Irvine Drunk Driving & DUI Lawyer

Irvine Drunk Driving & DUI Lawyer

Throughout all counties in California, Orange County has the highest rate of DUI arrests. DUI accidents are also very common in Orange County, which could pose serious safety risks for other drivers, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and bicyclists on the road. 

If you have been involved in a DUI accident in Irvine, California, look no further. Our top rated DUI attorneys represent car accident victims who have been injured and have suffered damages because of another driver who was driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. DUI accidents are somewhat more straightforward than other vehicle and motorcycle accidents. 

How do I prove a DUI accident in Irvine?

Usually, after an accident, both parties call 911. When the Irvine police arrive to the scene, they generate a police report. When the police officer arrives at the scene they start to question both parties. 

If you believe that the other party that caused the accident was drunk or under the influence of drugs at the time of the accident, you should tell the officer. The officer may also independently do tests to determine if the other driver was drunk or under the influence of drugs.

The other party will then be criminally charged for DUI by the state. You could use these criminal charges to then file your own civil lawsuit against the responsible party. Keep in mind that criminal charges are different than a civil lawsuit. Criminal charges are taken on by government authorities, whereas civil lawsuits are lawsuits that you file against the responsible party for your compensation.

What are signs of a drunk driver?

In the event that you have been involved in an accident, and suspect the other party is drunk or under the influence of drugs, there are some signs that could help you determine and observe the other party.

• Slurred speech
• Red eyes
• The smell of alcohol
• Unable to walk
• Unable to move
• Impaired coordination 

What should I do after an accident with a drunk driver in Irvine?

• After you contact law enforcement, take photos of the accident scene, along with any damage that you have to your vehicle, and to the other vehicle as well. It is very important that you take photos of the accident scene and the position of the vehicles involved. This will help your attorney tremendously when trying to piece together how the accident happened. You should take as many photos and videos as you can since the vehicles will be moved and the accident scene may probably change by the time you file a lawsuit.
• If there were any eyewitnesses to the accident, make sure that you get their contact information. Usually, witnesses play a very important role in Irvine DUI accidents. But, considering that  DUI accidents usually happen late at night, witnesses may be hard to find.
• You should seek medical treatment immediately. Drunk driving accidents lead to severe injuries (link catastrophic injury Irvine) that may need immediate treatment and imaging to determine the cause of the accident.
• After the accident, obtain your police report. The police report will go into specifics as to whether they conducted sobriety tests, and whether the other party was driving under the influence. 
• Hire an experienced Irvine attorney to get started with your DUI lawsuit. our attorneys handle all the civil side of DUI accidents to make sure that you have compensated for the injuries and damages that you have suffered.

What type of compensation could I receive for my car accident with a drunk driver in Irvine?

•  Medical bills
•  Lost wages
•  Future lost earnings
•  Prescription medication
•  Physical therapy
•  Damage to your vehicle
•  Pain and suffering
•  Mental anguish

How much is my Orange County car accident case worth?

There are several different details that our Irvine accent attorneys must have to know before explaining how much your car accident lawsuit may be worth. But, given that there is a drunk driver, you may receive more in compensation because the drunk driver intended to go into their vehicle and drive after knowingly drinking or doing drugs. The value of your case depends on several factors, including:

• The severity of your injuries: this takes a look at what injuries you have suffered, and whether they are temporary or permanent. Your medical bills are also a key indicator of the value of your lawsuit, and whether you will need any future medical care.
• Property damage to your vehicle: your vehicle most likely was damaged when the drunk driver collided with your car. The cost of repairing or replacing your car is also a key factor in determining the value of your lawsuit.
• Lost wages:  the amount of time that you spend from work could entitle you to compensation for lost earnings.
• Insurance coverage:  in the event that you decide to file a claim with your insurance company, it could be limited depending on the insurance policy and the coverage. 
• Punitive damages: as mentioned above, an accident involving a drunk driver could lead to more in compensation than a standard car accident since the drunk driver’s actions could have been Reckless or malicious. Usually, punitive damages are not awarded by Orange County courts, except in cases of malicious intent by the other party. Drunk driving is a perfect example of how the other party had malicious intent.

How much does an Irvine DUI accident attorney cost?

Our Irvine lawyers work through contingency arrangements and only get compensated when we win compensation. This means that when we file a lawsuit against the drunk driver who was responsible for causing your accident, we will front all the necessary court costs and lawsuit costs. Our attorneys only take a fee when we win a settlement or a judgment. 

When should I file my car accident lawsuit in Orange County?

You should file your lawsuit within two years from the date of the accident involving the drunk driver. Orange County court system takes time limitations and deadlines very seriously, and feeling to take the time requirements seriously could result in your loss of rights. We recommend that you discuss your accident with an attorney right away to see what steps you should take. The longer you wait, the more difficult it may be to find key pieces of evidence, such as the police report or photos of the accident scene since so much could be changed.