Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in San Diego

Being struck by a drunk driver on San Diego’s busy streets or highways can transform your life in an instant. The physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial burden left in the wake of such accidents can be overwhelming. Worse, the accident was entirely the fault of the drunkard who hit you. It didn’t need to happen.

At J&Y Law, we see firsthand how these preventable crashes affect victims and their families. A drunk driving accident lawyer in San Diego can make a critical difference in moving past the accident and securing the compensation needed for recovery.

We’ve won millions for accident victims in California. Find out how we can help you. Contact our San Diego car accident lawyers for a free consultation.

How California DUI Laws Strengthen Your Accident Claim

California’s strict DUI laws provide advantages for injury victims:

• The legal BAC limit of 0.08% creates a clear threshold for impairment
• Lower BAC limits apply to commercial drivers (0.04%) and drivers under 21 (0.01%)
• A DUI conviction can establish negligence per se in your civil claim
• Felony DUI charges apply when injuries occur, adding weight to your civil case
• Evidence gathered in criminal proceedings becomes available for your injury claim
• California allows for punitive damages in cases involving drunk drivers

These legal standards often make liability clearer in drunk driving cases than in other accident types. Our personal injury lawyers in San Diego will use these laws and the evidence to show you weren’t at fault for your accident.

Once that’s done, we can move forward with getting you the full value of your accident claim.

Common Injuries from San Diego Drunk Driving Crashes

The nature of drunk driving accidents often results in severe injuries:

• Traumatic brain injuries with potential lifelong consequences
• Spinal cord damage that may cause temporary or permanent paralysis
• Multiple fractures requiring surgical intervention and hardware installation
• Internal organ damage necessitating emergency medical procedures
• Severe lacerations resulting in significant blood loss and scarring
• Psychological trauma, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression

These injuries require not just immediate emergency care but often extended rehabilitation and may result in permanent limitations. Through an insurance claim or lawsuit, you can get the money you need to pay for your care so you can get the best possible medical outcome after your accident.

Who Can Be Held Liable Beyond the Drunk Driver

While the intoxicated driver bears primary responsibility, other parties may share liability. Bars or restaurants that serve an obviously intoxicated person could face legal consequences under dram shop laws. 

Social hosts who provided alcohol to someone visibly drunk may also bear some responsibility. Employers could be liable if the accident occurred during work-related activities. Vehicle owners who knowingly permitted an intoxicated person to drive might share blame as well.

Identifying all potentially responsible parties expands the insurance coverage available for your compensation. Our thorough investigation looks beyond the obvious to ensure all liability sources are addressed.

Evidence Needed to Prove Drunk Driving in Your Case

Building a compelling case requires specific types of evidence:

• Police reports documenting signs of intoxication
• Results of breathalyzer, blood, or urine tests
• Body camera footage from responding officers
• Testimony from witnesses who observed the driver’s behavior
• Bar receipts or credit card statements showing alcohol purchases
• Medical records documenting blood alcohol content during treatment
• Expert testimony connecting impairment to driving errors

We act quickly to preserve this crucial evidence before it disappears. Our drunk driving accident attorneys in San Diego know what to look for and how to obtain proof that establishes intoxication beyond question.

Compensation Available for San Diego Drunk Driving Victims

As a victim, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation:

• Emergency and ongoing medical treatment costs
• Rehabilitation expenses, including physical and occupational therapy
• Lost income during your recovery period
• Reduced earning capacity if your injuries cause permanent limitations
• Pain and suffering for physical and emotional distress
• Property damage to your vehicle
• Punitive damages in cases of extreme recklessness

Calculating these damages requires detailed documentation and often expert testimony. We work with medical professionals, economists, and life care planners to establish the full value of your losses.

Steps to Take After Being Hit by a Drunk Driver

If an intoxicated driver in San Diego has injured you, taking these actions protects your rights:

• Seek immediate medical attention, even for seemingly minor injuries
• Report all symptoms to your healthcare providers, as some injuries develop slowly
• Follow all treatment recommendations and attend all follow-up appointments
• Preserve any evidence from the accident scene, including photos or videos
• Avoid discussing your case on social media
• Keep a journal documenting your recovery and how injuries affect daily life
• Contact an experienced San Diego drunk driving accident attorney promptly

Reach Out to Our San Diego Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers

Contact us today for a free consultation about your San Diego drunk driving accident case. You shouldn’t have to bear the burden of a drunk driver’s actions yourself. Hold them accountable by working with our San Diego drunk driving accident attorneys.

We will demand the full compensation you’re owed from the insurers of all involved parties. Don’t let a drunk driver get away with harming you.

Find out how we can help with one phone call, or contact us through our website to schedule an appointment.