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Riverside Drunk Driving Injury Lawyer

Over 60 Years of Combined Experience In
personal injury Law

Legal Help For Victims Of Drunk Driving Accidents

Have you or a loved one recently suffered injuries in a car accident caused by a drunk driver? Drunk driving accidents tend to be more damaging and destructive than typical car accidents because impaired drivers cannot react appropriately to dangerous situations on the road. Your accident may have left you with painful injuries that will require extensive recovery time along with a host of other economic losses.

A Riverside car accident attorney can be your best possible ally when facing a situation like this. Drunk driving is against the law in California and every other state in the country, so a drunk driver who causes an accident will face civil liability for any resulting damages as well as criminal prosecution for driving under the influence (DUI). As your Riverside car accident lawyers, the team at Peach & Weathers can help you ensure the impaired driver who caused your damages will face accountability for their actions with a personal injury claim.

drunk driving injuries - car on highway

Why Hire Peach & Weathers?

Experience is one of the most important things to look for in a Riverside car accident attorney. At Peach & Weathers, our attorneys have more than 60 combined years of practical experience handling all types of civil claims for clients in Riverside and throughout the Inland Empire. Since 1979 our firm has represented all sorts of car accident claims, including complex DUI accident cases. We are accustomed to working with local police and streamlining the legal recovery process for our clients.
In every case we accept, our goal is to provide comprehensive, detail-oriented, and responsive legal counsel, no matter what type of case our client faces. It’s natural to feel a mix of desperation and frustration when you know a drunk driver is responsible for your recent accident. We can help you approach your civil claim for recovery with greater confidence.

Proving Fault for a DUI Accident Claim

DUI accidents can be incredibly damaging. One benefit to plaintiffs facing these cases is that determining liability is usually quite straightforward. California state law requires drivers to report any accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage. It’s highly likely a DUI accident will lead to a police response one way or another. The police report generated from the incident will be invaluable for future legal action against the drunk driver responsible for your accident.

Your Riverside car accident lawyer can help you gather additional evidence you will need to prove liability for your damages. This gathering process includes:

  • Finding records of all your medical expenses for treatment you needed after the accident
  • Eyewitness testimony
  • Traffic camera footage

Driving under the influence of alcohol is against the law in California and more than satisfies the legal standard of failing to act with reasonable care.

Potential Penalties for Drunk Drivers

A driver who operates their vehicle while intoxicated will face criminal prosecution in addition to civil actions from any victims of their dangerous behavior. The penalties for DUI in California operate on a sliding scale. A first offense that results in no injuries or damage will likely lead to a much lighter sentence than a first offense that results in a death or catastrophic injury. First-time DUI offenders can expect to face fines, driver’s license suspension, and even jail time depending on how much damage they cause. It’s possible for a drunk driver to face charges beyond DUI as well. If they killed someone due to driving under the influence, they may face vehicular manslaughter or even homicide charges.

Common Injuries and Damages from DUI Accidents

Impaired drivers often operate their vehicles at higher speeds than they should and are more likely to engage in risky maneuvers on the road. They are also more likely to make serious mistakes like misjudging the speed of or their distance from other drivers. Many DUI accidents in the Riverside area result in serious injuries to both impaired drivers and the other drivers unfortunate enough to be caught in the accidents they cause.

A plaintiff in a drunk driving accident case can claim several types of damages, including coverage for all of the medical expenses they incurred from their injuries. This includes both immediate and future expenses. If their injuries cause them to miss work, they can claim income lost during recovery. That could include lost earning capacity if their injuries leave them completely unable to work anymore.

A severe injury, coupled with the inability to work and earn money, can lead to serious financial problems for just about any family. These mounting economic concerns can put enormous pressure on a drunk driving accident victim and their loved ones. While an insurance claim is typically the first step toward financial recovery after a car accident, it is usually best to consult with an experienced Riverside car accident lawyer as soon as possible after a more complex accident such as a DUI accident.

Punitive Damages in DUI Accident Cases

California judges have the right to award a plaintiff punitive damages if a defendant’s behavior was especially reckless, intentional, or showed blatant disregard for others' safety and welfare. California does not limit the amount a plaintiff may receive in punitive damages, and California judges typically base their determinations for punitive damages on the overall financial status of a defendant. When a DUI driver responsible for an accident also faces criminal prosecution, the judge overseeing the criminal case can sentence them to restitution to compensate their victims as well.

Find Your Legal Representative in Riverside Today

Any DUI accident case can be incredibly damaging and uncertain for victims. Proper legal guidance is an invaluable asset to anyone suffering the results of a drunk driver’s negligent actions, and a good attorney can help you hold the party responsible for your losses accountable under California law. At Peach & Weathers, our team is fully prepared to assert the full strength of our resources, legal skill, and years of experience on behalf of our clients. If you are ready to meet with a reliable Riverside car accident lawyer and discuss your legal options after a DUI accident, contact Peach & Weathers today to schedule a case review.

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