Orange County Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers

We at Leslie Law Firm have seen firsthand just how devastating car accidents, especially those caused by drunk drivers, can be. They leave injury, pain and suffering, and psychological trauma in their wake. If you or a loved one have been a victim in a drunk driving accident, you are likely feeling frightened, confused, and stressed. Filing a claim and facing a legal battle may be the last thing on your mind. But our attorneys have years of experience, and have gone to bat for our clients countless times before. Don’t hesitate to contact us at (949) 752-7474 to find out how we can help you get the compensation you deserve.

All drivers should be aware that California has implied consent laws that require anyone arrested for driving under the influence to submit to BAC testing, which may be done as a blood or a breath test. Refusing these tests is illegal and can result in harsh punishments. Penalties for a first-offense DUI may include jail time, fines, license suspension, and an ignition interlock device. However, these penalties can increase in severity with each new DUI conviction.

In addition to any criminal penalties imposed on a drunk driver who causes an accident, victims have a right to pursue compensation in civil court. A criminal trial for DUI and a civil trial to recover damages for injuries caused by a drunk are two completely separate actions. However, it will help your civil claim for compensation if the driver who caused your injuries has been convicted of driving under the influence at the time of the crash. To prevail in a civil drunk driving accident claim, you must show that: the driver had a legal duty to exercise care, the driver breached that duty (by driving alcohol impaired), the driver’s breach of duty was the cause of your accident and injuries, and you suffered damages as a result.

Double and blurred vision: Alcohol impacts a person’s ability to see properly, making their vision blurry or even doubled. This makes it difficult to see the road, the lane markers, other cars, traffic lights, and signs. Which in turn makes it next to impossible to drive safely.

Difficulties concentrating: When someone gets behind the wheel, he needs to be able to concentrate on the road and on any nearby traffic. However, alcohol can shorten a person’s attention span, making it difficult for drivers to pay attention to the act of driving.

Less rection time: When you are on the road, you are always prepared to react to sudden stops in traffic, other drivers merging into your lane, or pedestrians crossing the street. Your ability to do so relies on your quick reaction time. Alcohol, however, lengthens reaction time in drivers, meaning that a drunk driver is unable to swerve or hit the brakes to avoid an accident.

Lack of coordination: If you have ever seen a stumbling drunk, then you know full well that people who have had too much to drink are not stable on their feet. This lack of coordination carries over to driving, causing drunk drivers to swerve dangerously while on the road, making it near impossible for them to stay in their lane.

Impaired judgment: A person’s ability to make sound and responsible decisions can be inhibited by alcohol – which is exactly why anyone decides to get behind the wheel drunk in the first place. Without the ability to make the right judgment calls, many drunk drivers crash and flee the scene.

After suffering such catastrophic injuries, you could be left with high medical debt and little funding. The same could be said if you tragically lost a loved one to a drunk driver. Thankfully, you have the option to file a personal injury claim if you were the one injured, or a wrongful death claim if your loved one passed. Filing a claim allows you receive proper compensation for the damages that you suffered.

If you have lost a loved one to a drunk driver and are filing a wrongful death claim, then you can file for additional damages such as funeral expenses, loss of benefits, and loss of companionship. However, whichever claim you are filing, you are unlikely to get proper compensation unless you are working with an experienced DUI victim’s attorney.

After a serious accident caused by a drunk driver, the best way to hold that driver accountable is to file a claim with an experienced attorney by your side. Our Orange County auto accident lawyers at Leslie Law Firm have been working to help the people of Orange County since 1974. We have a successful track record, recovering hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients. We offer a free initial consultation with no time limits or restrictions, and we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay us no fees until we win a recovery for you. Contact us at (949) 752-7474 if you have been hurt in a drunk driving accident.

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