Posted on Friday, December 28th, 2018 at 12:56 am    

Alcohol-impaired driving accidents caused hundreds of thousands of injuries and deaths each year in the United States. In 2017, DUI accidents resulted in 10,874 fatalities, which totaled 29 percent of all traffic deaths that year. California had the second highest number of fatalities related to DUI accidents in 2017 (1,120 deaths).

If you or a family member has been injured in a DUI accident, there are some very important things that you should know about DUI accident claims.

DUI Accidents Can Cause Serious Injuries

In many cases, the occupants of the other vehicle or the passengers of the drunk driver sustained traumatic and life-threatening injuries in a DUI accident. Some of the injuries sustained in a drunk driving crash can result in long-term consequences for the accident victims, including ongoing medical care and substantial lost wages.

Common injuries sustained by accident victims in a DUI accident include:

  • Brain and head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
  • Internal bleeding
  • Spinal cord injuries, including complete and partial paralysis
  • Amputation of one or more limbs
  • Severe burns, scarring, and disfigurement
  • Broken bones and fractures
  • Damages to internal organs
  • Neck and back injuries
  • PTSD and other emotional disorders

Drunk Driving is a Crime

Driving under the influence of alcohol in California is a crime. Drivers with a BAC of .08 or higher are assumed to be too intoxicated to operate a motor vehicle safely. A driver can be charged with DUI even though his or her BAC is below .08 if the police officer determines that the driver was impaired by alcohol.

However, a DUI charge and a civil claim for a car accident are two separate matters. A driver does not need to be convicted of a DUI to be held liable for damages caused by a DUI accident. Likewise, a driver can be guilty of DUI but not held liable for damages caused by the accident.

Investigating DUI Accidents

You must prove that the driver caused the accident to recover damages for your injuries and losses. The fact that the driver was drunk may be an element of the case, but you must still show that the driver did something to cause the crash. For example, the driver crossed the center line causing a head-on collision, or the driver turned left in front of your vehicle when you had the right of way.

A Sacramento DUI accident attorney can investigate the crash to determine the cause of the crash and gather evidence to prove that the drunk driver was responsible for causing the accident. Your attorney can also help you document your injuries and damages, so that you can maximize the chance you receive full compensation for your injuries.

Contact a Sacramento DUI Accidents Attorney for Help

You may be entitled to compensation for your lost wages, medical expenses, property damage, pain, suffering, and other damages. Our Sacramento DUI accident attorneys are here to help you as you struggle to recover from injuries caused by a drunk driver.

For a free legal consultation with a Sacramento drunk driving accident attorney, please contact The Tiemann Law Firm by calling (916) 999-9000 or by visiting our website.

Client Testimonials

Hanna Padilla Testimonial
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From the very start of my case the Tiemann Law Firm was wonderful. Perter came all the way to my home to sit down and talk to me about my options. He made me and my partner feel very comfortable and promised us he would take the very best care of my case. Peter kept me informed every step of the way and was always on top of things. everything was done in a timely manor and I always felt like I was the only case he was working on because he was so fast. In the end Peter got me back way more money than I ever expected. I would recommend this law firm to everyone. I am very happy with the outcome of my case thanks to the Tiemann Law Firm! Thank you!

Star Fire Testimonial
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It is hard to put into words the care and dedication that I received from the Tiemann’s. They have been here for me every step of the way and were always available when I had questions or concerns. My husband and I will be forever grateful for everything they have done for us and our family. Thank you so much for all of the hard work and time you have put into my case, we greatly appreciate it and your friendship. We highly recommend this firm and will always be thankful for everything they have done. Thank you so much again, Kim

Maye Ly Testimonial
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I just saw my lawyer Jelena Tiemann on a t.v ad, which reminded me how much she helped when I was in a desperate situation. I just love her! That is why I feel a need to tell everyone. I had a situation that happened & didn’t know what to do, our where to go. I didn’t even know if she could help me or if any lawyer could. All I wanted was it to go away & was afraid most lawyers wanted to drag it out & possibly go to court. For one she was very professional but was very personable (maybe b.c she’s a lady). She didn’t make me feel embarrassed or self-conscious that I did something wrong or was the cause of the situation. She immediately said we should try our best before going to court. Let me handle some paperwork, if at the last we do go to court we have documents. She gave me all the details, pros and cons but reassured me she deals with these cases all the time. She came through and made it as painless as possible. I now have my life back.

Jennifer Birdseye Testimonial
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Tiemann Law Firm helped us with an injury case for my nephew. They were very knowledgeable and we are very happy with the service they provided. The entire staff is topnotch!

Elizabeth Ochoa Testimonial
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I chose Tiemann Law Firm to help me after a car accident I was involved in. Throughout the entire process, Moe made sure to keep me updated, he always responded quickly whenever  I had questions about anything. My case won thanks to this law firm and its dedication. My experience with Tiemann Law Firm was amazing! 10/10 recommended.