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495+We Fight for Justice for DUI Accident Victims in Riverside
At The JLF Firm, our Riverside DUI accident attorney is committed to fighting for justice for victims and their families. With a deep understanding of the challenges people face in these cases, our firm invests the time, resources, and attention to detail to provide award-winning legal representation.
Drunk drivers and their insurers must be held accountable. Hurt in a DUI crash? Contact our California car accident lawyer for drunk driving victims for a free, no-obligation case review.
Steps to Take After a Suspected DUI Crash in Riverside, CA
Were you involved in a car accident with a suspected drunk driver or drugged driver? It is imperative that you take immediate action to protect your health, your safety, your well-being, and your legal rights. Here are five steps to take after a DUI accident in Riverside, California:
- Stop your vehicle and exchange information with the other driver.
- Call the Riverside Police Department to the scene of the accident.
- Take pictures, get witness information, and otherwise document the DUI crash.
- Seek immediate professional medical attention for any injuries; and
- Speak to a Riverside DUI accident lawyer before an insurance adjuster.
Drunk Driving is a Crime (and Negligence)
It is important to emphasize that drunk driving is both a criminal offense and a clear form of negligence under California law. If you were hurt in a crash caused by an intoxicated driver, you have the right to hold them accountable through a personal injury claim. The law recognizes that driving under the influence puts everyone at risk, and victims deserve full and fair financial compensation.
While the drunk driver may face criminal charges, your personal injury claim is handled separately in civil court. A Riverside, CA DUI accident attorney can help.
Your Civil Claim is Distinct from Any Criminal Charges Against the Drunk Driver
Criminal charges against an impaired driver who caused a serious crash are a key part of the justice process. However, it is not the part of the system that will lead to you getting financial compensation for your damages. Even if the drunk driver is arrested and charged with a DUI, your personal injury claim is handled in a separate legal process. Criminal charges are pursued by the state to punish the offender. On the other hand, your civil claim is about securing compensation for your injuries and losses. You do not have to wait for the outcome of the criminal case to take legal action. Acting quickly can help preserve critical evidence. A conviction can strengthen your case, but it is not required for you to recover damages.
What to Know About DUI Accident Liability
California is a fault-based motor vehicle accident state, including DUI accident claims. A drunk driver can be held liable for any injuries or damages caused by their actions. Driving under the influence is a serious form of negligence. Victims and their families have the right to pursue compensation through a civil personal injury claim. In DUI accident cases, liability often clearly rests with the impaired driver, but a thorough investigation is still essential. Other parties—such as bars or restaurants that overserved alcohol—could also share fault in certain situations.
California has very limited dram shop liability. Under California Civil Code § 1714, bars, restaurants, or alcohol vendors are generally not liable for injuries caused by an intoxicated person they served, unless alcohol was knowingly served to a minor. California also restricts social host liability. A private individual who serves alcohol at a party is typically not liable for a guest’s actions unless they made the knowing choice to serve a minor.
Know the Statute of Limitations for a DUI Crash in California
DUI accident injury claims are civil cases. As with any other type of civil claim, they are subject to a strict statute of limitations. Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, victims have two years from the date of the crash to file a claim. If legal action is not taken in a timely manner, the victim may lose out on their right to recover financial compensation at all. Do not let this happen to you: Speak to a Riverside DUI crash lawyer as soon as possible.
Recovering the Maximum Financial Compensation for DUI Accident Victims
Through a civil DUI accident claim, you have the right to seek compensation for the full extent of your damages, including any non-economic losses. The drunk driver, their insurance carrier, and other at-fault parties must be held accountable.
DUI crash claims can be complicated. Our Riverside drunk driving accident lawyers for victims fight for the maximum settlement, including:
- Property damage, such as vehicle repairs.
- Emergency medical treatment.
- Hospital bills and other medical costs.
- Physical therapy and rehabilitative care.
- Loss of wages and loss of earning power.
- Pain and suffering & mental distress.
- Disability or disfigurement.
- Wrongful death of a family member.
In California, DUI accident victims may also sometimes be able to recover compensation in the form of punitive damages.
Broadly explained, punitive damages are a type of compensation that is designed to punish the wrongdoing of the defendant. The compensation is still awarded to the victim, but it is not tied to any specific loss.
How Our Riverside DUI Accident Lawyers Can Help
DUI accident claims are complicated. It is normal for victims and families to have a ton of questions about their rights, options, and how the legal process works after a crash with an intoxicated driver.
You do not have to figure out everything on your own. At The JLF Firm, we are proud to be your advocates. With a proven record of case results, our firm provides award-winning representation.
Along with other things, our Riverside DUI accident attorneys are prepared to:
- Conduct a free, fully confidential review and evaluation of your case.
- Investigate your DUI accident in Riverside, gathering all of the evidence.
- Represent you in all settlement negotiations with insurance companies.
- Develop a strategy focused on getting the absolute best outcome in your case.
Contact Our Riverside DUI Accident Lawyer Today
At The JLF Firm, our Riverside DUI accident attorney has the professional expertise that you can trust when it matters most. If you or your family member was involved in a serious intoxicated driving crash, we are more than ready to protect your rights and your interests. Give us a call now or contact us online to set up your free, no-obligation initial appointment.
Our firm handles DUI accident claims in Riverside, Riverside County, and throughout Southern California.
