Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers in Studio City, CA
Providing Legal Support Throughout DUI Accident Cases
If you sustained serious injuries in a drunk driving accident in the Los Angeles area, you should contact a DUI accident attorney to learn your legal options. You may be entitled to financial compensation from the insurance company of the at-fault driver and any other parties that could be held responsible for the drunk driving crash.
The drunk driving accident attorneys at V&A Law Firm have spent years assisting injured victims in getting compensated for losses stemming from drunk driving accidents in Los Angeles. If you’re struggling to pay for your medical bills and car repairs after a California drunk driving accident, call us for a free consultation.
What Should You Know Before You Seek Compensation?
If you’re thinking of initiating a personal injury claim against the drunk driver at fault for the car accident, it’s helpful to know what to expect. This can help your case go as smoothly as possible while you heal physically and emotionally.
First, you should know that the statute of limitations on personal injury cases is two years. This means you have two years from your California drunk driving accident to take legal action. You have the same amount of time to file a wrongful death claim, as the statute of limitations for this type of civil claim is two years from the date of the victim’s death. There are a few exceptions to this time limit, depending on the age of the injured victim and who the potentially liable parties are. But in general, most drunk driving accident victims must file a personal injury lawsuit within two years of the car accident, so contact a Studio City, CA drunk driving accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Another detail about California drunk driving accident cases is the compensation you can seek. Your personal injury attorney can pursue a mix of economic and non-economic damages for you, with some drunk driving cases resulting in punitive damages, as well. The most common damages for DUI accident victims include:
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Medical expenses
- Future medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disfigurement
Once your California drunk driving accident lawyer has a full understanding of the losses you suffered in a drunk driving collision, they’ll let you know which economic, non-economic, and punitive damages to seek. Contact V&A Law Firm to discuss your Los Angeles drunk driving lawsuit.
What’s the Difference Between a Civil Case and a Criminal Case After a DUI Crash?
Drunk drivers who cause DUI accidents may face consequences in both the civil and criminal court system. If you’re a victim of a drunk driving accident, it’s good to know the differences between civil and criminal proceedings before you initiate a DUI accident case against a drunk driver.
In short, the only type of DUI case that will affect you personally is a civil case. When you bring a civil lawsuit against a drunk driver in civil court, your drunk driving accident lawyer must prove that the driver caused you financial losses for which you should be compensated. The result of your civil claim should be a fair settlement paid by the drunk driver or their insurance company.
By contrast, the criminal court will determine if the driver is guilty of the criminal charges of driving under the influence of alcohol and causing a car accident resulting in injuries or death. If the driver is found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt during the criminal trial, they could face fines and prison time.
It helps to know that civil and criminal cases are separate. You can bring a civil claim against a drunk driver regardless of how their criminal DUI case goes. However, if their criminal case ends in a DUI conviction, this could support your civil case since it will show they were impaired behind the wheel.
Who Can You Hold Accountable for a DUI Accident?
In most drunk driving accidents, the drunk driver is liable for the damage since they chose to drive while their blood alcohol concentration was over the legal limit of 0.08%. This is why your drunk driving claim will likely target the impaired driver or their insurance company. However, some cases hold other parties liable, too.
For instance, if your lawyer discovers that the intoxicated driver drank to excess at a bar or restaurant before the crash, that business could be held responsible for the severe injuries or wrongful death caused by the driver. Similarly, if a drunk driver was served alcohol at a private residence, such as at a friend’s birthday gathering, a drunk driving lawsuit could name the host as a liable party.
If you’re curious about who to bring your Los Angeles drunk driving accident case against, contact our Southern California law firm. Our lawyers have represented numerous clients in cases involving tragic California drunk driving accidents, so you can count on us to get you the compensation you need.
Are You Ready to Call Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers in Studio City, CA?
At V&A Law Firm, we believe injured victims deserve the fair and full compensation they need after drunk drivers have harmed them and their family members. If you’re tired of seeing bills related to a Los Angeles car accident you didn’t cause, it’s time to talk to caring lawyers who can help you pursue financial compensation.
We know Los Angeles DUI accidents can be life changing for victims, so we’re committed to helping our clients get the economic and non-economic damages they need while healing from their injuries. If you’re ready to learn how we hold intoxicated drivers responsible for their poor choices on the road, call us at 818-369-3270 for a free consultation with compassionate drunk driving accident lawyers in Studio City, CA.