Long Beach Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Whether you are a resident of Long Beach or the surrounding area or a visitor to our beautiful spot in California, the last thing you should ever have to worry about is getting injured by a drunk driver. Unfortunately, impaired driving collisions occur regularly in this area. We want to review the impaired driving laws in California as well as compensation that could be available for victims of these incidents with the help of our Long Beach car accident attorney.

At Harting Simkins and Ryan, LLP, we provide you with legal guidance and results. You do not, and should not, have to face these cases and claims on your own. Instead, request a free consultation. If for any reason we do not win your case, you pay us nothing. Let us become your advocate today.

Why You Need a Long Beach Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer from Harting, Simkins, & Ryan

Victims of drunk driving accidents face a difficult time recovering damages owed to them. These cases often leave you with serious injuries and losses. By hiring a Long Beach drunk-driving accident attorney, you gain the legal insight you need to recover fair compensation. There are several ways we can help you:

• Determine all parties at fault. In California, the drunk driver is likely to face criminal charges, but other parties could also be responsible. That might include the driver’s employer or the location that served the patron.
• Calculate comprehensive losses. Drunk drivers very rarely slow down before striking victims, and that means most people suffer serious injuries that change the course of their lives. We review all your losses and build a robust claim that incorporates any we can prove.
• Negotiations are important. There are various risks in pursuing a claim with the insurance company, as they will do all they can to reduce the compensation they pay you. Our team includes seasoned negotiators ready to fight for you.

When you have serious injuries and losses, do not hesitate to speak to a Long Beach drunk driving accident lawyer for guidance. Our firm knows what is on the line. We also know how to get results. Contact us today.

California Drunk Driving Laws

California has strict laws to deter drunk driving and protect the public. Under state law, it is against state law for a person to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or higher. For commercial drivers, the legal limit is even lower at 0.04%. Additionally, California enforces a zero-tolerance policy for drivers under the age of 21, making it illegal for them to drive with a BAC of 0.01% or higher.

If a driver is caught operating a vehicle while impaired, they can face severe criminal penalties, including fines, license suspension, mandatory DUI education programs, and even jail time. In cases where drunk driving results in injury or death, the penalties are even more severe, including potential felony charges and significant prison sentences. Our Long Beach wrongful death attorney can hold these negligent drivers accountable.

However, criminal penalties do not address the full scope of harm caused to victims. That is why it is crucial for those injured by a drunk driver to pursue a civil claim to recover compensation for their damages.

Recoverable Damages After an Accident with a Drunk Driver in Long Beach

If you have been harmed or sustained property losses due to a drunk driver in Long Beach, you may be entitled to various types of compensation. The damages you can recover in a Long Beach personal injury claim typically fall into two categories: special damages (economic) and general damages (non-economic).

• Economic damages cover the financial losses you have incurred as a result of the accident. This includes medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and any future earning potential that has been affected by your injuries. Additionally, you may be compensated for any property damage, such as vehicle repairs or replacement.
• Non-economic damages for a drunk driving accident claim are intended to compensate for the more intangible (harder to quantify) effects of the accident, such as loss of enjoyment and quality of life, emotional distress, physical pain and suffering, and more. These damages acknowledge the significant impact that a drunk driving accident can have on your overall quality of life.

In cases where the drunk driver’s conduct was particularly reckless or egregious (more likely to occur in these types of incidents), you may also be entitled to punitive damages. These are awarded in addition to other damages as a way to punish the at-fault driver and deter similar behavior in the future.

Factors That Make Drunk Driving Accident Claims Challenging

When you hire our Long Beach drunk driving accident attorney, we use our extensive experience to pursue fair compensation. To do so, we look at all factors related to your accident and losses. These cases are complex for several reasons:

• Drunk drivers may not have liability insurance. This is common for repeat offenders. We need to seek other ways to recover your losses. In situations where they do not have insurance coverage, we may need to file a claim against your underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage.
• Disputing your role in the accident is important. California allows you to file a claim if you are at fault, but reduces the amount by the percentage of fault attributed to you. We work to minimize any claims against you.
• Criminal action is not enough. The city will seek charges against the at-fault party, but that does nothing to help your case. When you seek civil action, you receive fair treatment, and we help you recover your losses.
• Punitive damages may apply. Drunk driving accidents in California may qualify for punitive damages, a type of compensation awarded in cases involving intentional or heinous acts. In these situations, you can expect our drunk driving accident lawyer in Long Beach to demonstrate that you should receive additional compensation.
• You have serious injuries requiring long-term recovery. Your loved one may have lost their life in this accident. This demands the attention of a qualified attorney capable of securing a truly robust level of justice for you.

There is a great deal on the line for many accident victims. When your life is no longer what you expected because of another person’s reckless intentions and actions, let us be the advocate you need. Speak to our Long Beach drunk driving accident lawyer now about your case, experiences, and needs. We offer free consultations, and you do not pay us until we win your case.

Steps to Report a Drunk Driver in California

Drunk driving is a serious threat to roadway safety, and reporting a suspected drunk driver can save lives. If you observe dangerous driving behavior that suggests impairment, it is critical to take immediate action to protect yourself and others on the road. If you see a suspected drunk driver while operating your vehicle, this is how to safely report a drunk driver:

1. Do Not Engage: Never attempt to stop the driver or get their attention. Avoid any interaction that could escalate the situation or endanger other motorists.
2. Pull Over Safely: Find a safe place to pull over, away from the suspected driver.
3. Call 911: Contact law enforcement as soon as possible. Drunk driving is an emergency, and 911 is the correct number to call.
4. Provide Details: Be ready to share the following information with the dispatcher:
   • The location and direction of the vehicle.
   • The make, model, and color of the vehicle.
   • The license plate number (if visible).
   • A description of the driver’s behavior (e.g., swerving, speeding, or erratic braking).

By reporting impaired drivers, you play a critical role in reducing the risk of drunk driving accidents on California roads.

Contact a Long Beach Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident, do not wait to seek legal help. The compassionate and skilled attorneys at Harting Simkins & Ryan, LLP are here to support you through this difficult time. We will handle the legal complexities (investigation, negotiation, filing claims, etc.) of your case so that you can focus on your recovery.