San Diego drunk driving accident lawyer

What is Considered Drunk Driving?

Driving with a blood alcohol level above the legal limit is referred to as driving under the influence, or a DUI.

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

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

There are several factors that may affect a driver’s BAC levels, such as:

• Body size/weight
• Type of alcohol consumed
• Amount of food intake before drinking
• Time in which drinks were consumed
• Number of drinks
• Gender
• Certain medical conditions may affect how the body metabolizes alcohol

Certain blood alcohol levels can cause certain side effects and impairments that may make it difficult for you to operate a vehicle safely. These effects could include:

• Slurred speech
• Loss of physical coordination
• Change in blood pressure
• Loss of memory
• Loss of momentary consciousness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Slowed reflexes and reaction time
• Passing out
• Increased heart rate and breathing

How to Spot a Drunk Driver

It is important to be aware of the signs that may indicate a drunk driver, in order to be proactive and stay safe on the road. Some things to look out for include:

• Inability to stay in the correct lane
• Making sudden jerky turns of maneuvers, and an over-correction when steering
• Inability to judge the proximity to other objects or correctly judge the road
• Running over curbs, weaving, or straddling lanes
• Inability to stay in the right lane
• Stopping too soon before the traffic light or overshooting a signal/stop sign
• Abrupt stopping
• Failure to adapt driving to accommodate changes in surroundings and driving conditions
• Driving at night without lights or failing to dim high-beams
• Crossing the centerline or a double-yellow line
• Failing to make the proper signals or making signals that do not reflect the action of the driver

What Should You Do if You Spot a Drunk Driver?

If you suspect that another driver on the road is driving under the influence, the following are safety measures to help reduce your chances of becoming an accident victim:

1. Before getting behind the wheel, ensure that all passengers are properly buckled in their seats.
2. Contact the police and provide them with the location, direction of travel, description of the car, and driver’s behavior.
3. Stop and pull off the road if possible.
4. Distance yourself from the suspected impaired driver as they tend to stop abruptly.
5. Do not attempt to stop the vehicle and driver on your own.

What Should You Do if You Were Involved in a Drunk Driving Accident in San Diego?

As a drunk driving accident victim, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. The following are some steps that can be taken to ensure the validity of your personal injury claim:

1. Contact the police – A police officer must be at the scene of the accident to make a police report of the incident. Be sure to procure the number of the report. Your drunk driving accident attorney may use this as evidence in your insurance claim.
2. Seek medical attention – It is important to seek medical attention after an auto accident, even if you think your injuries are minor. Some bodily injuries may be internal and do not present any symptoms outwardly.
3. Photograph the incident – Take as many photos of the accident scene as you can. Don’t forget to include details that may support your case such as skid marks, stop signs, and more. Your San Diego drunk driving accident lawyer may also use this as proof to help strengthen your accident injury claim.
4. Collect the information of the at-fault driver – Make sure to note down the intoxicated driver’s full name, phone number, plate number, and ID. If possible, find out their insurance information.
5. Collect information of any witnesses – If there were witnesses at the time of the incident, be sure to collect their information as well.
6. Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer – You must get in touch with an experienced San Diego drunk driving accident lawyer as soon as possible.

Recoverable Damages in a Drunk Driving Accident Claim

The at-fault party must be held responsible for your automobile accident. As the injury victim, you are entitled to fair compensation for your injuries, economic damages, and non-economic damages. You may be entitled to the following:

• Medical expenses
• Physical therapy
• Property damage
• Financial losses
• Loss of income
• Loss of benefits
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of consortium
• Loss of enjoyment
• Punitive damages
• Other out-of-pocket fees
• And more

If the vehicle accident has led to the death of your loved one, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim on their behalf.

Although no compensation figure is enough to make up for the loss of a loved one, this may be used to cover fees such as funeral expenses, out-of-pocket expenses, and financial hardships incurred due to the accident.

It is crucial to obtain legal representation from an experienced San Diego drunk driving accident lawyer during this difficult time. An insurance adjuster may take advantage of your vulnerability and use this to lower the value of your personal injury claim to avoid offering you a fair settlement.

Experienced San Diego Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers

Dealing with a motorcycle accident claim can be difficult, most especially while dealing with your accident injuries. At Farahi Law Firm, our team of personal injury attorneys, doctors, and case managers fight aggressively to recover the maximum compensation possible.

Not only will we ensure that your rights are protected, but we will also handle all the complex paperwork, deal with the insurance company on your behalf, and put you in touch with the best medical providers to help you throughout your recovery process.

Do not hesitate to contact us. Call us at (619)-776-3851 for a free case consultation. We work on a contingency 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.

Contact Farahi Law Firm today.