Posted on Saturday, July 23rd, 2016 at 3:45 am
Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is illegal in California as it is in all 50 states. A conviction of drunk driving carries the potential for fines, jail, probation, revocation of your driver’s license, and other punishments. If a driver causes a drunk driving accident, the punishment may be more severe, especially if the accident results in severe injuries. The driver also faces the potential for a civil lawsuit filed by the accident victim and/or the victim’s family. Therefore, a drunk driver faces potential criminal and civil liabilities for a drunk driving accident.
Have you been injured in a drunk driving accident? Have you lost a loved one because of a drunk driver? If so, contact the DUI Accident attorneys of the Tiemann Law Firm at (916) 999-9000 to schedule a free consultation with a DUI Accident lawyer.
Holding a Drunk Driver Responsible for Injuries in a DUI Accident
A conviction for driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs does not prove liability in a civil court case. The conviction and evidence gathered in the criminal case may be used during the civil case; however, this does not mean you have a “slam dunk” personal injury claim.
To receive compensation for your injuries, you must prove the other driver caused the collision, you were injured in the collision, and you suffered damages due to your injuries. The fact that the other driver was drunk at the time of the DUI accident does not change your responsibility to prove your case. An experienced DUI accident lawyer understands this responsibility and works just as hard on a DUI accident claim as he does in an accident case where liability is disputed.
Who Pays The Damages In A DUI Accident Case?
As with any other car accident claim, the insurance company for the other driver typically is responsible for paying any damages caused by the accident. This is no different with a DUI accident. Once you prove the other driver was at fault, the insurance company should pay your claim. Unfortunately, insurance companies fight DUI accident claims just like any other accident claim. An experienced personal injury attorney understands how insurance companies work.
The insurance company may drag out the case hoping you give up and settle for a low amount or exceed the statute of limitations to file a lawsuit. We can protect your right to receive full compensation for your injuries by taking steps to protect your legal rights. Our attorneys can help you receive compensation for your:
- Lost wages
- Medical bills
- Property damage
- Physical pain
- Emotion stress
- Other compensable damages
Contact Our Office For A Free Consultation With A Sacramento DUI Accident Attorney
Do not let a drunk driver cause more damage than he or she has already inflicted upon you because of a DUI accident. To learn more about DUI accident claims, call the Tiemann Law Firm at (916) 999-9000. You may also chat with a representative on our website to schedule a free case evaluation.