Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in San Francisco

Being hit by a drunk driver in San Francisco can shatter your life in seconds. One moment you’re commuting through the city or enjoying a night out, and the next you’re facing serious injuries, medical bills, and trauma caused by someone’s reckless decision to drive while intoxicated. 

At J&Y Law, we understand the anger and frustration you feel knowing your injuries were entirely preventable. Our drunk driving accident lawyers in San Francisco can make a crucial difference in holding the responsible party accountable and securing the compensation you need for recovery.

Our firm has won millions of dollars for accident victims in California. Find out how we can help you. Contact our San Francisco car accident lawyers for a free consultation.

Common Injuries In San Francisco Drunk Driving Crashes

Drunk driving accidents frequently cause severe injuries due to high speeds and failure to brake. Many victims suffer life-altering harm requiring extensive treatment. Our San Francisco personal injury lawyers have seen after these accidents:

• Head trauma ranging from concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries that result in partial or complete paralysis
• Multiple fractures requiring surgical repair and lengthy rehabilitation
• Internal organ damage necessitating emergency medical intervention
• Amputations resulting from crush injuries or medical necessity after the crash

These catastrophic injuries create immediate medical crises and often lead to lifelong disabilities requiring ongoing care and accommodation.

California Laws That Affect Your Drunk Driving Accident Case

Several California laws directly impact how drunk driving accident claims proceed:

• The state’s dram shop laws may allow claims against businesses in limited circumstances
• California’s comparative fault system may reduce compensation if you were partially at fault
• Mandatory reporting laws require healthcare providers to report suspected DUI injuries
• The interactions between civil and criminal cases, and how evidence is shared between them
• The statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident

Understanding and using these legal frameworks requires knowledge of personal injury and drunk driving laws. Our drunk driving accident attorneys in San Francisco stay current on all relevant California legislation and court decisions that might affect your case.

Evidence Needed To Prove A Drunk Driver’s Liability

Building a strong case against an intoxicated driver requires specific evidence:

• Police reports documenting observations of impairment
• Results of field sobriety, breathalyzer, or blood alcohol tests
• Witness statements describing the driver’s behavior before and during the crash
• Video footage from traffic or security cameras showing the accident sequence
• Bar receipts or credit card statements showing alcohol purchases
• Expert testimony connecting impairment to driving errors
• Medical records documenting your injuries and their connection to the crash

Much of this evidence must be secured quickly before it disappears. Our team acts immediately to preserve critical proof of intoxication and liability.

Dealing With Insurance After a San Francisco Drunk Driving Crash

Insurance companies handle drunk driving accident claims differently. They often set aside larger reserves for cases involving intoxicated drivers, while claims adjusters may attempt quick settlements before full damages are known. 

DUI convictions typically eliminate disputes about who caused the accident, though policy exclusions for intentional or criminal acts may complicate coverage. Multiple insurance policies might apply, including the driver’s, your own, and potentially third parties. 

Once a driver is proven drunk, the insurer may try to push you into a fast settlement before you know the full value of your case. Don’t let that happen. Once you accept a settlement, you cannot get more money later, even if your injuries worsen.

Compensation Available for San Francisco Drunk Driving Victims

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

• Current and future medical expenses related to your injuries
• Lost income during your recovery period
• Reduced earning capacity if your injuries cause permanent limitations
• Pain and suffering for physical discomfort and emotional distress
• Property damage to your vehicle and personal possessions
• Punitive damages meant to punish particularly reckless conduct, in rare cases

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

How J&Y Law Approaches Drunk Driving Accident Cases

Our method for handling San Francisco drunk driving accident claims includes:

• Immediate investigation while the evidence of intoxication is fresh
• Coordination with criminal proceedings against the driver
• Identification of all potentially liable parties beyond just the driver
• Documentation of the accident’s physical, emotional, and financial impact on your life
• Strategic negotiation leveraging the strength of drunk driving evidence
• Preparation for trial if insurance companies refuse fair compensation

We advance all costs associated with building your case. Our team understands that while you’re recovering from serious injuries, financial concerns shouldn’t prevent you from seeking justice.

Taking Action After a Drunk Driving Accident

If a drunk driver in San Francisco has injured you, several immediate steps can protect your rights:

• Seek medical attention even if injuries seem minor initially
• Report the accident to your insurance company, but limit discussion of details
• Preserve any evidence from the accident scene, including photos or witness contact information
• Avoid discussing your case on social media or with the other driver’s insurance representatives
• Keep records of all medical treatments and how your injuries affect daily activities
• Contact an experienced drunk driving accident attorney in San Francisco as soon as possible

Reach Out to J&Y Law

Contact us today for a free consultation about your San Francisco drunk driving accident case. We focus on securing maximum compensation for your injuries while you focus on healing from your traumatic experience.

Our firm works on a contingency basis, so you do not need to pay us unless we win your case. Learn your legal options while there is still time.

Contact our San Francisco drunk driving accident attorneys for a free consultation.