Drunk driving is a serious criminal offense in California, and for good reason. When a driver is drunk, their reaction time is slowed, they exhibit poor judgment, and they are much more likely to become involved in an accident that results in serious injuries. While drunk driving comes with serious criminal penalties, injured individuals can also hold motorists civilly liable for driving under the influence. Even when it is clear a drunk driver was at fault for a crash, it is still important to work with a San Francisco drunk driving accident lawyer who can help you claim the full damages you deserve.
Negligence Per SeWhen filing a civil claim for damages after a drunk driving accident, you must prove the other driver was negligent, or careless. This is true of all personal injury claims, but it is sometimes slightly easier in cases that involve drunk driving. California follows a law called negligence per se. Under this law, a person is considered to have acted negligently any time they violate the statutes of the state. Due to the fact that drunk driving is against the law, a drunk driver can be found negligent per se.
A drunk driving accident lawyer in San Francisco will collect police reports, chemical test results, and other evidence that shows the driver was drunk at the time of the crash.
Other Liable Parties in a Drunk Driving AccidentIt is natural for people to assume that drunk drivers are the only liable parties when they cause an accident. However, this is not always true. In some cases, other individuals can also be held liable for drunk driving accidents. For example, if a social host held a party and over-served the driver alcohol and then allowed them to drive, they can also be held liable. Likewise, any time a bar or restaurant serves someone alcohol to the point where they become intoxicated, they can also be held liable for any accident the person causes.
Proving a host, bar, or restaurant was partly liable for an accident is more difficult than proving the driver was liable. However, a drunk driving accident attorney in San Francisco will obtain video surveillance, eyewitness statements, and other important evidence that can prove another party was partly at fault for a crash. Holding multiple parties liable for an accident can help accident victims claim the full amount of compensation they deserve.
Call Our California Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer TodayMost people know that drunk driving comes with serious criminal penalties, but they are also sometimes unaware that these individuals can be held civilly liable, too. At Brod Law Firm, our San Francisco drunk driving accident attorney knows how to file a claim against the drunk driver, and will determine if other parties carry a certain degree of liability as well. If you or someone you love has been hurt by a drunk driver, call us today at (800) 427-7020 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation and to learn more about how we can help.