The injuries, damage, and emotional trauma that can take place as a result of a drunk driver’s negligence can make it difficult to even know where to start. That’s why partnering with a DUI accident attorney is important if you or a loved one have been injured by a drunk driver in Tarzana, California.
Our DUI accident attorneys at LA Century Law are well-versed in how to handle DUI collisions of all kinds, and simply contacting a local car accident lawyer is all it takes to start building your case and moving forward with confidence.
What Is California’s DUI Law?
The level of alcohol in a person’s system is measured by percentage and referred to as Blood Alcohol Content. If the BAC of a driver exceeds the legal limit in any state, they may be charged with a DUI, whether or not there was an accident involved.
In California, it is illegal for drivers aged 21 and up to drive with a BAC of 0.08% or higher, as outlined in Vehicle Code section 23152. For those who are under the age of 21, a BAC of 0.01% constitutes grounds for a DUI, and this same number applies to anyone, regardless of age, who is currently on DUI probation from a prior incident.
Most DUIs are treated as misdemeanors in the state of California, and there are several possible consequences for receiving one, including:
- Three to five years of probation
- At least $390 in fines
- DUI school requirement
- Driving suspensions
- Up to $1,000 in fines for repeat offenders
- 90 days to a year in county jail for repeat offenders
Furthermore, if a DUI is elevated to be a felony by any aggravating factors, such as having minors in the car, the driver can face a fine of as much as $5,000 and a sentence of up to three years in state prison.
These penalties alone can be significant for anyone, but the dangers that driving under the influence brings to drivers and passengers on the road should serve as an equally sobering warning.
Who Else May Be Responsible for a Drunk Driving Accident?
There are some cases in which the drunk driver involved in an accident may not be at-fault or entirely at fault. For example, it is possible that another driver involved may be found guilty of negligence, in which case the drunk driver may receive a DUI for illegally driving under the influence without retaining responsibility for damages.
California also has established “dram shop laws” that deal with the potential liability of restaurants or bars in DUI situations. However, these laws make it clear that the establishments that served the alcohol can only share liability in a DUI accident if the drunk driver is a minor and was knowingly served alcohol. If the drunk driver responsible for an accident is not a minor, the liability falls entirely on the driver.
How Do Criminal and Civil Cases Against DUI Drivers Differ?
DUI cases present a double-sided situation in terms of lawsuits. Both criminal suits and civil suits can be involved in these accidents.
Criminal suits can be brought against the offending drunk driver for breaking the law. These lawsuits don’t typically deal with the compensatory aspect of the accident so much as they deal with legal ramifications.
Civil suits, on the other hand, are the lawsuits that injured parties file in order to receive compensation for their damages.
What Kinds of Damages Can Victims Recover?
Victims of DUI accidents are entitled to pursue compensation for their damages. These include the following:
- Immediate medical expenses
- Ongoing rehab expenses
- Lost wages and income
- Vehicle damage expenses
- Compensation for loss of quality of life
Other kinds of damages that may be recovered include compensation for emotional distress, mental health issues that resulted from the accident and any other relevant physical or mental damages.
How Can a DUI Attorney Help?
Drunk driving accident attorneys like ours at LA Century Law can help you file the proper insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits to pursue compensation for your damages at the hands of the at-fault driver. An attorney can also help you handle communications with third parties, navigate difficult paperwork, and find the medical care you need.
LA Century Law Will Fight for You
Our legal team here at LA Century Law has served countless clients just like you in pursuing compensation for damages, and our track record speaks for itself. If you or a loved one have been injured by a drunk driver in Tarzana, contact us online or call us today for a free consultation; we’re here to fight for you.
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