The dangers of drunk driving are widely acknowledged, yet they remain deeply alarming, especially when they lead to accidents. Sharing the road with a drunk driver is extremely dangerous and a criminal offense. Unfortunately, legal penalties often fail to adequately repay the victims, leading to severe injuries and loss of life.
If you find yourself or a loved one affected by a drunk driving accident in Fresno, don’t hesitate to reach out to Maison Law. We understand the immense pain and loss you may be experiencing, and we are here to support you during this extremely challenging time.
Experienced and Dedicated Fresno Personal Injury Lawyers
Besides the criminal charges the drunk driver might face, our team of caring and experienced Fresno personal injury lawyers for drunk driving accidents can build a powerful case to help you get the most compensation possible. We’re here to guide you through our process and talk about your situation in a free first meeting.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
Drunk Driving Statistics in Fresno
Because drunk driving is such a widespread problem in Fresno, Once again, its effects have been extensively studied, providing us with significant insights into how alcohol impairs reaction time, judgment, and the ability to drive safely. As a result, accidents are frequently caused by:
- Inability to concentrate
- Drowsy driving
- Delayed coordination and reaction time
- Impaired judgment, vision, or hearing
These impairments lead to various accidents on Fresno roads, with the majority resulting in severe injuries. According to data from the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Record System (SWITRS), Fresno has seen the following number of drunk driving accidents over the past five years:
- 13 in 2018
- 33 in 2019
- 42 in 2020
- 66 in 2021
- 47 in 2022
Again, all of these accidents occur despite significant legal penalties and education in place about the danger of drunk driving. Not only does it result in all different types of accidents in Fresno, but it also leads to significant injuries for victims.
What Are the Common Types of Injuries in Fresno Drunk Driving Accidents?
Drunk driving accidents often involve high-speed, head-on collisions, resulting in extremely serious injuries to all parties involved. While each accident is unique, there are common injuries that occur in such cases, including:
- Spinal cord injuries leading to paralysis
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) or concussions
- Head injuries
- Neck injuries
- Whiplash
- Internal injuries, including hemorrhaging
- Damage to internal organs
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Burn injuries
These injuries bring significant challenges, not only physically but also financially and emotionally, to both you and your loved ones. You should not have to bear the burden of someone else’s negligence and criminal actions. That’s why it’s essential to get in touch with our Fresno personal injury lawyers. We can help you understand what the process is for getting the compensation you need for your injuries.
Can Drunk Driving Accidents Be Avoided in Fresno?
One of the most frustrating aspects of drunk driving accidents is that they are entirely avoidable. With that said, there are certain easy that drunk driving accidents can be significantly reduced and even avoided in Fresno, as well as in any other location. These can include things like:
- Public awareness campaigns – Spreading the word to people about how dangerous drunk driving is and the bad things that can happen as a result can make them more careful and responsible.
- Stricter DUI laws – Making sure that the rules about drunk driving are strong and strictly enforced, like giving severe punishments and taking away licenses, can make people think twice before driving while drunk.
- Sobriety checkpoints – Police can set up special checkpoints on the road to catch drivers who are drunk and prevent them from causing accidents.
- Ignition Interlock Devices – People who have been caught driving drunk may have to use a special device in their car that won’t let them start it if they’ve been drinking.
- Ridesharing services – Encouraging people to use services like Uber or public transportation when they’ve had alcohol can give them a safe way to get home without driving themselves.
- Designated drivers – When going out with friends, it’s a good idea to choose someone who won’t drink and will drive everyone home safely.
- Server training – People who work at bars and restaurants can be trained to recognize when someone has had too much to drink and refuse to serve them more alcohol to prevent them from driving drunk.
- Community involvement – Getting everyone in the community involved in promoting responsible drinking and reporting people who might be driving drunk can make the roads safer for everyone.
Although it might not be possible to completely stop drunk driving accidents, using these preventive measures together can greatly lower how often they happen and make the roads safer for everyone in Fresno.
Should You Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer After a Fresno Drunk Driving Accident?
After a drunk driving accident in Fresno, dealing with the aftermath can be very tough. You have to deal with getting better, paying medical bills, fixing your car, and trying to feel normal again. It can also affect you emotionally. Trying to get compensation from the insurance company can feel really hard in this situation.
But there’s a way to make things easier. If you hire our team of experienced Fresno personal injury lawyers, we’ll handle most of the claim work for you. This way, you can concentrate on getting better and healing. Here’s how we can help:
- Determining liability in the accident – In most cases, it’s evident that the drunk driver bears responsibility for the accident. We will gather all necessary evidence, including police reports and arrest records, to establish this fact.
- Collecting essential evidence – We understand the key elements needed to strengthen your case. This involves obtaining photos and videos of the accident scene and damage, medical records and bills, and statements from eyewitnesses.
- Interviewing witnesses and experts – Over the years, we have built a robust network of medical experts, reconstructionists, and other professionals who can provide crucial testimony on your behalf.
- Representing you against the at-fault driver’s insurance company and lawyers – Our team is well-versed in handling such cases and is familiar with the tactics used by insurance companies to undermine claims. We know how to counter these strategies effectively.
- Building an effective case for compensation – Drawing upon our extensive experience and skills, we can craft a compelling case that takes all the relevant factors into account, ensuring the best possible presentation of your damages.
A successful case depends on various factors, and each case is unique, especially when it comes to drunk driving accidents. Overcoming the challenges of such cases requires excellent legal representation with skill and experience. To maximize your chances of receiving full compensation for your injuries, choosing the right lawyer is crucial.
Damages Available in a Fresno Drunk Driving Accident
Once the drunk driver’s negligence is proven, the court can grant you compensation for both property damage and bodily injuries you suffered in the accident. Property damages cover items like vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, and personal belongings that were damaged or destroyed in the accident.
Bodily injury encompasses all the financial costs resulting from the accident. Some of these costs are evident, such as medical bills and lost wages due to missed work. Others are less tangible, like the physical pain, emotional suffering, and mental anguish experienced by you and, in cases of a fatal accident, your surviving family members.
In drunk driving cases, common damages sought include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Travel costs for treatment
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Loss of future income
- Vocational retraining costs
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of consortium (impact on relationships)
- Loss of quality of life
- Permanent disability
- Permanent disfigurement
- Wrongful death expenses
In some cases, the court can give extra money called “punitive damages” along with regular compensation. This happens when the person who caused the accident was excessively negligent. In California, drunk driving is considered one of those bad behaviors that could lead to getting these extra damages.
Get In Touch With Skilled Fresno Personal Injury Lawyers
If you’ve been in a drunk driving accident and suffered injuries, reach out to Maison Law. Our team of skilled and experienced Fresno personal injury lawyers will personally handle your case, providing direct interaction with you, honest guidance, and the dedicated attention you deserve.
To find out more about our approach and how we can assist you, contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
