If you’ve been hurt in a crash caused by an intoxicated driver in Huntington Beach, you need experienced legal representation to protect your rights. At DJA Injury Lawyers, we understand the devastating effects these preventable crashes have on victims and those they love. Our experienced Huntington Beach drunk driving accident lawyers work tirelessly to help injured people rebuild their lives after drunk driving crashes.
The choice to drive while intoxicated shows a complete disregard for the safety of others on Huntington Beach’s roads. When these reckless decisions lead to serious injuries, the at-fault driver must be held accountable. Our attorneys have the skills and resources to investigate your case thoroughly, document the full extent of your injuries, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Common Injuries from Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk driving crashes often result in severe, life-changing injuries because impaired drivers frequently:
- Drive at excessive speeds: Alcohol often causes drivers to speed and take unnecessary risks on the road.
- Fail to brake before impact: Delayed reaction times mean drunk drivers may not attempt to slow down before a collision.
- Cross center lines: Impaired judgment leads to dangerous head-on crashes when drivers drift into oncoming traffic.
- Run red lights and stop signs: Drunk drivers commonly disregard traffic signals, leading to devastating T-bone collisions.
These dangerous behaviors frequently cause catastrophic injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries: From mild concussions to severe trauma, TBIs can lead to cognitive issues, personality changes, and long-term disability.
- Spinal cord injuries: The force of drunk driving crashes can cause partial or complete paralysis. Those affected may require lifelong medical care.
- Internal organ damage: High-impact collisions often result in damage to vital organs like the liver, kidneys, and lungs.
- Multiple fractures: Broken bones commonly occur in arms, legs, ribs, and facial bones, requiring surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
- Severe burns: Vehicle fires and exposure to caustic chemicals can cause disfiguring burns requiring multiple surgeries.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder: The psychological impact of a drunk driving crash can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.
California Drunk Driving Accident Statistics
Drunk driving continues to devastate families across California. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, alcohol-impaired driving claimed 1,370 lives in a recent year, accounting for 32 percent of all traffic deaths in the state. In Orange County alone, alcohol-related crashes caused hundreds of injuries and fatalities, highlighting the ongoing danger of impaired driving in our community.
Huntington Beach faces particular challenges with drunk driving due to its vibrant nightlife and beach culture. DUI incidents may be particularly likely along Beach Boulevard, Pacific Coast Highway, and other major thoroughfares, especially during summer months and holidays.
Seeking Compensation After a Drunk Driving Accident
After a drunk driving crash, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses: Current and future costs of emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, and ongoing treatment
- Lost income: Wages lost during recovery and reduced earning capacity if you cannot return to your previous job
- Property damage: Costs to repair or replace your vehicle and other personal property destroyed in the crash
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life resulting from your injuries
At DJA Injury Lawyers, we understand that building strong cases against drunk drivers involves:
- Working with accident reconstruction experts to document precisely how the crash occurred
- Obtaining police reports, blood alcohol test results, and other evidence of intoxication
- Gathering surveillance footage, witness statements, and medical records to support your claim
- Documenting the full extent of your injuries through detailed medical evidence and expert testimony
- Handling all communication with insurance companies so you can focus on recovery
- Preparing every case as if it will go to trial, even while pursuing fair settlement negotiations
The law allows victims to seek additional punitive damages in drunk driving cases. These damages serve to punish especially reckless behavior and deter others from driving while intoxicated. Our attorneys have extensive experience pursuing punitive damages in drunk driving cases, and we can help you understand how much you may be eligible to recover.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drunk Driving Accidents
Life after suffering injuries in a drunk driving accident can be confusing, and you probably have several questions about what happens next. At DJA Injury Lawyers, these are some of the most frequently asked questions our clients have. If you would like to get answers to more specific questions about your case, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our office for a free consultation with a knowledgeable Huntington Beach drunk driving accident attorney.
How long do I have to file a drunk driving accident claim?
In California, you generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible to preserve crucial evidence and protect your rights.
What if the drunk driver doesn’t have insurance?
Our attorneys can explore all potential sources of compensation, including your own uninsured motorist coverage and potential claims against establishments that may have overserved the driver.
How much will legal representation cost?
At DJA Injury Lawyers, we handle drunk driving accident cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront costs, and we only get paid if we win compensation for you.
Why should I choose DJA Injury Lawyers to handle my drunk driving accident case?
Our attorneys bring a combination of experience, dedication, and personal attention to every case. We maintain direct communication with our clients throughout the legal process and fight tirelessly to maximize their compensation.
Contact Our Huntington Beach Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a crash caused by a drunk driver, the experienced car accident attorneys at DJA Injury Lawyers are here to help. We understand that these situations can have adverse effects on every area of your life, and we’re committed to helping you get the compensation you deserve. Our skilled legal team will handle every aspect of your case while you focus on recovery. We proudly serve drunk driving accident victims throughout Huntington Beach and surrounding Orange County communities. Contact us today at (949) 229-7228 for a free consultation about your rights and options.