Los Angeles Drunk Driving Accident Attorney

The total DUI related fatalities in California have been decreasing. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, there was a 6.8% decrease in deaths, going from 1,147 fatalities in 2017 to 1,069 in 2018. Although alcohol-impaired fatalities have been declining, accidents stemming from drunk driving do remain unfortunately high. The impaired thinking and reduced reaction times that alcohol and drugs cause increase the risks the rest of us face on the roads. The motor vehicle accidents they cause are often more tragic, especially as they could have been avoided.

DUI Accident Attorneys in Los Angeles

Drunk or impaired drivers injure or kill thousands of Californians every year. The Los Angeles drunk driving accident attorneys at Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP find this unacceptable. Our lawyers have years of experience representing California citizens injured by drunk drivers. If you or a loved one recently suffered injuries at the hands of an intoxicated or impaired driver in or around Los Angeles County or throughout Southern California, there are ways to recover damages for financial losses and even your suffering. The DUI accident team at Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP is ready to fight for your cause. Call our law firm in Los Angeles about your case today! (310) 477-1700

How Many People Were Killed in Motor Vehicle Accidents Because of DUI Driving?

2010: 72 Fatal Collisions, 81 Victims Dead

2011: 71 Fatal Collisions, 77 Victims Dead

2012: 73 Fatal Collisions, 87 Victims Dead

2013: 73 Fatal Collisions, 81 Victims Dead

2014: 77 Fatal Collisions, 92 Victims Dead

2015: 65 Fatal Collisions, 78 Victims Dead

2016: 89 Fatal Collisions, 99 Victims Dead

2017: 68 Fatal Collisions, 78 Victims Dead

What is Considered a DUI in California?

California law specifies that drivers operating a private vehicle are under the influence of alcohol if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08 percent or higher. According to state law, commercial drivers are under the influence with a 0.04 percent BAC. Additionally, California has no tolerance for those under the age of 21. If a breathalyzer or other instrument detects any alcohol or drugs in a driver under 21, even at BAC levels below those for other drivers, the state will charge him or her with a DUI. California views driving under the influence of any drug – illicit, prescription, or over-the-counter – the same as driving while drunk. Any driver caught operating a vehicle while impaired by drugs will face DUI charges.

What If I Suffer an Injury From An Impaired Driver in Los Angeles?

Persons injured by drivers operating under the influence may be eligible for compensation, contacting a Los Angeles drunk driving accident lawyer can help you recover the following damages.

1. Compensation Damages

This covers medical costs, past, present, and future, related to injuries sustained in the accident, property damage (e.g., car, home, personal belongings, etc.), and lost wages/earning capacity. This may also include compensation for pain and suffering.

2. Punitive Damages

These punish the responsible financially, in hopes to curtain future behavior from the same entity or other parties. The courts usually award these claims in instances of gross negligence or when someone willfully disregarded your safety and rights when injuring you.

3. Wrongful Death

The closest surviving relative (e.g., spouse, child, parent, etc.) may file a lawsuit in the event the victim dies in the accident or later from injuries he or she sustained during the incident. This allows the surviving family to recover damages to pay for outstanding medical bills, funeral costs, loss of care or services, lost wages, and more.

Free Consultations from our Los Angeles DUI Accident Attorneys.

Our drunk driving injury lawyers know that these accidents leave scars – those you can see and those you can’t. We’re very sensitive to the pain and stress that burdens you and your loved ones. Our mission is to help lift some of that burden from your shoulders. We share the knowledge and experience we have to help you negotiate with the insurance companies, complete depositions, and go through a trial, if necessary. Our DUI accident lawyers in Los Angeles will stay with you to the end, ensuring you get the maximum compensation and the best possible outcome for you and your loved ones. If you or your loved ones have been in an accident caused by a drunk or impaired driver, call Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP in Los Angeles today! (310) 477-1700