Rancho Cucamonga Drunk Driving Accident Attorney
A drunk driving accident can result in devastating losses in just an instant. The negligent actions of a single individual can leave victims with life-long injuries, loss of work, and immense financial burdens. If you were involved in a drunk driving accident and are overwhelmed trying to process how to move forward, a compassionate Rancho Cucamonga drunk driving accident lawyer from our firm can be a trusted legal advocate for you during this time.
Compassionate Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers in Rancho Cucamonga
At Belgum, Fry & Van Allen, we know how challenging dealing with the aftermath of a drunk driving accident can be. That’s why our team is committed to protecting the rights of Rancho Cucamonga residents who have been harmed by reckless drunk drivers. We work to help victims file strong, successful personal injury claims and are prepared to leverage our skills, knowledge, and experience to help you secure compensation and hold reckless parties accountable.
Common Injuries Sustained in California Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk driving accidents are traumatic experiences that can leave victims with devastating long-term injuries. While every accident results in injuries that range in severity, it’s crucial that you seek medical care if you were harmed by a negligent drunk driver in Rancho Cucamonga.
Common injuries sustained in California drunk driving accidents include the following:
- Internal Injuries. Many drunk driving car accidents can leave victims suffering from internal injuries like internal bleeding or damage to organs such as the liver, spleen, or kidneys. These injuries are not always immediately felt or recognized, so it is important that you seek medical attention after an accident, even if you do not feel injured.
- Spinal Cord Damage. Your spinal cord is a complicated network of nerves which govern how the body moves, feels, and functions. Damage to the spinal cord can result in total or complete paralysis, and loss of certain bodily functions, and can even permanently harm your ability to move and have independence.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries. Due to the forceful impact involved in most drunk driving accidents, traumatic injuries can occur as a result. A traumatic brain injury can affect the memory, motor skills, cognitive function, speech, and overall personality of the victim and change the course of their entire life.
- Broken Bones. Broken and fractured bones are some of the most common injuries seen in drunk driving accidents, as the force of two vehicles colliding can jolt passengers intensely. Healing from these injuries can be a long process and may require rehabilitation, surgery, and physical therapy.
- Psychological Injuries. In addition to physical injuries, many drunk driving accidents are traumatic for those involved and often result in severe psychological conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, or depression.
Damages in California Drunk Driving Accident Claims
In California, the victims of drunk driving accidents may be entitled to various kinds of damages, depending on the exact nature and circumstances of their accident and the severity of their injuries.
The following damages are commonly recovered by victims of drunk driving accidents in California:
- Economic Damages. These damages compensate victims who have suffered financial losses in a drunk driving accident. They can include all current or future anticipated medical costs as they relate to their injuries, any lost wages, any repairs or replacements necessary to your damaged vehicle, and any rehabilitation expenses like counseling or therapy.
- Non-Economic Damages. These damages tend to be more subjective and seek to compensate victims for the non-financial impacts of the drunk driving accident. These damages tend to include things like physical pain, emotional distress and suffering, loss of enjoyment in activities or hobbies you once liked to participate in, and even your ability to engage in a relationship or intimacy with a loved one.
- Wrongful Death Damages. If you lose a loved one, such as a spouse, parent, or child, in an accident caused by a drunk driver, you have the ability to file a claim for wrongful death in Rancho Cucamonga. A wrongful death claim can include the funeral or burial costs as related to the death of your loved one, their lost wages, and any medical bills that might have been incurred prior to their death because of the accident.
- Punitive Damages. These damages are rarely awarded but are often involved in drunk driving accident cases when the at-fault party’s decisions to drive drunk are deemed grossly negligent or egregious. These damages are typically awarded in order to punish drunk drivers and deter them from engaging in the same kind of behavior in the future.
Drunk Driving Accident FAQs
Q: What Parties Can Be Held Liable in a Drunk Driving Accident in California?
A: Outside of the drunk driver themselves, there are several other parties that may be held liable in a drunk driving accident case, depending on the exact nature and circumstances of the accident. These parties may include the parents of any minor teenagers who are driving drunk or restaurants, clubs, bars, or private party hosts that overserved the driver.
Q: How Can a Lawyer Help in a California Drunk Driving Accident Case?
A: Having an adept drunk driving accident lawyer by your side while filing a claim can make all of the difference in your case’s outcome. An experienced lawyer knows how to help you build a strong claim and can negotiate for the highest amount of compensation possible on your behalf. Plus, your lawyer can be a legal advocate as you navigate different proceedings and can ensure your rights are protected.
Q: How Does Alcohol Affect Your Ability to Drive?
A: Getting behind the wheel of a vehicle while drunk can impact the brain and its ability to drive in several ways, such as having impaired judgment, taking unnecessary risks while driving, having reduced reaction time, and having decreased coordination.
Q: How Much Does an Accident Injury Lawyer Charge in California?
A: Determining an exact average for the cost of a California personal injury attorney can be difficult, as the price of your lawyer will depend on a wide range of factors. However, because a drunk driving accident case is a form of personal injury, you should note that most personal injury lawyers in California use contingency fees. If your lawyer uses this pricing structure, this means they will only receive payment if your drunk driving claim is successful.
Your Rancho Cucamonga Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers
No one should go through the devastating aftermath of a drunk driving accident alone. Contact the offices of Belgum, Fry & Van Allen to schedule a consultation and begin building your claim. We are here to advocate for you.