Riverside Drunk Driving Accident Attorney

Seeking Compensation for Your Recovery

Drunk drivers pose a serious risk to everyone on the road, endangering innocent lives including their own, passengers, and other drivers. Drunk driving accidents are preventable tragedies that should never occur.

If you have been involved in an accident caused by a drunk driver, you have the right to seek compensation for the harm you have suffered. At Scott J. Corwin, A Professional Law Corporation, our Riverside drunk driving accident attorney is dedicated to helping you recover the compensation necessary for your recovery and to move forward with your life.

We understand the challenges you face when seeking compensation after an accident. Serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and loss of income can take a toll on your well-being.

Contact us online or call (310) 683-2300 to speak with our Riverside drunk driving accident attorney.

Determining Fault in an Accident Involving a Drunk Driver

In many cases involving a drunk driver, both drivers may share some degree of fault. The driver who caused the accident is typically at fault, but the other driver may also bear some responsibility due to their own negligence.

In California, a driver may be deemed at fault if they:

• Committed a traffic violation
• Were negligent in some other way
• Were driving while intoxicated

If the driver who caused the accident was intoxicated, they are usually considered at fault. However, if the other driver was also negligent, they may share some of the blame.

Determining Liability for a Drunk Driving Accident

The driver who was operating the vehicle while intoxicated is typically held liable for a drunk driving accident. However, in California, if the at-fault driver does not have sufficient insurance coverage to compensate for the damages, their insurance company may turn to the other driver's insurance company.

The at-fault driver's insurance company may argue that the other driver was also negligent. They may claim that the other driver was speeding, ran a red light, failed to yield the right of way, followed too closely, or was distracted by their cell phone. In some cases, the insurance company may argue that the other driver was 100% at fault for the accident.

If the insurance company asserts that the other driver was entirely at fault, the at-fault driver's insurance company may not have to pay the claim. However, they may still be required to contribute to the claim or pay it in full if the other driver was found to be 100% at fault.

Differences Between Drunk Driving Accident Claims and DUI Cases

In California, laws are in place to prohibit individuals from operating a motor vehicle while impaired, intoxicated, or under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, whether legal or illicit. Violators face severe criminal and administrative penalties, aimed at punishing offenders and deterring drunk driving.

However, these penalties do not adequately address the needs of the victims who suffer injuries or lose loved ones in drunk driving accidents. These victims often endure physical, emotional, and financial hardships, including disabilities, trauma, medical expenses, and lost income. The objective of pursuing a drunk driving accident claim is to seek compensation for these losses and related damages.

Drunk driving accident claims are civil cases separate from criminal DUI proceedings. While the outcome of a DUI case does not determine the outcome of a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit, a DUI conviction can serve as valuable evidence in your civil case. It helps establish the driver's negligence and liability for your damages.

Recovering Damages in a Drunk Driving Accident

The specific details of your case will determine the damages for which you may seek compensation. Potential recoverable damages in a drunk driving accident claim may include:

• Medical expenses, covering past and future medical costs, treatments, medications, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
• Lost income/wages, including immediate and potential future earning capacity diminished by the accident.
• Loss of enjoyment of life, compensating for significant impacts on your quality of life and the inability to participate in activities you once enjoyed.
• Pain and suffering, addressing physical and emotional pain, suffering, and mental anguish resulting from the accident and injuries.
• In-home assistance and care, accounting for costs associated with required assistance or ongoing care.
• Miscellaneous out-of-pocket expenses, encompassing other relevant expenses resulting from the accident, such as transportation costs, home modifications, or necessary medical equipment.

In certain cases, punitive damages, also known as exemplary damages, may be pursued. These damages aim to punish the defendant for gross negligence, intentional misconduct, or wrongdoing, rather than compensating for specific losses.

Receive Dedicated Representation in Riverside, CA

When you have been involved in a drunk driving accident in Riverside, it is essential to have a legal team committed to protecting your rights and fighting for the compensation you deserve. At Scott J. Corwin, A Professional Law Corporation, we offer the dedicated representation you need during this challenging time.

Contact us online or call (310) 683-2300 to discuss your case with our Riverside drunk driving accident attorney.