A drive across Corcoran and Kings County can be ruined by one terrible choice by an irresponsible driver. The choice to drink alcohol or consume drugs and then the choice to get out on the highway for a dangerous ride. That ride can end in tragedy with damage to vehicles, property, and even the loss of lives.
If you find yourself the victim of someone’s careless decision on the roads you might face a long, difficult recovery from severe injury while also having to find a way to pay for mounting hospital bills. A local attorney fighting to protect you from financial disaster as you heal can be your greatest resource. Contact Maison Law to receive a free evaluation of your case and find out just how much compensation is fair for what you’ve been put through.
DUI Accident Dangers Across Corcoran
With all the campaigns to show us how dangerous getting behind the wheel while impaired can be, people still make the awful decision to drink and driver.
The CDC finds that about one in three traffic deaths in the United States involves a drunk driver. In California, drivers were surveyed about their driving habits over the past month. A shocking 1.8% admitted to driving after drinking too much.
In Kings County, the problem is easy to see in the yearly traffic accident numbers released by the California Highway Patrol. Over 2019, 69 accidents were blamed on DUI drivers in the county. Those preventable accidents left 103 people with injuries and resulted in four tragic deaths.
Common Injuries in DUI Accidents
The injuries that can occur in a DUI accident can be much more severe than in other types of collisions. This is generally due to the slowed perception and reflexes of the driver.
A driver with impaired senses may not be aware enough to hit the brakes before a collision. This means the speed and impact force of a crash can be heightened. DUI violators are also harder for safe drivers to avoid because of their unpredictable nature. Drivers can be taken by surprise by an oncoming DUI driver suddenly swerving into their path. The same problem occurs when drunk drivers don’t realize they are traveling in the wrong direction on a highway or one-way street.
The more force brought into a crash the more severe the injuries can be. You may be unaware that you’re driving near an impaired motorist until your accident happens.
These are just a few of the most common injuries in car accidents involving DUI:
- Brain Trauma: Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are caused by a jolt to the head affecting the brain’s function. Concussions and even memory loss can be the result of a blow to the head. Brain bleeding can be another problem doctors will watch for.
- Fractured Bones: With more blunt force unleashed in an accident the likelihood of broken bones rises.
- Soft tissue injuries: A collision can painfully damage muscles, tendons, and the soft tissue that connects organs.
- Neck injuries: Disc nerve damage is possible. Thoracic Spine Injury (whiplash) can severely restrict movement, cause a loss of mobility, and even cause a loss of bladder control.
- Airbag injuries: Airbags are supposed to cushion the blow of impacts, but with extreme force, they can actually end up hurting you. Class action lawsuits have been filed because they can cause severe burns and malfunctions can send shrapnel through the vehicle.
Finding Compensation for DUI Accident Victims
In California, victims injured in accidents caused by DUI suspects have up to two years to file a claim for damages against the at-fault driver’s insurance company. It’s always best to file as soon as you’re ready to make it easier for you or your attorney to round-up evidence and witnesses.
The DUI suspect will be facing DUI charges but your civil lawsuit can move forward regardless of where the criminal case stands. There doesn’t need to be a resolution on the criminal side of things for you to earn compensation in a civil case.
If your civil claim is successful you can hope to earn reimbursement for every hospital bill you’ve had to pay. Your attorney will have also asked for money for medical care expected in the future. Your missed time at work can also be awarded to you. Extreme physical and emotional pain can also factor in the amount you receive. Anxiety and depression can be real possibilities for victims who have had to battle to recover from physical and financial obstacles after an accident.
Contact a Corcoran Auto Accident Lawyer
After an accident involving a serious injury due to the actions of a DUI motorist, contact an experienced Corcoran car accident lawyer such as Martin Gasparian for a free consultation and case evaluation. Mr. Gasparian takes a hands-on approach to every case. He believes that every client should work directly with their lawyer, get honest advice, and personalized attention to detail their case deserves.
