Los Angeles Area Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers
While most car crashes in southern California are caused unintentionally by mere negligence and momentary lack of attention, some accidents are caused by seriously wanton and reckless behavior, including drunk driving, driving under the influence and high speed reckless driving. Such reckless conduct is not only negligent, but criminal. Our attorneys will hold them accountable for causing your injuries in a car crash while law enforcement handles the crime they committed.
In California, an automobile driver is legally intoxicated or drunk if their blood alcohol content (BAC) level is at .08 percent or above. For most people, they are legally drunk after as little as two drinks in an hour. While the majority of people believe that they are still sober enough to drive home, they are mistaken. People who decide to drink and drive put their lives and all others at risk because their reaction time has been increased which results in a greater likelihood of causing an accident with innocent victims.
Who Can I Sue?
California's weak "dram shop" law makes it almost impossible to hold a liquor store, nightclub, restaurant or party host accountable. In most cases the only source of recovery is the drunk driver. However, in certain circumstances where the drunk driver was not insured, or adequately insured, we have been successful in obtaining recovery from our client's own carriers and through benefits provided by the State of California.
Often a common scenario are reckless individuals racing on public streets. Similar to drunk driving accidents, these individuals must be held accountable for their actions. This includes the driver that caused the accident as well as the other participants in the road race.
Compensation for Victims of Drunk Drivers
Due to the dynamics of accidents involving drunk drivers, including speed and reckless driving, these accidents often result in sever, debilitating and permanent injuries and significant financial losses to the individuals involved and their families. However, the law provides an injured person with the right to recover his or her damages from the responsible party. Generally, punitive damages can also be recovered from a drunk driver. We strive to collect all compensable damages for our clients, which includes:
- Damages related to a person's injuries include, but may not be limited to, medical expenses, lost wages, funeral expenses and other economic losses. Individuals are also entitled to recover for the pain and suffering caused by their injuries and treatment.
- Punitive damages, in an amount to be determined by a judge or jury, where the other driver's conduct was reckless and egregious.
- Loss of consortium damages for the spouse or family members, in cases where the injured person has sustained catastrophic injury or wrongful death.
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The Southern California law firm of Russakow, Ryan & Johnson has successfully sued drunk drivers for punitive damages as well as compensation for the physical and financial impact of serious injuries. The firm has secured settlements and verdicts in all types of accidents, including drunk driving accidents, road racing accidents and even for individuals injured by intoxicated boat operators. The lawsuit in a drunk driving accident does require careful preparation and proper investigation. Call our proven attorneys at 866-674-7061. We have offices in Pasadena and Ontario, or we can come to your home or hospital.
