Drunk Driving Accidents
When people consider whether they’ve had too much to drink before driving, they’re usually thinking about avoiding arrest. The reality is that drunk driving is extremely dangerous. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), over one ten-year period, drunk-driving accidents were responsible for 10,327 deaths in California. While not all Los Angeles County DUI accidents result in death, many of them lead to injuries.
If you’ve been struck by a drunk driver, you may be entitled to damages for your injuries, damaged property, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The Kirakosian Law Firm represents DUI accident victims on a contingency basis, which means that you don’t have to pay out of pocket. Call today.
Frequently Asked Questions About DUI Accidents
You should not construe the following information as legal advice. For professional advice about your car accident injuries, call Kirakosian Law for a free consultation.
I told the officer that the other driver was drunk. Why didn’t they make an arrest?
There could be a few reasons why the officer opted not to make a DUI arrest. First, they may not have felt that the other driver’s level of intoxication exceeded the legal limit. Second, you may have been mistaken in your assessment that the other driver had been drinking. Diabetic symptoms, for instance, can often mimic indications of drunkenness.
Will the criminal case affect my civil injury case?
The criminal DUI arrest may have an impact on your injury case. The defendant’s attorney may delay the process while they address the criminal aspects of the accident. Your attorney should be able to begin working on aspects of your case concurrently with the criminal prosecutors.
Are there punitive damages for a DUI accident in California?
Suppose your attorney can show clear and compelling evidence that drunk driving caused the accident. In that case, you may be able to recover punitive damages in addition to your economic damages and pain and suffering.
What’s the statute of limitations for a California drunk driving accident claim?
Like other types of accident claims, it’s two years from the date of the accident. Don’t delay, though. Your attorney may require all of the available time to negotiate or litigate your claim.
Los Angeles County Lawyer for DUI Accident Compensation Recovery
When you get injured in a DUI-related accident, you deserve compensation. Call Kirakosian Law for a free consultation.
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How to Detect Alcohol Intoxication
When you get injured in an accident, you may not recognize that the other driver has had too much to drink. You can identify drunk driving the same way that the police do. Look for the following signs.
- Driving Pattern – Did you see the driver make erratic or sudden moves prior to the crash? Did the driver run a stop sign or red light? These are often the signs of intoxication.
- Speech Pattern – When you’re speaking to the other driver, make a note of whether or not they are slurring their words or having difficulty finding words.
- Bloodshot Eyes – Red eyes are often an indication of alcohol or narcotic intoxication.
- Unsteady Gait – If the other driver appears unbalanced or is using the car frame to balance, it may be an indication that they’re drunk.
- The Odor of Alcohol – Pay attention to whether or not the driver smells like an alcoholic beverage.
What You Should do if You Believe the Other Driver is Intoxicated
You should call the police to the scene of an accident with property damage and injuries. Approach the officer and tell them that you believe that the other driver is drunk. If you’ve noticed signs of drunkenness, make sure you convey them to the officer. The officer will conduct a crash investigation prior to beginning their criminal DUI investigation. It’s important to note that just because the officer doesn’t decide to make an arrest doesn’t mean that you can’t collect damages for your injuries.