Drunk driving is a very serious cause of car accidents throughout California. Data from the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) shows that in 2022, there were:
- 771 alcohol-related fatal car accidents statewide
Drunk driving accidents are especially frustrating because they are entirely preventable. Despite efforts by lawmakers to increase awareness and enforce stricter punishments, these accidents keep happening.
Moreover, there are a number of events and times of the year when DUI accidents are more frequent. No matter when they happen, though, a DUI accident can have serious and far-reaching implications for you and your loved ones.
What Are Some Common Causes of California DUI Accidents?
Drunk driving is punished severely in California, especially when it leads to a serious accident causing injury or death. Here are the legal limits for being considered drunk:
- For drivers over 21 years old, a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is considered legally drunk.
- However, the BAC limit is different for certain drivers: commercial vehicle drivers are considered legally drunk at 0.04% BAC, and drivers under 21 are considered legally drunk at 0.01% BAC.
If caught drunk driving, a person will be charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI), which carries escalating penalties for repeat offenses. These penalties can include fines of up to $5,000 and up to 10 years in jail.
Drunk driving causes accidents because it impairs a person’s reaction time, judgment, and ability to drive safely. Some common causes of accidents due to drunk driving include:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Drowsy driving
- Delayed coordination and reaction time
- Impaired judgment, vision, or hearing
These impairments lead to various types of accidents on California roads, with many resulting in serious injuries. In order to be better prepared, it’s important to understand the times of year when you are more likely to encounter drunk drivers.
What Are the Worst Days of the Year for DUIs in California?
The worst days of the year for DUIs in California tend to coincide with holidays and major events when alcohol consumption is more common. Some of the worst days for DUIs in California include:
- New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day – These holidays often see a high number of DUI incidents due to celebrations involving alcohol.
- Fourth of July – The Independence Day holiday is another time when people tend to drink and drive, leading to an increase in DUI cases.
- St. Patrick’s Day – This holiday, known for its association with alcohol consumption, can also result in a higher number of DUI incidents.
- Memorial Day – Memorial Day is unfortunately known for an increase in DUI accidents. During Memorial Day weekend, many people gather to celebrate, and some may choose to consume alcohol and then drive.
- Super Bowl Sunday – The Super Bowl is a popular event for gatherings and parties, where alcohol consumption is prevalent. As a result, DUI incidents tend to increase.
Data compiled in the SWITRS 2019 Annual Report, it gives a clearer picture of the timing of DUI accidents. Of the 18,880 alcohol-related vehicle accidents that year, a number of them occurred during the above events and holidays. For example, between May and July 2019, there were
- 4,703 alcohol-related vehicle accidents that resulted in injuries.
- 293 fatal accidents.
Notably, two of the major times for DUI accidents–Memorial Day, which occurs on the last Monday of May, and July 4th–all fall within this period. In an effort to protect the public, authorities, and groups commonly set up DUI checkpoints and use other resources to try to stem the tide of alcohol-related accidents.
However, the reality is that DUIs are an ongoing issue for people in California. Despite these measures, DUI accidents continue to persist, especially on the above days of the year. That’s why it’s important to understand what your options are if you find yourself involved in one of these unfortunate accidents.
What Should You Do After a DUI Accident in California?
If you get injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver, it doesn’t automatically mean you will receive compensation for your injuries. In order to recover damages, you’ll need to either file an insurance claim against the at-fault party or a personal injury lawsuit. In order to determine who is responsible, you have to meet the legal concept of negligence.
To show negligence, you must provide evidence that the other driver:
- Acted carelessly and without considering the safety of others. This means they did something negligent, like running a red light or turning in front of a car with the right of way, while also being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
If you can prove negligence, you can move forward with a claim for damages and injuries that you suffered. Property damages include things like your vehicle, motorcycle, bicycle, and personal items that were damaged or destroyed in the accident.
Bodily injury damages consist of various financial costs resulting from the accident, such as:
- Medical bills
- Missed work time
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional and mental anguish
- Loss of quality of life
Other damages that can be sought in DUI claims include:
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Loss of future income
- Vocational retraining
- Permanent disability
- Funeral or burial expenses, in the event of a fatal accident
In addition, punitive damages can be awarded on top of other monetary damages if the at-fault person was judged to be recklessly negligent. In California, driving under the influence is considered conduct that can lead to punitive damages.
By seeking punitive damages, you can potentially receive more than the usual damages allowed by the law. If the court awards punitive damages, the at-fault driver’s insurance company will have to pay them up to the policy limits.
Experienced and Compassionate Representation For California DUI Accident Victims
No matter when or where there’s a DUI accident in California, Maison Law will be there to stand up for your rights. Our team of experienced and compassionate California car accident lawyers has a proven track record of success in helping clients get the benefits and support they deserve after these terrible accidents. Don’t hesitate to get the help you need.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to learn more.
