California ranked second in the top ten states with the most fatal automobile accidents so far in 2022.

Being an accident victim can cause emotional distress and mental anguish. Be it motor vehicle crashes, motorcycle accidents, or pedestrian accidents, getting expert legal counsel for your accident injury claim is paramount to protect your rights and recover the financial compensation you deserve for your injuries.

At Farahi Law Firm, we pride ourselves on excellent customer service and expert legal assistance. With hundreds of cases and millions recovered for our clients, our team of award-winning car accident attorneys is ready to fight for you and help you get back on your feet.

Due to the excellent representation and customer service we offer our clients, our law firm has won numerous awards. This makes us one of the prime personal injury law firms in Los Angeles and the best in Southern California.

If you or a loved one gets in an accident that results in injury or death, it is in your best interest to contact us because:

• We offer a free initial consultation for your case.
• We have won millions of dollars in settlements.
• Provide personalized attention and customer service.
• We will help you get all the medical treatment you need without you having to pay a dime.
• Handle the insurance company without you having to stress out about them.
• Give you peace of mind. With us by your side, you will only need to focus on your recovery while we handle everything else.
• No Fees until we win your case. We work on a contingency fee basis.

We will handle your personal injury claim with care and compassion. We will not let negligent drivers and their insurance companies bully you into accepting a lower compensation than you deserve. We will hold the at-fault party responsible for their negligent actions.

Why Should I Hire an Auto Accident Attorney After an Accident?

A personal injury attorney handling your case will:c

1.  Get the real value of your injuries: Insurance adjusters will try to downplay your injuries and lower the value of your damages. An auto accident lawyer will not accept these lowball offers and will always fight to win for you the financial compensation you truly deserve.
2.  Offer you legal options: An experienced car accident lawyer will know the best course of action to take for you to win the maximum possible compensation for your accident injury claim. Usually, the at-fault party will try to deny liability. Having a personal injury lawyer by your side will offer you the best options to proceed, be it just an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit if needed. 
3.  Gather all pertinent evidence: Trying to handle an accident claim on your own can be a difficult process. More so if we consider the evidence needed to hold the responsible party liable. An experienced car accident lawyer will do this for you and thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your case. 
4.  Be mindful of deadlines: Because of the statute of limitations in California, you only have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. Your lawyer will take this into account and handle your case in a timely manner.

Not only will these injuries affect you physically, but they can also be a detriment to one’s mental health. Knowing what kind of injury you sustain will help determine the kind of medical care you will need.

From the thousands of clients we have helped, we find that the most common injuries in car accidents are:

Whiplash

This is the most common injury after a rear-end collision. It happens due to sudden movement of the neck from the force of impact. Whiplash can cause symptoms ranging from minor pain and difficulty of movement to severe complications and spinal injuries. 

Bone fractures

Because of the force involved, bone fractures are common injuries suffered in motor vehicle accidents. These injuries can include crushed bones, broken ribs, skull fractures, hip displacements, and back injuries, among others.

Head Injuries

Impact on the steering wheel, windows, or dashboard can cause injuries to the head. From scrapes or cuts to skull fractures, a head injury can bring severe consequences to your health.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

Intrinsically tied to head injuries, brain injuries can have severe long-term consequences and cause disabilities in accident victims. If you suffered a TBI because of an accident, our brain injury lawyers can help you get the right medical treatment and help you get compensated by the parties at fault.

Back Injuries

This is another very common injury caused by the force of the collision. Back injuries might not be felt at first, but the symptoms can appear at any moment. Even though you might only be suffering from minor injuries, an injury to the back can have debilitating consequences and lead to long-term disability.

Spinal Cord Injuries

More often than not, these catastrophic injuries can lead to paralysis. About 36.5% of spinal injuries in the United States are caused by motor vehicle accidents. Spinal cord damage can lead to permanent injury.

Internal Injuries

A serious collision can cause internal organ damage to the crash victim. Internal bleeding is a common result that requires immediate medical attention.

