Despite decades of public awareness campaigns and strict laws against drunk driving, countless people in Santa Ana and Orange County suffer severe injuries in accidents caused by impaired drivers every year. While many drunk drivers face criminal charges for their actions, a criminal case doesn’t help victims of drunk driving crashes pay their medical expenses or car repair bills.
If you sustained injuries in a crash with a drunk driver in Santa Ana, trust DJA Injury Lawyers to help you recover the money you need to rebuild your life. Our Santa Ana drunk driving accident lawyers understand the terrible toll these crashes take on victims and their families, and we’ll do everything we can to make your life easier. We can handle all the legal work in your case, from investigating the crash and documenting your injuries to filing insurance claims and representing you in court.
Furthermore, we don’t want to add to your financial burdens, so you don’t owe us any attorney fees unless you recover compensation. Call (949) 229-7228 now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
Why You Need a Lawyer After a Drunk Driving Accident in Santa Ana
While it may seem straightforward, recovering fair compensation after a drunk driving accident isn’t always easy. Insurance companies may try to minimize your claim by arguing that your injuries aren’t as severe as you say. They might also delay or deny payment to protect their profits. A Santa Ana drunk driving accident lawyer knows how to push back against these tactics and demand fair compensation for your injuries.
Additionally, proving liability in a drunk driving case requires solid evidence, such as police reports, breathalyzer results, and witness statements. A Santa Ana drunk driving accident attorney can gather this evidence, build a strong claim, and handle all negotiations on your behalf. This means you can focus on healing instead of fighting with insurers. Finally, a drunk driving accident lawyer can also make sure your claim accounts for all your losses, including your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
How Does Drunk Driving Cause Accidents?
Alcohol affects a driver’s ability to think clearly, react quickly, and control a vehicle. Even a small amount of alcohol can slow a driver’s reaction times, making it harder for them to stop or swerve in time to avoid a crash. Drunk drivers also often struggle with depth perception, meaning they might misjudge distances and speeds. This can lead them to cause rear-end crashes, run red lights, or fail to yield at traffic lights or other intersections.
Alcohol also affects drivers’ coordination and muscle control, making it harder for impaired drivers to steer, brake, or stay in a lane. Impaired judgment also increases the chances of reckless behavior, such as speeding, tailgating, or driving the wrong way.
How Do You Prove the Driver Who Hit You Was Drunk?
Drunk driving accident lawyers in Santa Ana use many types of evidence to prove a driver was drunk, such as:
- Police Reports – Officers responding to the crash typically document any signs of intoxication they notice when they interview a driver. These signs can include slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, or the smell of alcohol. If the police arrested the driver, the report may also note the results of field sobriety or roadside breathalyzer tests.
- Breathalyzer or Blood Test Results – These tests, which usually take place when a driver is in police custody or at a hospital, measure blood alcohol concentration (BAC). If the driver’s BAC was above the legal limit (0.08 percent in California), it can serve as strong evidence of intoxication.
- Witness Statements – Passengers, bystanders, or other drivers may have seen the at-fault driver swerving, running red lights, or drinking before getting behind the wheel. Their testimony can help strengthen your case.
- Traffic or Surveillance Footage – Many intersections and businesses have cameras that might have recorded the crash or the driver’s behavior before impact. This can be key evidence in proving intoxication if the footage shows the driver behaving erratically or with a drink in their hand.
- Bar or Restaurant Records – If the driver was drinking at a business before the crash, receipts or security footage could confirm how much alcohol they consumed.
Who’s Liable for a Drunk Driving Accident in Santa Ana?
In most cases, a drunk driver is liable for the injuries they cause in a crash because they chose to drink and drive. However, there are cases where other parties may be partly liable for a drunk driving accident. For example, under California’s dram shop laws, a business that serves an underaged patron could be liable if the driver later causes a drunk driving accident. A drunk driving accident attorney can determine whether someone other than the drunk driver could be liable for your injuries.
Compensation for Drunk Driving Accidents in Santa Ana
A drunk driving accident can affect your life in countless ways, so it’s essential to work with an attorney who can thoroughly document all your losses. With support from a capable legal team, your compensation could include money for:
- Current medical expenses
- Future medical needs
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Lost income
- Reduced future earnings
- Diminished quality of life
- Damaged personal property
What To Do After a Drunk Driving Accident in Santa Ana
It’s dangerous to assume it’s easy to win a drunk driving accident case. Once you’ve called the police and sought medical attention, here’s what to do to protect your rights and give yourself the best chance of recovering fair compensation:
- Follow your doctor’s instructions and attend all follow-up appointments.
- Save your medical records and any receipts related to the accident.
- Write down everything you remember about the crash and its aftermath.
- Don’t discuss your case with anyone other than a lawyer, particularly on social media.
- Contact a drunk driving accident lawyer.
Deadline to File a Drunk Driving Accident Lawsuit in Santa Ana
California law gives you two years from the date of a drunk driving accident to sue the driver or any other liable parties. Acting quickly gives you the best chance of winning your case and recovering the money you need.
Contact Our Santa Ana Drunk Driving Attorneys Now
DJA Injury Lawyers is firmly dedicated to defending the rights of Santa Ana residents injured in drunk driving car accidents. Call (949) 229-7228 now or reach out online for a free consultation with our Santa Ana drunk driving lawyers.