Maison Law helps anyone injured in a car accident in Ridgecrest. Of the many different causes, the most exasperating has to be driving under the influence. This not only puts you at risk, but everyone else on the road, from passengers to pedestrians to bicyclists. If you or someone you care about has been injured in a DUI car accident, contact us today for a free consultation to talk about your options
Why Do You Need a Lawyer After a DUI Accident in Ridgecrest?
A DUI accident is not just a typical car accident. In fact, it’s one that usually involves unique challenges because of the other driver’s intoxication. This makes having a lawyer extremely important–even though it’s not legally required. Our team can make a big difference in your case by:
- Explaining your legal rights and options.
- Collecting evidence to show the other driver was impaired.
- Looking Into all the details of the crash.
- Gathering and organizing your medical records.
- Negotiating with insurance companies for you.
If necessary, we’ll file a lawsuit to get you fair damages. Again, even though it’s not mandatory to hire a lawyer, the stakes of a DUI accident and the severity of your injuries make our help crucial for a successful claim.
How to Protect Your DUI Injury Claim in Ridgecrest
Just having the right to file a DUI injury claim isn’t enough to get the financial support that California law makes available to you. Rather, you need to prove your case with solid information and evidence. So, when you’re involved in one of these accidents, here’s how to protect and strengthen your claim:
- Try to stay calm – Even though the aftermath of a car accident is a scary time, try to stay as calm as possible. Focus on your health and safety. Remember, help is available and your well-being is the top priority.
- Call 911 – Call 911 right after the accident. Inform the Ridgecrest Police Department or the Kern County Sheriff if you think the other driver was under the influence.
- Get medical care from an ambulance – Seek medical attention for all injuries, even minor ones. Start with EMTs at the scene and follow up with hospital care. Your medical records need to link your injuries to the actual accident.
- Collect evidence – Gather evidence at the scene, including any signs that the other driver was under the influence. Keep all documentation and avoid repairing your vehicle or property until you have a chance to document everything.
- Cooperate with the investigation – When DUI is suspected, the police will conduct an investigation at the scene. Provide your statement to the police and explain why you believe the other driver was impaired. If they find that the other driver was under the influence, make sure it’s documented and there’s a record of it.
Obviously, taking these steps can be difficult if you’re seriously injured (which is common in DUI accidents.) Still, they need to be done to form the very foundation of your claim. And with that foundation, you can start thinking about the claims process.
Is the Driver Always Liable for Damages in a DUI Accident in Ridgecrest?
The starting point of any legal action following a DUI accident in Ridgecrest is figuring out who’s responsible (or liable) for causing the accident. With that in mind, the intoxicated driver is usually the one that’s primarily responsible for the accident. As such, they’re the ones that are liable for paying for your damages. On top of that, they will also probably face criminal charges and fines.
However, liability in DUI accidents can sometimes extend to others, like:
- Other drivers involved in the accident
- Local government authorities
- Manufacturers of the vehicle or its parts
- Property owners or renters who served alcohol or drugs
- Bars or restaurants that served alcohol
Each accident is unique, even those involving DUI. Still, figuring out liability is crucial for your case, as it tells you who will pay for your damages and who you’ll be dealing with during the actual claims process.
What Legal Options Do You Have After a DUI Accident in Ridgecrest?
Legally speaking, a DUI accident is like any other car accident. This means that your legal options for getting financial support are the same. You can either file an insurance claim out of court or a personal injury lawsuit in civil court. From there, though, the processes diverge slightly:
- Insurance claim – The first move, usually, is filing a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. This process is handled outside of court and is generally quicker than a lawsuit. The insurance company manages the claim from start to finish.
- Lawsuit – You can also file a lawsuit against the responsible party in civil court. This route allows you to seek financial support for various damages. While it requires more time and effort, it is managed by an impartial judge and provides a more formal resolution.
The goal of both options is to recover damages for your losses. These damages usually involve things like:
- Medical expenses and ongoing care
- Costs for permanent injuries
- Lost wages and future earning potential
- Loss of benefits
- Vehicle repair or replacement costs
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life
- Wrongful death expenses (if applicable)
- Punitive damages
Remember, you have two years from the date of the accident to file your claim under California’s statute of limitations. Missing this deadline means you can’t file a claim or recover damages. And in a DUI accident, your damages are likely to be serious.
What Are Some Typical Injuries in a Ridgecrest DUI Accident?
Any car accident in Ridgecrest can cause serious injuries. But a DUI accident is different. Not only does the impaired driver lack reaction time and is generally just more dangerous, but you and others on the road also lack the ability to respond to their unusual driving. Whether this results in a head-on collision or a t-bone from the driver running a stop light, you’re probably going to face serious injuries like:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) – These can affect your thinking and emotions and often need extensive medical care.
- Spinal injuries – Damage to the spine can lead to paralysis and severe pain, often requiring surgery and years of ongoing care.
- Internal injuries – High-speed crashes can harm internal organs, leading to complications and a long recovery.
- Broken bones – DUI accidents often cause broken arms or legs due to the crash’s force.
- Muscle or tendon damage – Injuries to muscles and tendons can limit movement and cause long-term pain.
- Burns – In severe cases, fires can cause serious burns that may need surgery and can cause permanent damage.
What makes a DUI accident so frustrating is that it’s entirely preventable. Yet, they can leave you facing not just one of these serious injuries, but multiple of them. While this is incredibly challenging, you have options and can get support from our team.
Get Help from Maison Law After a DUI Accident in Ridgecrest
After a DUI accident, especially with severe injuries or a loss, you don’t have to face it alone. Maison Law’s Ridgecrest DUI accident lawyers are here to support you. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.