Soft Tissue Damage

Scrapes, cuts, and muscle sprains are commonly called soft tissue damage and normally occur due to objects flying inside the car or colliding with windows, the steering wheel, or the car’s dashboard.

Injuries can also be categorized by their severity. As every individual will react differently to them, varying forms of treatment might be recommended depending on the present symptoms.

Our team of medical examiners will follow up with you diligently and order the appropriate medical procedures depending on the evolution of your injuries, always acting with your best interest in mind for you to achieve proper recovery.

How to Reduce The Risk of a Car Accident

Prevention is always the best way to avoid getting in a car accident. Being aware of the road and following traffic safety recommendations will put us at an advantage in places such as the busy streets of Los Angeles. 

Some key safe driving practices that will help you prevent road traffic accidents are:

• Pulling into traffic slowly: Be aware of other drivers around you. Be wary of blind spots and be attentive of road signs when pulling into traffic.
• Watching out for red-light runners: Slowly count down to three before entering an intersection on a green light. Look both ways, and be sure no one is traveling at high speeds through a yellow light.
• Keeping your hands on the steering wheel: Reduce distracted driving, such as changing radio stations, eating, or taking your hands off the wheel unless necessary (such as shifting gears on a stick-shift car).
• Being alert for kids: Children have the habit of suddenly popping out between parked cars and into roadways. If you are going through a residential neighborhood, pay special attention to kids playing on the street and driving slowly.
• Performing regular maintenance on your car: Avoid sudden stalls or other vehicular failures by performing regular maintenance. Some of the most common procedures to keep your ride in good condition are oil changes and checkups and keeping tires properly inflated.
• Scanning 12 seconds ahead: Always concentrate on areas where you will be driving in about 10 seconds. When on the highway, position yourself far enough from other vehicles that a sudden stop would let you swerve and avoid a collision.
• Tailgating: Leave a 3 to 5-second cushion between you and the cars ahead of you. Tailgating might be tempting when in a hurry, but it is also a huge cause of car accidents. It is better to get a little bit late to your destination than not getting there at all — always remember that.
• Keeping your distance: Drive far enough both in front and behind other vehicles so anyone can make a sudden stop without causing a major accident.

Following these simple tips will help you be ahead in preventing accidents. While you won’t need to memorize the whole California vehicle code to know the ins and outs of traffic laws, learning the basics of good road behavior will substantially decrease the probability of getting in a car accident.

Negligence Laws in California

In-car accidents, negligent driving is mostly attributed to specific actions undertaken by the driver. But the one standard to truly meet the criteria for negligent driving is called “Duty of Care.”

This means that drivers must act to preserve the well-being of fellow motorists on the road. This is so they can make the right decisions to avoid any injury or damage to others and their property. In America, just as with liability, states categorize themselves on the way they handle negligence according to state laws.

The main negligence law categories are:

1. Comparative negligence: Both drivers involved in the accident share the responsibility. States that follow this doctrine would allocate a percentage of the blame to the parties involved and will adjust compensation accordingly. California is a comparative negligence state.
2. Contributory negligence: In contributory negligence states, if one of the parties involved was also partially at fault, they will not be able to seek a fair settlement for the damages incurred. Only five states in the country still hold contributory negligence laws, these are Alabama, Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia, and Washington D.C.

Expert Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyers to Handle Your Case

Injured after a car accident in Los Angeles? We are here to help you! Our experienced lawyers are prepared to fight for your rights, obtain the right medical treatment you need, and win you fair compensation.

Farahi Law Firm APC, will:

• Get for you the real value of your injuries
• Contact the appropriate medical professionals to give you the best treatment possible
• Put you in contact with the best body shops in Los Angeles to fix your property damage
• Handle things with an insurance provider
• Take care of legal paperwork for you
• Represent you in court for your accident lawsuit 
• Win for you the maximum compensation for your accident

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, contact us or call us at (310) 601-4925 for a free consultation of your case. We work on a contingency basis. No fees unless we win. Our team of Los Angeles car accident lawyers is ready to help you.