Statistics show 29 people die from injuries caused by an alcohol-impaired driver every day in the United States.
That works out to one person dying in a DUI-related accident every 50 minutes.
Non-fatal DUI-related accidents typically involve severe to catastrophic injuries.
If a drunk driver injured you or someone you love, it’s crucial to speak with a skilled DUI accident attorney in Los Angeles.
At Peerali Law, we are passionate about pursuing justice for our clients. Drivers who choose to get behind the wheel after drinking should be held accountable for the harm they cause.
In addition to any criminal charges the State brings, the law allows you to file a separate civil case for financial compensation.
Why Choose Peerali Law as Your Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Los Angeles?
With so many personal injury law firms to choose from in Los Angeles, you might wonder why you should hire a drunk driving accident lawyer in Los Angeles at Peerali Law.
First, we have years of experience representing injured victims throughout Los Angeles.
We will fight tirelessly to help you get the compensation you deserve after a DUI accident. Our lawyers have recovered millions of dollars on behalf of our clients.
We aren’t afraid to take your case to trial if necessary. We’ve litigated cases against government agencies, large corporations, and insurance companies. Some personal injury firms push for quick settlements so that they can close a case and move on to the next.
With that type of law firm, you’re just another case file in their system. You’ll always receive personalized service and attention from Peerali Law. We fight for the best interests of our clients and always prioritize their needs and goals.
When we say we’re passionate about helping injured victims, we mean it. Contact our office today to find out how we can help you file a DUI accident lawsuit.
How a DUI Accident Attorney in Los Angeles Can Help Your Case
If you work with a DUI accident attorney in Los Angeles at Peerali Law, you won’t need to do anything except focus on your recovery. We’ll handle everything.
From negotiating with the insurance company to representing you at trial, Peerali Law will be there every step of the way to protect your rights.
Some of the tasks we can handle in your case include the following:
- Getting a copy of the police report;
- Speaking with eyewitnesses;
- Obtaining results from a breathalyzer test and any other DUI-related test;
- Tracking down any CCTV or surveillance footage;
- Ordering and examining copies of your medical records;
- Hiring any necessary experts, such as accident reconstructionists or medical doctors;
- Negotiating a potential settlement with the defendant’s insurance company;
- Filing a lawsuit on your behalf; and
- Taking your case to trial, if necessary.
Most cases settle before getting to trial. However, some insurance companies are difficult to deal with and refuse to negotiate a potential settlement. We can file a lawsuit and provide you with the strong courtroom advocacy you deserve if a fair settlement can’t be reached.
California DUI Laws
In California, the blood alcohol content (BAC) level that constitutes a chargeable DUI depends on certain facts about the driver. According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, it’s illegal to operate a vehicle if you:
- Have a BAC of 0.08% or higher if you’re 21 and over;
- Have a BAC of 0.01% or higher if you’re on DUI probation, or you’re under 21;
- Have a BAC of 0.04% or higher if you’re required to possess a commercial driver’s license; or
- Have a BAC of 0.04% or higher if you’re transporting a passenger for hire.
Any of these scenarios can cause a driver to be charged with a DUI in California. The penalties are more severe if this is the driver’s second or subsequent arrest for a DUI.
Civil vs. Criminal DUI Accidents
Understandably, prospective clients have questions about filing a civil lawsuit. A lawsuit stemming from a DUI-related accident is different from a criminal case.
The State of California will likely pursue criminal charges against the defendant, but that doesn’t mean you can’t file a civil claim.
A criminal case involves the loss of freedom and will likely include jail or prison time. The court might also order the defendant to pay restitution to the party they wronged.
In contrast, civil lawsuits allow you to access financial compensation. A defendant in a civil suit can’t be sentenced to jail or prison time. Civil and criminal cases are filed in separate courts and have different burdens of proof.
If you receive financial restitution payments ordered by the court in the criminal case, you’re still entitled to file a DUI accident lawsuit in civil court.
Statute of Limitations on a Civil DUI Lawsuit
California law only gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. You might think this is a long time, but it can fly by, especially if you have severe injuries.
There are limited exceptions to this deadline, which could give you additional or less filing time. If someone dies from their injuries, surviving family members have two years from the date of death to file a lawsuit.
The court will dismiss your case if you inadvertently miss the statute of limitations. That means you won’t be entitled to any compensation.
It won’t matter that the defendant was driving under the influence or that your injuries are catastrophic. A DUI accident attorney in Los Angeles can help you meet the statute of limitations and other important legal deadlines.
Contact a DUI Accident Attorney in Los Angeles
If you were injured by a drunk driver in Los Angeles, let a skilled DUI accident attorney Los Angeles at Peerali Law help you hold that driver accountable.
Our lawyers have helped dozens of clients recover the compensation they deserve, and we can help you too.
We will review the facts of your case and help you decide the best course of legal action. Contact Peerali Law today to schedule an initial consultation.
Where You Can Find Our Office