Maison Law helps anyone that’s been injured in an Orange County DUI car accident. The vast majority of DUI accidents result in serious injuries and other losses for you and your family. As a victim, you have legal rights. Our team of Orange County DUI injury lawyers at Maison Law will be there to guide you. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Do You Need a Lawyer After an Orange County DUI Accident?
When it comes to a DUI accident in Orange County, it’s important to understand that while not legally different, they’re usually much more serious. Still, you don’t need a lawyer to file a claim. However, because you’re likely looking at serious injuries and other losses, having a lawyer can really help you.
Our team at Maison Law has years of experience dealing with these accidents, and can guide you through the claims process. More than that, we provide support by:
- Investigating the accident and showing the other driver was under the influence
- Helping you gather medical records and other evidence to show your losses
- Filing injury claims and negotiating with insurance companies
- Making the legal process easier for you and your family
Again, you don’t need a lawyer to file an injury claim after a DUI accident, but having our team on your side can be vital in terms of the support and guidance you’ll need for a successful claim.
What Options Do You Have After a DUI Accident in Orange County?
Legally speaking, a DUI accident isn’t any different than any other car accident. You still have the legal right as a victim to file an injury claim against whoever is responsible for causing the accident and your injuries.
Where the process can shift is in what you decide to do. You generally have two options for filing a claim: an insurance claim or a lawsuit. From there, things can progress in a few different ways:
- Insurance claim – Usually, the first option is to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. It’s usually faster but may result in a lower payout since companies try to minimize their costs. It’s also less fair because it’s totally controlled by the insurance company.
- Lawsuit – If the insurance settlement doesn’t cover all your losses, you can file a lawsuit. This option takes more time but often leads to a better chance of getting fair “damages” because it’s overseen by a judge.
After filing your claim, you might recover:
- Medical expenses
- Ongoing care needs
- Lost income or earning potential
- Repair/replacement costs for your vehicle
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life
- Wrongful death expenses
- Punitive damages
You must file your claim within two years of the accident to keep your right to recover damages. If you miss this deadline (which is known as the “statute of limitations”) you likely won’t be able to file a claim or recover damages at all.
Who Pays for Damages After an Orange County DUI Accident?
Even in a clear DUI accident, the legal process involves a hugely important step: figuring out who pays for your damages. This starts with establishing liability, which involves proving “negligence.” Negligence is when someone fails to meet their duty of care to ensure safety.
In a DUI case, the impaired driver is typically held responsible for your damages. However, other parties may also share liability, such as:
- Other drivers not directly involved in the collision
- Passengers or owners of the vehicle that allowed the impaired person to drive
- Car or parts makers if there was a defect or malfunction that led to the accident
- Bars or restaurants that served alcohol to someone that was clearly intoxicated and then drove.
- The county government if road or sign issues contributed to the accident
It’s worth repeating that liability is a huge step in your case. It not only gives you the person (or company) responsible for paying for your damages, but it effectively sets the course of your case by telling you who you’ll be filing against. But there’s also important steps you can take on your own to protect an eventual claim.
What Can You Do to Protect Your Injury Claim After a DUI Accident?
Simply having the right to file a claim doesn’t guarantee you’ll get damages, even if the other driver was under the influence. Here’s what you should do to protect your injury claim after one of these accidents in Orange County:
- Call 911 – Immediately dial 911 for an ambulance, and also make sure the dispatcher sends the Orange County Sheriff’s Department if you think the other driver is under the influence. This helps create an official record of the accident and the driver’s condition.
- Collect evidence at the scene – Gather and document evidence showing the other driver’s impairment, especially focusing on pictures of the accident scene, your vehicle, and any visible damage. Don’t repair your vehicle or property until all damage has been documented.
- Seek medical care – Visit an emergency room or see a doctor, even if your injuries seem minor. EMTs can help you at the scene, but you’ll probably need further care. Medical records will link your injuries to the actual accident, which is going to be vital for your claim.
- Cooperate with the police – Provide a detailed statement to the police about why you believe the other driver was impaired. This documentation helps strengthen your case by recording the driver’s condition and its role in the accident.
Following these steps will strengthen your case and provide the evidence needed for your claim, thus giving you protection. Since DUI accidents often involve serious injuries, thorough documentation is crucial for your eventual claim.
How Hurt Can You Get in an Orange County DUI Accident?
One of the most frustrating things about a DUI accident is that, unlike other car accidents, it was likely entirely preventable. This makes virtually any accident much more difficult to deal with, but particularly DUI accidents because they cause serious injuries. Every accident is unique, but whether an impaired driver hits you head-on or runs a red light and slams into the side of your car, you could be facing injuries like:
- Head injuries, especially traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Internal organ damage
- Neck and spinal injuries
- Broken bones
DUI accidents can cause severe injuries and losses, especially for innocent victims who face significant challenges. No matter how serious your situation, we’re here to help you recover the damages from the accident.
Get Legal Support for DUI Accidents in Orange County
Dealing with the aftermath of a DUI accident in Orange County is something nobody wants to go through. Still, exploring your legal options is extremely important for addressing your damage from it. Our DUI injury lawyers at Maison Law are dedicated to offering the legal support you need for a successful claim. Contact us today for a free consultation and start your recovery process.
