Garden Grove Drunk Driving Lawyer

The influence of alcohol can cause motorists to drive in a wild and erratic manner that other drivers cannot anticipate and react appropriately to. Unfortunately, the outcome of such behavior might be a serious accident that causes significant property damage and leaves an unsuspecting motorist with significant medical and financial issues.

Fortunately, a Garden Grove drunk driving lawyer’s assistance might be key to recovering monetary compensation geared towards alleviating these burdens. By talking to a qualified attorney, you could learn what types of damages you may be able to seek recovery for and how best to go about pursuing them.

A Lawyer’s Role in a Drunk Driver Accident Case

Auto accidents caused by intoxicated motorists may qualify as grounds for civil action. Economic recovery through such an action, however, is not always guaranteed.

These proceedings fall under the purview of personal injury law. In personal injury cases, plaintiffs must demonstrate to a judge or jury all the following elements of legal negligence:

• A duty of care to protect other drivers, which is always implied for everyone on the road
• A specific breach of that duty of care
• A direct causative relationship between the breach of duty and the plaintiff’s accident
• Compensable physical injuries that resulted wholly from the accident and not from any preexisting condition

In a drunk driving case, proving the defendant acted irresponsibly may be straightforward if a police report shows intoxication or some other violation of the law on their part. In other cases, however, a Garden Grove drunk driving lawyer might to need to help demonstrate a specific breach and its specific relationship to the plaintiff’s injuries by:

• Investigating or recreating the scene of the accident
• Gathering sobriety or blood alcohol content tests performed by law enforcement officials or medical professionals
• Collecting relevant evidence, including eyewitness testimony
• Consulting with doctors and medical experts to formally assess the plaintiff’s injuries

Damages Sought & Lost Wages

If someone else’s irresponsibility causes serious injuries, it may allow the injured victim to ask for significant damages through private settlement or a civil suit. These damages may vary depending on the circumstances, but a dedicated Garden Grove drunk driving lawyer could help determine what an individual victim of drunk driving could potentially recover.

Involvement in a serious auto wreck may cause the complainant to miss extended durations of work. In the most severe instances, such incidents might precipitate injuries that prevent the complainant from working again.

Medical Expenses & Non-Economic Losses

Accident-related medical costs may vary depending upon the severity of the complainant’s injuries and said individual’s ongoing needs. Common health care costs include hospital bills and potential future expenses like physical therapy and pain or supportive medications. In instances where the complainant sustained paralysis or a brain injury, said individual might require live-in medical care, life-supporting medical equipment or home remodeling designed to accommodate a wheelchair or other supportive devices.

Certain damages do not have objective economic values but may still be sought as part of a damage award after a drunk driving accident in Garden Grove. Compensation for loss of consortium, loss of enjoyment of life, and general pain and suffering may all be available depending on the situation.

Reach Out to a Garden Grove Drunk Driving Car Accident Attorney Today

Prospective plaintiffs only have a finite amount of time to file a personal injury claim. California Code of Civil Procedure §335.1 allows accident victims two years from the time of their injury to initiate a civil action. Based on this and the fact that drunk driving accidents may be sudden and result in serious—or even potentially life-threatening—injuries, time may be of the essence for any victim of such misbehavior. A Garden Grove drunk driving lawyer could serve as a valuable ally in your quest to recover damages brought about by the negligence of an intoxicated driver. Call today to set up a consultation.