Sacramento Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers

What is Considered Drunk Driving?

Drunk driving or driving under the influence (DUI) refers to when a person’s blood alcohol content (BAC) is at or above the legal limit, making it unsafe to operate a car.

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

• Drivers who are over 21 years old and have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 g/dl or more.
• If you are a driver under the age of 21 or if you are on DUI probation, you are not allowed to have a blood alcohol level equal to or above 0.01g/dl.
• The drivers of commercial motor vehicles are restricted from having a blood alcohol content level that is 0.04 grams per deciliter or higher

There are several factors that may affect an individual’s BAC level:

• Body size/weight
• Gender
• Number of drinks
• Type of alcohol consumed
• Time in which said alcohol was consumed
• Amount of food intake before/during drinking
• Certain pre-existing medical conditions affect how the body metabolizes alcohol

The side effects of having a high blood alcohol concentration can impede your ability to drive a car properly. Some other side effects of an elevated BAC may include:

• Loss of coordination
• Increased heart rate
• Nausea and vomiting
• Short-term memory loss
• Blood pressure changes
• Slurred speech
• Slowed reflexes
• Reduced ability to process information

Sacramento Drunk Driving Laws

In the state of California, it is illegal to operate a vehicle with a BAC level that exceeds the state’s set limit. To legally operate a vehicle, one must keep their 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

Handling a drunk driving accident claim alone can be complicated. To ensure your rights are protected and you recover the maximum compensation you deserve, you must seek legal counsel from an experienced car accident attorney.

Spotting a Drunk Driver

It is ideal to be aware of the signs of a drunk driver to help reduce the chance of being in an accident.

Some signs that may indicate a drunk driver on the road are:

• The driver has a difficulty staying in the correct lane
• Inability to make proper signals or making signals that do not reflect the driver’s actions
• Abruptly stopping or overshooting a signal or stop sign
• Making jerky maneuvers and turns, with a tendency to over-correct when steering
• Problems with maintaining speed, driving over the speed limit, or driving slowly
• Running over curbs and reckless weaving
• Driving at night without the use of headlights or failure to dim high-beams
• Inability to correctly judge the proximity of the road and other objects
• Crossing the centerline or a double-yellow line

What to Do If You Spot a Drunk Driver

If you believe another motorist is driving while under the influence, the following safety measures may help you avoid a car accident:

1. If you think the driver ahead of you or behind you may be drunk, it’s best to keep your distance. Drunk drivers have a tendency to stop suddenly.
2. Ensure that all passengers are properly wearing their seatbelts.
3. Safely stop and pull off the road if possible.
4. Contact the police and share the location, driver’s direction of travel, description of the car, and the driver’s behavior.
5. Do not attempt to stop the vehicle or the driver on your own.

Most Common Injuries in a Drunk Driving Accident

Motor vehicle accidents caused by drunk driving can cause severe property damage and lead to costly repairs. Unfortunately, these are not the only potential consequences of such accidents. Drunk driving accident victims may also suffer from severe physical injuries. The following are some of the most common types of injuries, resulting from drunk driving accidents:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injury
• Broken bones
• Internal injuries
• Burns

Drunk driving accident injuries can greatly affect the quality of life of an injury victim. Obtaining the legal services of our Sacramento drunk driving accident lawyers will help ensure you receive the proper medical care for your injuries.

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

As previously mentioned, as the injured party, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and damages. Taking the right steps after the accident can help make your drunk driving auto accident claim more valid.

Our experienced Sacramento drunk driving accident attorneys have handled many claims arising from drunk driving accidents. If you have been involved in such an accident, there are certain steps you can take to help strengthen your case:

• Contact the police immediately. Emergency responders or police officers must be present at the accident scene to file a police report on the accident. Be sure to obtain the number of the accident report. Your drunk driving injury attorney may use the report as evidence to help strengthen your claim.
• Seek medical attention. Even if you suspect your injuries may only be minor, it is still crucial that you see a doctor clear you of any injuries. Some injuries may not present themselves outwardly.
• Document the accident scene. Take as many photos as possible of the accident scene from different angles. Make sure to document important details such as skid marks, signals or signages, road conditions, and more.
• Collect information. Gather the information of the at-fault driver, such as their full name, driver’s license ID, contact information, plate number, and if possible, their insurance company information.
• If there are witnesses, remember to collect their information as well.
• Get in touch with a Sacramento drunk driving accident lawyer as soon as possible. Our dedicated team of lawyers, doctors, and case managers will handle the complexities of your claim.

What Kind of Compensation Can You Recover From a Drunk Driving Accident Claim?

Not every traffic accident is the same. The number of financial damages one may be eligible for will depend on several factors. However, as the accident victim, you may be entitled to the following compensatory damages:

• Medical bills
• Future medical expenses
• Physical therapy
• Loss of income
• Loss of future earnings
• Other financial losses due to the accident
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium
• Loss of companionship
• Other non-economic damages
• And more

If a fatal accident caused the wrongful death of your loved one or family member, you may be at liberty to file a wrongful death claim and recover financial compensation.

In this difficult time, it is crucial that you hire a personal injury attorney experienced in such cases to help you navigate through the claims process. Insurance companies may take advantage of your vulnerability and trick you into lowering the value of your claim in order to avoid offering a fair settlement.

Injured In a Drunk Driving Accident? Contact Farahi Law Firm Today!

Being involved in a drunk driving accident can cause severe emotional trauma and mental anguish for the victim and their family. At Farahi Law Firm, we are dedicated to fighting for the justice our clients deserve.

Not only will we handle all the paperwork of your claim, but we will also put you in touch with the best doctors and ensure you receive the best medical treatment possible. Our dedicated team of Sacramento drunk driving accident lawyers will fight aggressively to recover fair compensation for your injuries and damages.

If you or a loved one have sustained injuries in an accident due to the actions of a reckless driver, you may be eligible to file a claim. We work on a contingency fee basis and offer our clients a No Fee Guarantee policy. This means you won’t need to pay us a single cent unless we win your case. Contact us at (916) 471-4797 for a free case consultation. Your justice is our cause!