Drunk driving continues to be a serious problem on our roads, putting innocent lives at risk every day.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drunk driving crashes claim the lives of about 11,000 people each year in the United States. In addition, these preventable tragedies often leave victims with devastating injuries, emotional trauma, and lifelong consequences.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident in Modesto, the experienced attorneys at Berg Injury Lawyers are here to provide compassionate legal guidance and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
How Drunk Driving Impacts Victims in Modesto
Drunk driving accidents often result in severe and life-altering consequences for victims. The physical, emotional, and financial burdens can be immense, requiring extensive treatment and support.
These accidents often result in severe injuries, including:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and Concussions: Head injuries are common in drunk driving accidents, potentially leading to long-term cognitive impairments, memory loss, and personality changes.
- Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis: The force of impact can cause severe damage to the spine, resulting in paralysis, loss of sensation, and chronic pain.
- Whiplash, Broken Bones, or Internal Injuries: Whiplash, a common neck injury, can cause pain, stiffness, and headaches. Meanwhile, broken bones and internal injuries can require surgery, extensive rehabilitation, and long recovery periods.
- Emotional Trauma and PTSD: The psychological impact of a drunk driving accident can be significant. Victims may experience anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), requiring ongoing mental health support.
Many victims of drunk driving accidents also face long-term challenges, including:
- Chronic Pain and Mobility Issues: Some injuries may result in chronic pain, limited mobility, and the need for ongoing medical care and assistive devices.
- Depression, Anxiety, and Mental Health Challenges: The emotional and psychological impact of the accident can linger, leading to depression, anxiety, and difficulty coping with daily life.
- Financial Hardship: Medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing care costs can create a significant financial burden for victims and their families.
These consequences can be far-reaching, highlighting the importance of getting legal help and compensation after a drunk driving crash.
California Drunk Driving Laws
California has strict laws against drunk driving, aiming to deter this dangerous behavior and hold offenders accountable. Understanding these laws is crucial for protecting your rights if you’ve been injured by a drunk driver.
Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits
California has a legal BAC limit of 0.08% for most drivers. For commercial drivers, the limit is 0.04%. California also has a “zero tolerance” policy for drivers under 21. Any detectable amount of alcohol in their system can result in license suspension.
Penalties for DUI
Penalties for drunk driving in California can include:
- Fines
- Jail time
- License suspension
- Mandatory alcohol education or treatment programs
- Ignition interlock device installation
However, it’s important to remember that drunk driving is not only a traffic violation but also a serious crime that can devastate victims and their families. At Berg Injury Lawyers, we aim to help victims of drunk driving in Modesto get justice.
Proving Liability in a Drunk Driving Accident
If you’ve been injured by a drunk driver in Modesto, proving liability is essential for securing the compensation you deserve. This involves demonstrating that the drunk driver’s negligence was a direct cause of the accident and your injuries.
Gathering strong evidence is crucial in drunk driving cases. This may include:
- Police Report: The police report will document the details of the accident, including witness statements, field sobriety tests, and the driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) results.
- Witness Testimony: Statements from witnesses who observed the drunk driver’s behavior or the accident itself can provide valuable evidence.
- Accident Reconstruction: Accident reconstruction experts can analyze the scene and provide insights into how the accident occurred, supporting your claim that the drunk driver’s actions caused the collision.
- Medical Records: Your medical records will document your injuries and the treatment you received, establishing the extent of your damages.
An experienced Modesto drunk driving accident lawyer can help you gather and present evidence effectively, establish negligence, and build a strong case for compensation.
Compensation for Drunk Driving Victims in Modesto
If you’ve been injured by a drunk driver in Modesto, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses. California law allows victims of drunk driving accidents to pursue financial recovery for various damages, including:
- Medical Expenses and Rehabilitation Costs: This includes past and future medical bills, such as hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, physical therapy, medications, and medical equipment.
- Lost Wages and Loss of Future Earning Capacity: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can seek compensation for lost income, both during your recovery and for any future lost earning potential if you are unable to return to your previous job or career path.
- Pain and Suffering, Emotional Distress, and Mental Anguish: These non-economic damages compensate for the physical pain, emotional trauma, and psychological impact of the accident, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
- Property Damage and Vehicle Repair Costs: You can also recover the costs of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other property damaged in the accident.
An experienced Modesto drunk driving accident lawyer can help you understand the types of compensation available and fight to secure the maximum recovery you deserve.
How a Modesto Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Can Help
Being injured in a drunk driving accident can leave you feeling vulnerable and uncertain about the future. At Berg Injury Lawyers, our experienced Modesto drunk driving accident lawyers are dedicated to providing compassionate legal guidance and aggressive representation to help you through this difficult time.
We’ll handle all communication with insurance companies, ensuring you’re not pressured into accepting a low settlement. If necessary, we’ll file a lawsuit and take your case to court, building a strong case and fighting tirelessly to protect your rights. Our attorneys have a deep understanding of California drunk driving laws and a proven track record of success. We’ll work tirelessly to help you recover physically, emotionally, and financially.
Contact Berg Injury Lawyers Today
After a drunk driving accident, you shouldn’t have to shoulder the burden alone. Contact Berg Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation, and let us fight for your rights.
