Maison Law can help you through the claims process if you’re injured in a car accident caused by a drunk driver in Fresno. Everybody knows that drunk driving is dangerous and reckless, but it doesn’t stop it from happening. Unfortunately, you could be left facing long-term health problems and damage if you’re in one of these accidents. We can help you. Set up a free consultation today to learn more.
Do I Need to Get a Lawyer?
Even though it might seem obvious that the drunk driver caused the car accident, that doesn’t make everything after it simple. Drunk driving accidents tend to be more serious, with bigger injuries, more medical bills, and added stress.
In this situation, you don’t need things to be harder. Our team can make things easier for you by:
- Fully confirming that the other driver was drunk at the time of the accident.
- Gathering important information and evidence.
- Explaining your options and what the path forward looks like.
- Talking to experts and witnesses
- Handling all the talks with the insurance company.
- Going to court if the insurance company won’t play fair.
Drunk driving accidents are incredibly frustrating because—unlinke other car accidents—they’re entirely preventable. But that doesn’t make the aftermath any easier. Our team will be there to support you.
What Information Do I Need for a Drunk Driving Accident Claim?
Even though a drunk driving accident seems straightforward, the details matter. Not in a complicated way—but in a “this helps show what really happened” way. You don’t need to have everything perfect on day one, either. Some of this information is available right away, while some comes together over time. The key is knowing what to keep track of and why it matters. Here’s what to focus on:
- The police report. In a drunk driving case, this is huge. It often includes observations of impairment, sobriety test results, and whether the driver was arrested or cited. Fresno Police officers or CHP reports can include notes about slurred speech, delayed reactions, or erratic behavior, which will strengthen your claim.
- Medical records and treatment notes. These show what injuries you suffered and the care you’ve needed. Follow-up appointments and ongoing treatment are just as important as the first visit.
- Pictures and videos from the scene. Vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signals, and visible injuries all help show the seriousness of the accident. If you were hit at an intersection like Blackstone and Shaw Avenue, or a freeway ramp from Highway 41, photos can clarify exactly what happened.
- Witness contact information. Statements from people who saw the accident—or the driver’s behavior beforehand—can fill in important gaps.
- Your own notes about what you’re dealing with. Track pain, mobility issues, sleep problems, and changes to your routine. This kind of information often doesn’t show up in medical records unless you write it down.
Again, you’re not trying to prove that the other driver was drunk. Let the police handle that part. What you’re trying to do is show how the accident impacted you and will continue to impact you and your family.
Why Do Drunk Driving Accidents Happen in Fresno?
This is the hardest question to answer. Drunk driving is a constant problem in Fresno, just like it is in other places. But even with something like drunk driving, there are patterns with accidents here:
- Drivers think they’re fine to drive. Even a few drinks can slow reaction time, cloud judgment, and hurt coordination. People leave a bar in the Tower District or a party in Fig Garden thinking they can handle the car.
- Long stretches of road. Places like Herndon Avenue, Jensen Avenue, or Highway 180 can give drivers a false sense of safety. They think the emptiness means it’s okay to take chances—but alcohol can turn small mistakes into serious accidents.
- Nighttime and weekends. DWI accidents often happen when people are out trying to unwind after work or on the weekends, especially in busier areas like downtown Fresno, the River Park area, or along Blackstone Avenue.
- Mixing alcohol with other substances. Sometimes drivers mix alcohol with prescription drugs or other substances, making impairment even more dangerous.
Understanding these patterns can help show why the accident happened—and why it wasn’t your fault. But ultimately, it comes down to one person’s poor decision. And you’re the one who gets hurt.
What Legal Options Do I Have After a Drunk Driving Accident?
After a drunk driving accident in Fresno, you usually have a couple of ways to recover for what you’ve lost:
- File an insurance claim. This is often the first step, but insurance companies can be slow or push back—even when liability is clear.
- File a personal injury lawsuit. If the insurance offer doesn’t cover your full damages, a lawsuit may be necessary.
Either way, the goal is to recover damages for things like:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages or reduced earning potential
- Repair or replacement costs for your car or other property
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life
- Wrongful death expenses in fatal accidents
Every case is different. How you proceed depends on the accident, your injuries, and how the insurance company responds. Remember, California gives you two years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim—miss that window, and you could lose the right to file a claim at all.
Who is Responsible for a Drunk Driving Accident?
This sounds surprising, but liability often gets overlooked with a drunk driving accident. It’s true that the drunk driver carries the bulk of the legal responsibility for your injuries and other losses. But they’re not the only ones. Under certain circumstances, other people can share some of the responsibility, like:
- People who provide alcohol to minors or keep giving drinks to someone clearly drunk.
- Bars or restaurants that continue serving someone who shouldn’t be driving.
- Employers who allow employees to drive company vehicles while drunk.
The main takeaway here is that it’s not always just the drunk driver that’s responsible for these accidents. And the more potential sources of liability, the better chance you have at getting fuller damages from an insurance company or jury.
Free Consultations After Drunk Driving Accidents in Fresno
Everyone in Fresno knows drunk driving accidents are serious. But unfortunately, that doesn’t keep them from happening. And when they happen to you or your family, it brings a host of other problems with it. At Maison Law, our Fresno drunk driving accident lawyers will be there to help you through the aftermath. Reach out today to set up a free consultation.
