Drunk Driving Accidents Attorney in Los Angeles, California

Every year, thousands of people are involved in drunk driving accidents. These preventable incidents not only lead to devastating physical injuries but also create emotional and financial hardships for victims and their families.  

If you or a loved one has been involved in a drunk driving accident, working with an experienced personal injury attorney can help you protect your legal rights and pursue compensation for any injuries you sustained.

At Antaramian Law, APC, personal injury representation is about more than just legal action. It’s about helping victims and their families rebuild their lives. With years of experience handling personal injury claims in California, Attorney Andrew Antaramian has the knowledge and skills to help his clients pursue compensation.

Based in Los Angeles, Antaramian Law, APC, serves clients throughout Southern California, including Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange, Ventura, and Kern Counties. Reach out today to schedule a consultation.  

The Consequences of Drunk Driving Accidents  

Drunk driving accidents can be catastrophic for everyone involved. Victims may face devastating injuries such as traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord damage, fractures, burns, or disfigurement. Recovery for these injuries often involves expensive medical treatments, long-term therapy, or even permanent disability accommodations.  

Victims of drunk driving accidents also typically have to deal with psychological consequences, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress. Families dealing with a loved one's injuries or death may also experience emotional trauma and financial challenges due to medical bills, funeral expenses, or loss of income.  

When someone's reckless decision to drive under the influence causes harm, you deserve more than just acknowledgment. You deserve justice and have a legal right to pursue fair compensation.  

How an Attorney Can Help After a Drunk Driving Accident 

Handling a personal injury case without legal support can be tough, particularly when you need to recover from your injuries. An experienced attorney can handle the aftermath of the accident and help you determine the best course of action to take. Some of the primary ways an attorney can help include:

• Understanding your legal options: A seasoned personal injury attorney will evaluate your case to identify your potential avenues for compensation. In drunk driving cases, damages such as medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and even punitive damages may apply.
  

• Dealing with insurance companies: Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether. An experienced attorney will often understand an insurance company's playbook and employ counter tactics to properly evaluate your claim.
  

• Maximizing compensation: Adjusting for the long-term impact of injuries is critical. An attorney will consider future medical costs, lost earning capacity, and non-economic damages to negotiate or litigate for the compensation you deserve, rather than settling for a lowball offer.
  

• Reducing stress: Pursuing a legal claim can be stressful during an already difficult time. An attorney will handle the paperwork, deadlines, negotiations, and court proceedings while you focus on your recovery.  

Drunk Driving Laws in California 

California has several statutes and legal provisions that govern drunk driving cases. These laws are established to help protect your rights and enforce accountability. Some of the primary laws and regulations you should be familiar with following a drunk driving accident include the following.  

Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) Limits  

California law prohibits drivers from operating a vehicle if they have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher for adults aged 21 or over, 0.04% or higher for commercial drivers, or 0.01% or higher for drivers under 21 or on DUI probation. 

Drivers with a BAC above the legal limit are deemed intoxicated under the law, regardless of their perceived ability to operate the vehicle safely. 

DUI Penalties  

Drivers convicted of a DUI face severe penalties, including jail time, license suspensions, mandatory DUI programs, and fines. For cases involving repeat offenses or incidents resulting in injury or death, the consequences escalate to felony charges, carrying significantly harsher penalties. 

Victims’ Rights for Compensation  

Under California law, victims of drunk driving accidents can pursue compensation for various damages, including: 

• Medical costs: Past, present, and future medical expenses related to injuries sustained in the accident. 

• Pain and suffering: Non-economic damages tied to physical and emotional trauma. 

• Lost wages: Compensation for lost wages, including future earnings, if injuries prevent individuals from returning to work. 

• Punitive damages: California courts may impose punitive damages to punish the at-fault driver for their reckless behavior and deter similar conduct in the future. 

Comparative Negligence  

California operates under a "pure comparative negligence" rule, which allows victims to recover damages even if they are partially at fault for an accident. The amount of compensation is adjusted based on the victim's share of responsibility.  

For instance, if a court determines that you are 20% at fault, you are still entitled to recover 80% of the total damages. This approach seeks to distribute liability fairly while allowing victims to pursue compensation.