Monterey Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers

Filing A Civil Drunk Driving Lawsuit Vs. Criminal Charges

You might be confused about how a civil lawsuit works versus criminal charges. If the other driver is facing criminal charges, it does not preclude you from pursuing a civil claim. Criminal and civil cases are entirely different—separate court rules and burdens of proof.

When you file a drunk driving lawsuit, it will not result in a loss of freedom for the defendant. You are only pursuing financial compensation. A criminal conviction could result in jail or prison time, driver’s license suspension, and fines.

DUI Statistics In California

Drinking and driving is a growing problem in California.

According to Responsibility.org, some of the most recent DUI-related statistics in California include:

• There were 949 alcohol-related driving fatalities in the state;
• Alcohol-related fatalities accounted for 26.3% of total vehicle fatalities;
• 88 alcohol-related fatalities involved drivers under 21 years old;
• 70.3% of alcohol-related fatalities involved someone with BAC limits of .15 or higher; and
• 72.7% of these high-BAC-limit fatalities were repeat offenders.

These alarming numbers address only fatalities. The number of DUI-related accident injuries is higher. If you are a drunk driving accident victim, you have legal rights in California. Let our skilled legal team help you pursue a claim against the responsible driver.

Who Is Liable In A Monterey Drunk Driving Accident?

Drunk driving is far more severe than negligent driving. Negligence is distracted driving or failing to see another approaching vehicle. Drunk driving involves an intentional disregard for other people’s safety. Someone who drinks and decides to drive home puts other motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists at risk.

Unfortunately, an intoxicated driver isn’t necessarily responsible for your injuries just because they were drunk. You still have the burden of proof to show the defendant caused the accident that led to your injuries. If another third party caused the collision, the drunk driver might not be at fault. That doesn’t mean they won’t get arrested for drinking and driving, but they might not be responsible for your injury claim.

Determining liability in a Monterey car accident isn’t necessarily straightforward. More than one party could be liable, so it’s essential to speak with a skilled Monterey drunk driving accident attorney.

Potentially liable parties can include:

• Parents or guardians of underage drunk drivers;
• Clubs, bars, and restaurants; and
• Private party hosts.

When you hire Silva Injury Law, we will review the facts of your case and help you identify all the parties who could be responsible for paying a portion of your damages.

Our Monterey Office Address

215 W. Franklin St.
Suite 212
Monterey, CA 93940
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