Motor vehicle accidents can happen due to a variety of circumstances, from negligence to mechanical failures. One of the most upsetting causes of these dangerous collisions is driver impairment. If you were hurt in a car accident caused by a drunk driver, you have the right to seek justice through the legal system.
A dedicated injury attorney experienced with drunk driving car accidents in Los Angeles can help you pursue the financial compensation you deserve after an accident. Your civil case is independent of any criminal charge the drunk driver faces, and it could be your best chance at holding them accountable.
Like all states, California strictly enforces its prohibition on driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol. The Los Angeles police make DUI arrests on a regular basis, and most of those cases are charged based on the driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC).
The per se BAC limit in California is .08 percent. That means the state has enough evidence to establish a driver is impaired if it can show the driver’s BAC was at or above the legal limit at the time of the car accident. This is typically done through blood, breath, or urine testing.
Suffering an injury in a Los Angeles drunk driving accident is not enough on its own to entitle you to financial compensation. You must be able to show that your accident-related injuries occurred at a minimum as the result of an act of negligence.
There is little dispute that driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can qualify as a negligent act, but a successful claim requires evidence. This can come from a criminal case against the driver—in fact, an attorney can use a DUI conviction to establish evidence that the at-fault driver was under the influence at the time of the crash. Other useful pieces of evidence can include:
The good news is that you never have to build a case for compensation alone. Our attorneys can help gather evidence to develop proof of the driver’s impairment and negligence.
If you suffered an injury due to a collision with an impaired driver in Los Angeles, you may have the right to file a lawsuit and seek compensation. However, your right to file suit is limited by the legal deadline known as the statute of limitations.
In general, victims have two years from the date of an injury to file a lawsuit in California. If you wait too long to act, the court will likely dismiss the case with prejudice. That means not only is the lawsuit over, but you are also forever barred from re-filing it. This can be a devastating result, especially in cases where the facts are on your side.
If you have been injured in an accident involving a drunk driver, now is the time to explore your legal options. You may be entitled to pursue an injury claim, and My Guy Cy and our team of attorneys—who are experienced in handling cases based on drunk driving car accidents in Los Angeles—are ready to help you maximize your recovery. Contact us as soon as possible to discuss your options during a free, no-obligation consultation.
Contact us today to get started on your case. A Los Angeles rideshare accident lawyer from our firm can evaluate your situation during a free consultation and get to work building a strong claim for compensation.
