Glendora Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Glendora Drunk Driving Accident Attorney

A drunk driving accident can have devastating, traumatic impacts on both victims and their families. Oftentimes, these accidents can result in horrific injuries, damages, and even fatalities. If you have been injured by a drunk driver in Glendora or have lost a loved one to a drunk driving accident, a compassionate Glendora drunk driving accident lawyer from our firm can be your legal advocate as you pursue justice.

Belgum, Fry & Van Allen: Your Glendora Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers

At Belgum, Fry & Van Allen, our team of injury lawyers has the experience, skills, and resources necessary to help you secure justice for the harm you’ve endured. We understand that drunk driving accidents can cause immense physical, emotional, and financial burdens, which is why we are committed to advocating for your rights throughout every part of your case. Do not wait to take legal action after a Glendora drunk driving accident. Ask how our team can help today.

The Difference Between Drunk Driving Accidents and Typical Car Collisions

There are several differences between your average car accident and a drunk driving accident in California. The largest difference between the two is that drunk driving is a criminal offense, whereas most basic car accidents include simple traffic violations. Because drunk driving is a criminal offense, the proceedings that follow will also vary from a basic accident.

Differences in these accidents include:

• Fault and Liability: In drunk driving accidents, it is often much easier to determine the at-fault party, especially if law enforcement proves that the driver was impaired. In regular accident cases, determining fault can be much more difficult as most drivers don’t want to admit that they caused the accident.
• Criminal Charges: Drunk driving is illegal in California. Therefore, these accidents almost always include some form of criminal charges being brought against the at-fault driver, in addition to civil damage claims. For most regular car accidents, criminal charges are not pressed unless criminal behavior was present, such as reckless driving.
• Evidence Collection: In drunk driving accidents, law enforcement generally gathers a large amount of evidence that can be used in your claim, including chemical test results, field sobriety test results, police reports, and witness statements. In a normal accident, it’s generally up to the drivers to collect as much evidence as possible.
• Legal Penalties: In a drunk driving case, the driver who caused the accident will likely face criminal charges in addition to a civil claim filed by a victim. This may include extensive consequences, including license suspension, fines, and even jail time.
• Punitive Damages: Victims of drunk driving accidents may be entitled to punitive damages, which are awarded in order to punish the drunk driver and deter them from taking similar actions in the future.

Compensation Available for DUI Accident Victims in Glendora

If you have suffered injuries or lost a loved one in a Glendora drunk driving accident, it is crucial that you understand your rights and the different forms of compensation that may be available to you.

In California, there are four main categories of damages that you may be entitled to in a drunk driving accident, including:

• Economic Damages: These damages can be easily assigned a financial value and are intended to reimburse victims for monetary losses suffered. Economic damages can include medical expenses, lost wages, future anticipated medical costs, and any lost earning potential due to temporary or permanent disability.
• Non-Economic Damages: These damages are awarded in order to compensate victims for the intangible and emotional losses they experienced in a drunk driving accident. These damages can include things like pain and suffering, loss of the enjoyment of life, emotional distress, psychological trauma, and mental anguish.
• Wrongful Death Damages: When a loved one is killed in a drunk driving accident, you may be able to seek certain damages through a wrongful death claim. These damages can include any medical expenses the deceased incurred prior to their death because of the accident, lost wages, and any funeral or burial costs.
• Punitive Damages: In some cases, victims may be able to seek punitive damages, which are awarded to punish drunk drivers and keep them from taking similar actions in the future.

A skilled drunk driving accident lawyer from our firm can evaluate your case and help you determine which legal avenue is right for you. We are committed to helping our clients pursue justice and secure the compensation they rightfully deserve.

Drunk Driving Accident FAQs

Q: How Long Does It Take to Settle a Drunk Driving Accident Claim in California?

A: Every personal injury claim in California will have a different timeline depending on the unique circumstances of the case. Variables that can impact how long your drunk driving accident claim takes to settle include the complexity of your case, the severity of your injuries, how compliant the defendant is, and more.

Q: What Injuries Are Commonly Suffered in California Drunk Driving Accidents?

A: There are several injuries that are commonly suffered in drunk driving accidents, all of which can range in severity. The most common injuries seen in these types of accidents include broken bones, fractured bones, whiplash, lacerations, cuts, bruises, traumatic brain injuries, blunt force trauma injuries, paralysis, concussions, and even death.

Q: What Are California’s Drunk Driving Laws?

A: It is illegal in California to operate a motorized vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs that leave you impaired. For individuals who are of legal drinking age, the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level is 0.08%. For individuals under the legal drinking age or for individuals on DUI probation, the BAC level is 0.01%. If law enforcement finds you operating a vehicle with a BAC at or over legal levels, they may arrest you for a DUI in California.

Q: How Much Do Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers Charge in California?

A: It can be a challenge to provide individuals with an exact number as to how much an accident lawyer might charge for their services in California. However, most personal injury lawyers in the state work on what is known as a “contingency fee basis.” This simply means they will only take a percentage of your settlement if your claim is successful. You should discuss your lawyer’s pricing structure and contingency fee in your initial consultation.

Speak With a Trusted Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one were hurt or even killed in a Glendora drunk driving accident, the team at Belgum, Fry & Van Allen is here to advocate for your rights and assist you in pursuing justice. Contact our offices today to learn more about our Glendora drunk driving accident services.