Drunk Driving Accidents

Aggressive Personal Injury Lawyers Serving Car Accident Victims in Los Angeles and Orange Counties

Everyone knows that alcohol and driving do not mix. However, drunk driving accidents continue to be one of the leading causes of fatal traffic accidents. In fact, according to the most recently available data, there were 949 people killed in California DUI accidents in 2019 alone. These accidents are responsible for over 26 percent of all fatal traffic collisions, making them the deadliest type of accident. At Power Trial Lawyers, P.C., our experienced Southern California personal injury lawyers have more than a decade of experience standing up for the rights of accident victims, ensuring they recover the compensation they need and deserve. 

How Common Is Drunk Driving in Southern California?

Alcohol-involved accidents are extremely common in Southern California. Not surprisingly, Los Angeles has the most DUI accidents in the state, and Orange County comes in third behind San Diego County. 

The California Highway Patrol keeps a record of all drunk driving accidents for each county. According to the most recently available data from CHP, in 2016, there were 205 fatal DUI accidents and another 4,749 accidents that resulted in serious injury in Los Angeles County. In Orange County, there were 1,287 non-fatal DUI accidents and 62 that resulted in the death of one or more motorists. 

Injuries in Southern California DUI Accidents

Injuries following a DUI or DWI accident are similar to other car accident injuries. However, because drunk driving accidents tend to happen at higher speeds and involve direct impacts, they often result in more serious injuries. For example, below is a list of some of the most common injuries in DUI accidents:

• Head and brain injuries;
• Organ damage;
• Spinal cord injuries;
• Broken bones;
• Burns; and
• Amputated limbs.

Of course, many accident victims pay the ultimate price for another driver’s decision t get behind the wheel after having too much to drink. In fact, nationally, DUI accidents make up about a third of all fatal traffic accidents. 

Are Criminal Charges Following a DUI Accident Important for a Victim’s Personal Injury Lawsuit?

After a DUI or DWI accident, police often arrest the drunk driver, and the state may pursue criminal charges against them. If a drunk driver is found guilty, they will face the possibility of jail time, probation, and hefty fines. However, criminal court judges lack the authority to award meaningful compensation to accident victims. 

However, accident victims can file a personal injury case against the drunk driver. Personal injury cases are entirely separate from criminal cases and differ in several important respects. First, the state must prove any criminal defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, whereas, in a personal injury case, an accident victim has a lower burden to prove their case by a preponderance of the evidence. Second, a driver cannot be compelled to testify in a criminal case because it is a violation of their constitutional rights; however, they can be forced to testify in a civil personal injury lawsuit. 

Also important is a guilty verdict in a criminal case may help a victim prove their personal injury case, but it is not a requirement. In fact, accident victims may be able to successfully bring a Southern California DUI accident lawsuit if the at-fault driver was never charged or found not guilty.

Are You Ready to Pursue Financial Compensation Against a Drunk Driver?

If you’ve been injured in a DUI accident in Southern California, the respected Los Angeles personal injury attorneys at Power Trial Lawyers, P.C are here for you. At Power Trial Lawyers, P.C., we aggressively pursue maximum compensation for accident victims and their families in personal injury and wrongful death cases arising from drunk driving accidents. We offer all prospective clients a free consultation, during which we will answer your questions and help you determine the best course of action. If you decide to pursue a claim with us, we will not charge you for our services unless we can recover compensation on your behalf. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation with an attorney today, call (888) 808-2179. You can also connect with us through our online contact form. We proudly represent clients in Los Angeles County and Orange County and have conveniently located offices in Los Angeles and Newport Beach.