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Salinas Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
Salinas is one of the most populated cities in Monterey County, California, leading to an unfortunate number of drunk driving accidents. Any car accident can be scary and life-altering. However, a drunk driving accident can be particularly tragic, often resulting in serious injury. If you are a drunk driving accident victim, you need an advocate on your side to protect your interests. As a victim, you may have extensive medical bills and lost wages lying ahead. It is imperative to get started on your case right away.
In California, the statute of limitations for filing a civil lawsuit is just two years from the date of the accident. A drunk driving accident victim is generally prohibited from filing a civil claim beyond that time frame. It is crucial to meet with an attorney soon after the accident. Even if you do not think you are severely injured, it is possible for injuries to manifest weeks or months later. Let one of our Salinas drunk driving accident lawyers help you get you the compensation you deserve!
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Civil v. Criminal
A drunk driver will usually be charged with driving under the influence (DUI) and face criminal consequences. The criminal matter will proceed separately and apart from any civil action for damages. As a victim you do not have to wait until the conclusion of the criminal matter to initiate a lawsuit. It is also possible to proceed with your civil claim despite the outcome of the DUI matter. Even if the criminal charge is dismissed, you can still proceed with a civil lawsuit.
Intoxicated driving in and of itself is negligent driving. Although it may seem obvious that a drunk driver is responsible for causing the accident and should be held accountable, these cases can still be complicated. A drunk driving lawsuit is best left to an experienced drunk driving accident attorney.
Who Is Liable for a Drunk Driving Accident?
Drunk driving accidents are unique in the sense that parties who would not otherwise be responsible may find themselves exposed to liability. This may include bars and nightclubs, restaurants, the host of a party, or parents of underage intoxicated drivers.
From a victim’s perspective, it is important to identify any potentially responsible parties. As in any personal injury claim, it is good practice to name all possible liable parties in the complaint. An experienced Salinas drunk driving accident lawyer will help you identify every individual or entity that should be named in the complaint. At Silva Injury Law, our knowledgeable attorneys will track down the necessary parties to build a strong drunk driving lawsuit on your behalf.
What Compensation Am I Entitled to?
For the most part, drunk driving accident victims are entitled to the same recovery as any other car accident victim. The most common types of damages are compensatory. Compensatory damages compensate for a plaintiff’s actual losses. They can include:
- Medical bills,
- Vehicle repair or replacement,
- Lost wages,
- Physical impairment, and
- Pain and suffering.
Under certain circumstances, a plaintiff may be able to recover punitive damages, which are aimed at punishing a defendant. If the defendant’s behavior is particularly egregious or reckless, a court may award a victim punitive damages on top of their compensatory damages. Whether you may be able to seek punitive damages is specific to the facts and circumstances surrounding the crash. A skilled drunk driving accident attorney in Salinas will be able to assess your ability to seek punitive damages.
It is important to note that California is a comparative negligence state. This means that victims can still recover damages even if they are partially at fault for an accident. However, the amount of recovery may be reduced depending on the level of fault. This often incentivizes defendants and insurance companies to defend these personal injury suits aggressively. Their goal is to try to lay blame elsewhere and reduce their liability. An experienced attorney can combat these efforts and help you recover the maximum compensation possible.
Promoting Healing Through Compassionate Advocacy
We believe that our duty goes beyond achieving large monetary awards for our clients. We strive first to be decent human beings who seek not to stir up fights, but to solve problems.
Contact Our Salinas Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers Today!
At Silva Injury Law, our duty to our clients goes beyond just achieving large monetary awards. We also want to make sure you’re taken care of, including receiving the medical treatment you need. We care about our clients’ wellbeing, and our goal is to solve problems on their behalf. If you or someone you love is the victim of a drunk driving accident, don’t wait to speak with a Salinas drunk driving accident attorney. Call or contact us online today to get started on your case!
Our experienced legal team handles other types of injury cases as well, including: