Phillips Personal Injury: Grass Valley DUI Victim Injury Lawyers
If you've been the victim of a drunk driving accident in Grass Valley, California, seeking legal representation from a Grass Valley drunk driver victim lawyer is crucial. At Phillips Personal Injury, we specialize in advocating for the rights of individuals who have been injured or lost loved ones due to the negligence of drunk drivers. Here are key reasons why hiring a drunk driver victim lawyer is essential:
Understanding of Drunk Driving Laws: A Grass Valley drunk driver victim lawyer has a deep understanding of California's laws related to drunk driving, including liability, criminal charges, and civil claims. They can navigate the legal complexities of your case and ensure that your rights are protected.
Investigation and Evidence Gathering: A skilled lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the drunk driving accident, gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, breathalyzer test results, and surveillance footage. This evidence is crucial in establishing liability and building a strong case for compensation.
Legal Guidance and Representation: We will provide personalized legal guidance based on the specifics of your case. We will advise you on your legal options, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and represent you in court if necessary to seek maximum compensation for your injuries, damages, and losses.
Experience with Insurance Companies: Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging, especially when pursuing a claim against a drunk driver. A drunk driver victim lawyer has experience handling insurance claims and knows how to navigate the negotiation process to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your damages.
Emotional Support: Being the victim of a drunk driving accident can be emotionally distressing. A compassionate lawyer will provide support and guidance throughout the legal process, addressing your concerns, answering your questions, and advocating for your best interests every step of the way.
Accountability and Justice: Holding drunk drivers accountable for their actions is essential to prevent future accidents and protect public safety. A Grass Valley drunk driver victim lawyer will work tirelessly to seek justice on your behalf and ensure that negligent drivers are held responsible for the harm they cause.
Overall, hiring a Grass Valley drunk driver victim lawyer is essential for protecting your rights, pursuing fair compensation, and holding responsible parties accountable in cases of drunk driving accidents.
Maybe I Should do this Myself?
Lets be real, insurance companies are not on your side. The less money they hand you, the more money they make. If an adjuster betrays your trust, if they “low ball” a settlement offer to you, if they try and minimize your injury, they don't get reprimanded. They get rewarded…
No matter what the commercials say, and no matter how friendly the adjuster on the phone may appear, it is their job to shortchange you. I've never met an adjuster or insurance defense lawyer who wears a white apron and a name tag. There is no such device as a "name your price tool." Their real tools are weapons: databases, delay tactics, distortions & confusion.
Drunk driving is against the law and clearly dangerous. The drunk driver’s insurance company may offer to settle your claim quickly if it accepts that its policyholder was at fault for the accident. However, you should never accept a settlement without first consulting with an experienced Grass Valley drunk driving accident attorney. Insurance adjusters always have the insurance company’s best interests at heart. They will make a low-ball offer that does not cover all your losses to make your claim go away as cheaply as possible.
At the Phillips Personal Injury we’re on your side and we treat our clients like family, not claim numbers. We are experienced and knowledgeable in fighting for our clients injured in car crashes in helping them obtain full and fair compensation for their injury. We offer free consultations, so its costs you nothing to learn what your rights and options are. Call us today.
Don’t Rely on Insurance Companies To Do The Right Thing...
Unfortunately, oftentimes when victims are injured by drunk drivers it is difficult to obtain full and fair compensation for their injuries, both present and future. However, we have the experience it takes to navigate complex insurance issues in Grass Valley drunk driving accidents.
It is not uncommon that a drunk driver does not have any car insurance because of a suspended license and prior DUIs. In California, drivers are required to have a minimum amount of liability coverage. This includes $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident coverage. Even if the DUI driver even has liability insurance this minimal amount is insufficient. Hopefully, the DUI victim has uninsured or under-insured insurance coverage (UIM /UM coverage) However, just because you are covered by your own insurance does not mean your insurance company will be willing to pay you for the full extent of your damages. At Phillips Personal Injury, we can help with all your insurance coverage issues stemming from the DUI accident, so your are fully and fairly compensated for your injuries.
It is important to remember that insurance adjusters will contact the injured party as soon as possible after an accident. They will present themselves as a friend of the injured person or family. However, their ultimate goal is to settle the case for the least amount possible, before the injured party learns of their rights by speaking to a Grass Valley drunk driving accident lawyer. Unfortunately, for some insurance companies their approach is "low-ball” legitimate claims to maximize their profits. That is why it is always a good idea to speak with a Grass Valley drunk driving injury attorney before agreeing to be interviewed or providing any medical and private information. We do not charge for initial consultations and are happy to chat and answer any questions you may have.
If You are Injured by a Grass Valley Drunk or Intoxicated Driver, You Have the Right to Sue for Damages.
The drunk driver does not need to be convicted of a DUI before a civil lawsuit can be filed. You simply need to prove that the driver was negligent under California law. A motorist is negligent when they:
Fail to use reasonable care to prevent harm to others, or
Are negligent “per se” by violating a statute, such as:
Vehicle Code 23152(a), driving while under the influence,
Vehicle Code 23612(a), refusing to take a DUI chemical test, or
Driving with a blood alcohol concentration (“BAC”) in excess of California’s “legal limit”
Injured by a Grass Valley DUI Driver: Damages and What You Need to Know
Nearly 1 out of every 3 traffic fatalities in the U.S. involve a driver under the influence of alcohol. However, increasingly, impaired driver accidents are not limited to alcohol. More drivers are getting behind the wheel under the influence of marijuana, prescription painkillers, illegal narcotics, or a combination of drugs and alcohol.
