Visalia Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers ca

What is Drunk Driving?

Driving under the influence, also known as a DUI, is the operation of a motor vehicle with an alcohol level at or above the legal limit. 

According to Chapter 12 of the California Vehicle Code, 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.

Several factors could affect your BAC levels, 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

Your BAC levels may cause specific side effects and disabilities that could affect your ability to control a vehicle. These side effects could be either of the following:

• 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

How to Spot a Drunk Driver

In an effort to be more proactive and safe on the road, it is good to know what signs and actions of other motorists could indicate a drunk driver at the wheel. 

Here are some signs that can help you identify a drunk driver:

• Lack of ability to correctly judge the road and proximity to other objects
• Inability to stay in the correct lane
• Sudden jerky turns or maneuvers, and an over-correction when steering
• Inability to maintain speed, driving over the speed limit, or driving too slowly
• Running over curbs, weaving, or straddling lanes
• Stopping too soon before a traffic signal, overshooting a 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 make the proper signals or making signals that do not reflect the action of the driver
• Driving at night without lights or failing to dim high-beams 

What Should You Do If You Spot a Drunk Driver?

If you feel that another vehicle on the road is being driven by an alcohol-impaired driver, these safety measures may help reduce your risk of falling victim to a DUI accident:

1. Put some distance between yourself and the suspected drunk driver. Intoxicated drivers tend to stop abruptly.
2. Before hitting the road, ensure that all passengers are correctly wearing their seatbelts.
3. Stop and pull off the road if possible. 
4. Call the police and provide the location, direction of travel, description of the car, and driver’s behavior. 
5. Refrain from stopping the vehicle on your own. 

What Must You Do If You are Involved in a Drunk Driving Accident?

As the injured party, you may be entitled to compensatory damages if the accident, through no fault of your own, caused you injuries and property damage. Knowing the correct steps to take after a drunk driving accident can help strengthen the validity of your personal injury claim. 

Our Visalia drunk driving accident lawyers have years of legal experience handling drunk driving accident claims. Below is a list of the steps to take to help build your case:

1. Call the police. Emergency responders and police officers must be at the accident scene to file a police report on the incident. Be sure to obtain the number of the police report.
2. Seek immediate medical attention. Regardless of whether you feel your injuries are only minor, you must have your injuries checked by a medical professional to rule out any internal injuries. 
3. If possible, take as many photos of the actual accident scene as you can. These may be used as evidence in your claim for damages. 
4. Collect information from the at-fault driver, such as their full name, IDs, phone number, plate number, and if possible, their insurance information. 
5. If there were witnesses at the scene, collect their information as well. 
6. Contact a knowledgeable Visalia personal injury attorney immediately. Our expert team of case managers, skilled attorneys, and doctors will help guide you through the legal process of your accident claim. 

What Damages Can You Recover From Your Drunk Driving Accident Claim?

If you or a loved one suffered injuries due to the actions of an at-fault party, you may be eligible for monetary compensation for your bodily injuries and accident-related damages. You may be entitled to the following damages:

• Medical bills
• Physical therapy
• Loss of income
• Loss of future income
• Loss of enjoyment
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional damages
• Loss of enjoyment
• Loss of consortium
• And more

If the accident caused the wrongful death of your loved one, you could be eligible to file a wrongful death claim for their accident-related injuries and damages. 

It is crucial that you hire a knowledgeable Visalia drunk driving accident lawyer to handle your case. In challenging times such as these, insurance adjusters could use this as an opportunity to lower the value of your claim. They will try every trick in the book to lessen the validity of your claim to avoid offering you a fair settlement offer. 

Experienced Visalia Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers

At Farahi Law Firm, our experienced attorneys are committed to aiding accident victims to make a full recovery. We will fight tooth and nail to win you the maximum compensation possible for your personal injury claim. 

It is not uncommon for injury victims to assume that handling a drunk driving injury claim themselves is the best course of action. And although it may seem like the easiest route at that time, it may not work out in the long run. 

Personal injury claims can be complex and difficult to handle on one’s own, especially while recovering from accident injuries. 

Our legal team will launch a full investigation of the accident and work with a team of accident reconstructionists to obtain an accurate representation of the accident. 

Not only will we ensure that you receive the maximum compensation possible for your injuries and damages, but we will also guarantee that you receive the best medical care in California. 

Our Visalia drunk driving accident lawyers have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for hundreds of accident victims. 

Injured in a Drunk Driving Accident? Contact Us Today!

If you or a loved one were injured in an alcohol-impaired driving crash due to the actions of a negligent driver, you may be entitled to monetary damages. You must obtain legal representation when handling your personal injury claim. Our Visalia drunk driving accident lawyers have years of experience specializing in drunk driving accident cases.

We offer our clients a No Fee Guarantee policy and work on a contingency fee basis. We are available 24/7. Contact us at (559) 315-4111 for a free case consultation. Your justice is our cause!