Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is one of the most dangerous things a driver can do. Drunk driving is also one of the main causes of accident fatalities in Riverside, and throughout the state. Many of those who survive these accidents are left with severe injuries that prevent them from working, and from paying their medical bills. If you have been hurt or have lost someone in a crash, you are entitled under the law to claim damages, or financial compensation for your losses. These types of personal injury cases are extremely complex, though. Our Riverside drunk driving accident lawyer can help you claim the full settlement you deserve.
Car Accident Claims Are Civil Claims, Not Criminal CasesAll car accident cases in Riverside are considered civil cases, even when they involve a criminal act such as drunk driving. While law enforcement will likely press charges against the impaired driver, the outcome of that criminal case will have no bearing on your car accident claim.
To obtain the financial compensation you need during this difficult time, you must pursue a personal injury claim against the drunk driver. Through this claim you can seek compensation for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more. You must file this claim with either the drunk driver’s insurance company, or by filing a lawsuit directly against the other motorist. If the drunk driver was uninsured and you purchased uninsured motorist (UM) insurance, you may even be able to claim some of these damages through your own insurer.
Drunk Driving Accidents and Negligence per SeWhen filing any car accident claim, you must show the other driver was negligent, which means careless or reckless. However, when a driver violates traffic law and causes an accident as a result, they are considered negligent per se. This means the law will assume that they acted negligently and were at fault for the crash. Any time a driver is considered negligent per se, it means you do not have to prove the driver was careless. Still, you must prove the driver that hit you was drunk.
Proving a driver was drunk still poses challenges. A drunk driving accident lawyer in Riverside will collect toxicology reports, accident reports , and other important evidence that will prove your case so you can claim the maximum damages you deserve.
Call Our Drunk Driving Accident Attorney in Riverside TodayDrunk driving is extremely dangerous behavior. While you are recovering from the crash, it is important to file a car accident claim so you not only recover the financial compensation you need, but also hold the drunk driver accountable for their actions.
At Brod Law Firm, our Riverside drunk driving accident attorney will conduct an investigation, collect the evidence most vital to your case, and negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf. Call us today at (800) 427-7020 or contact us online to request a free consultation with our skilled attorney and to obtain the sound legal advice you need.