Drivers under the influence are more likely to be involved in an accident than sober drivers. Drugs and alcohol can slow down a driver’s reaction time, impair judgment, alter motor function, and impair the driver’s sense of depth perception. This can lead to speeding, driving the wrong way, crossing over the center median, failing to abide by traffic signals, and other forms of reckless driving.
A vehicle accident, caused by a Grass Valley impaired driver is different than any other type of vehicle accident because drunk driving is against the law. So, there is almost always a criminal prosecution against the DUI driver. But many people don’t realize that the prosecutor represents the state and not the victim. The victim of a drunk driver needs to file a civil claim if they hope to obtain full and fair compensation for their injuries.
A civil suit for injury caused by a drunk driver is separate - and distinct from any criminal charges a drunk driver may face for the Grass Valley DUI. Criminal charges, filed by the district attorney, are designed to punish the drunk driver for acting in a reckless manner and to protect the public at large. However, a civil claim or lawsuit based on the injury caused by the DUI driver is filed by the victim of a drunk driver, or in the case of a fatality, filed by the victim’s family, to recover personal damages. The injured person may recover the costs of past and future medical treatment, past and future lost wages, and cost of any damaged property. Civil suits also offer the opportunity to recover non-economic damages, (what is commonly called "pain and suffering") which cannot be recovered in a criminal prosecution.
Most often these two cases will proceed side-by-side, so unlike some injury lawyers, we help our clients navigate both the criminal prosecution and civil injury claim. Questions? Just give us a call, we are more than glad to answer any questions you may have about a Grass Valley drunk driving accident.
Damages you can recover by being hit by an intoxicated driver can include:
Medical bills,
Car repair bills,
Lost wages,
Lost earning capacity,
Pain and suffering, and
Punitive damages.
Can You Get Punitive Damages in a California for Injuries Caused by a Drunk Driver?
Yes, it is possible to seek punitive damages in California for injuries caused by a drunk driver. Punitive damages are intended to punish the defendant for their egregious conduct and to deter similar behavior in the future. In California, to be eligible for punitive damages, you must prove that the defendant acted with malice, oppression, or fraud. In drunk driving cases, if it can be shown that the defendant's actions were particularly reckless or intentional, punitive damages may be awarded in addition to compensatory damages. However, obtaining punitive damages can be challenging and requires strong evidence and skilled legal representation.
Does Auto Insurance Cover Damages Caused by DUI Drivers in California?
In California, auto insurance policies typically provide coverage for damages caused by DUI drivers. California law requires all drivers to carry liability insurance, which includes coverage for bodily injury and property damage liability. If you are injured in an accident caused by a DUI driver, you can file a claim with the at-fault driver's insurance company to seek compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. However, the amount of coverage available will depend on the limits of the at-fault driver's insurance policy. At Phillips Personal Injury we have substantial experience to ensure you can navigate the claims process effectively.
Grass Valley Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer FAQ’s
Phillips Law Offices answers some of the most frequently-asked questions about injury accidents and claims. We hope this information will give you an idea as to how to move forward with your matter. The legal issues surrounding personal injury cases may at times seem overly complicated, and even overwhelming at times. There is no need to feel that way, we’re here to help. Explore the answers to the questions you may have or just give us a call. Since every case has unique facts and circumstances, we’d be glad to discuss the specific details of your case and any specific questions you have. We invite you to give us a call at 530-265-0186 for a no-charge consultation.
If you or a loved one has been a victim of an accident involving a drunk driver, it is important to consider consulting with a personal injury lawyer who specializes in drunk driving cases.
We have the experience necessary in this area to help you understand your rights, navigate the legal process, and seek full and fair compensation for your injuries and damages. Here are some key points to consider when seeking a drunk driver victim lawyer:
Experience and Expertise: We have significant experience and expertise in handling cases related to drunk driving accidents. Unlike a lot of lawyers, we have a thorough understanding of the laws surrounding drunk driving, liability issues, and the complexities involved in such cases.
Personal Injury Focus: We specialize in personal injury law. We have experience dealing with insurance companies, negotiating settlements, and representing victims of accidents caused by negligence. And we advocate for your rights and fight for fair compensation on your behalf.
Resources and Support: Drunk driving accident cases can be complex, requiring investigation, expert testimony, accident reconstruction, and other resources. We have access to the necessary resources to build a strong case on your behalf.
Communication and Personal Attention: It is essential to find a lawyer who communicates effectively and provides personal attention to your case. They should be responsive to your questions, keep you informed about the progress of your case, and provide guidance throughout the legal process. A lawyer who takes the time to understand your unique situation and concerns can better represent your interests.
Trial Experience: While most personal injury cases settle outside of court, it is important to have a lawyer with trial experience in case your case goes to court. Unfortunately, most injury lawyers never go to trial and accept the first offer from the insurance company! We have the experience and skill in the courtroom to effectively present your case before a judge and jury.
Contingency Fee Arrangement: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid when we secure a settlement or win your case in court. This arrangement can help alleviate financial stress while ensuring that the lawyer is motivated to obtain the best possible outcome for you.
Initial Consultation: We offer a free initial consultation. We invite you to use this opportunity to meet with us to discuss your case and answer any questions you may have and to gain a better understanding of how we can help you.
Remember, each case is unique, and it is crucial to consult with a lawyer who can provide personalized advice based on your specific circumstances. By working with a skilled drunk driver victim lawyer, you can focus on your recovery while having a legal professional fighting for your rights and seeking the compensation you deserve.