CALIFORNIA DRUNK DRIVING ATTORNEYS

In California, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher for drivers aged 21 and older, and 0.01% or higher for drivers under 21. Commercial drivers have a stricter limit of 0.04%. Driving under the influence (DUI) also includes driving while impaired by drugs, prescription medications, or any substance that affects your ability to drive safely.

Razavi Law Group is known for its dedication to client service and has a proven track record of successful outcomes in personal injury cases, including drunk driving accidents. Their attorneys have extensive knowledge of California’s laws and regulations and are compassionate advocates for their clients, providing personalized attention and strategic representation.

Drunk driving is a dangerous and illegal behavior that can lead to severe consequences. The causes of drunk driving can vary, but some common reasons people engage in this risky behavior include:

Alcohol Impairment: The primary cause of drunk driving is the consumption of alcohol, which impairs a person’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. Alcohol affects judgment, reaction times, coordination, and perception, making it extremely dangerous to drive while under its influence.

Underestimating Intoxication: Some individuals may underestimate the effects of alcohol on their driving abilities. They might believe they are “okay to drive” even when their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) exceeds the legal limit.

Social Pressure: In social settings, there might be pressure to drink and drive, especially in situations where alternatives, like designated drivers or rideshare services, are not readily available.

Lack of Awareness: Some individuals may not fully understand the potential consequences of drunk driving or may not be aware of the alternatives and resources available to avoid driving under the influence.

Overconfidence: Some people may feel overly confident in their driving skills and believe they can handle the effects of alcohol while behind the wheel.

Alcohol Addiction: Individuals struggling with alcohol addiction may find it challenging to resist the urge to drive after drinking due to a dependency on alcohol.

Lack of Planning: Failure to plan ahead for transportation after drinking can lead to the temptation to drive while intoxicated.

Inadequate Public Transportation: In areas with limited public transportation options, people may resort to driving after drinking because of a lack of feasible alternatives.

Emotional Distress: People dealing with emotional stress, anxiety, or depression might turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism, increasing the risk of drunk driving.

Peer Influence: Being surrounded by friends or acquaintances who drink and drive can normalize the behavior and influence others to do the same.

Ignoring Legal Consequences: Some individuals may drive under the influence despite knowing the potential legal consequences, such as license suspension, fines, or even imprisonment.

Cultural Norms: In some cultures, drinking alcohol is deeply ingrained in social events and celebrations, leading to an increased likelihood of drunk driving incidents.

Drunk driving accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, varying in severity depending on factors like the speed of the vehicles involved, the use of seat belts, airbags, and the general impact of the collision. Some common types of injuries in drunk driving accidents include:

• Whiplash
• Fractures and Broken Bones
• Head Injuries
• Spinal Cord Injuries
• Internal Injuries
• Soft Tissue Injuries
• Cuts and Lacerations
• Facial Injuries
• Psychological Injuries
• Fatal Injuries

Under certain circumstances, California’s dram shop laws allow injured parties to file lawsuits against establishments that over-serve alcohol to visibly intoxicated patrons who subsequently cause accidents.

The average cost of a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in California can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the specific circumstances of the DUI arrest, the county in which the offense occurred, and whether it is a first-time or subsequent offense. Generally, the costs associated with a DUI conviction in California can be substantial and may include the following:

Fines: The fines for a DUI conviction can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars. For a first-time offense, fines can be around $1,000 or more. Subsequent offenses often carry higher fines.

Legal Fees: Hiring a DUI attorney to represent you in court can be an additional expense. The cost of legal representation may vary based on the complexity of the case and the attorney’s fees.

DUI School: If convicted, you may be required to attend DUI school, which is a program aimed at educating offenders about the dangers of drunk driving. The cost of DUI school can range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars.

Probation Costs: If placed on probation, there may be associated costs, such as probation supervision fees.

License Reinstatement Fee: After a DUI conviction, you may need to pay a fee to have your driver’s license reinstated.

Ignition Interlock Device (IID): For certain DUI offenses, the court may require you to install an IID in your vehicle. This device measures your BAC before allowing the vehicle to start. The cost of installation and monthly rental fees for the IID can add to the overall expenses.

Increased Insurance Premiums: A DUI conviction often leads to a significant increase in auto insurance premiums, which can persist for several years.

Towing and Impoundment: If your vehicle was impounded after the DUI arrest, you’ll need to pay towing and impound fees to retrieve it.

Victim Restitution: If your DUI resulted in an accident causing injuries or property damage to others, you may be required to pay restitution to the victims.

Lost Wages: If you face jail time or attend court hearings, you may miss work and lose wages as a result.

After ensuring your safety and the safety of others involved, call the police to report the accident. Seek medical attention for any injuries, even if they seem minor. Do not discuss fault or liability with anyone at the scene and avoid making statements to insurance companies without consulting an attorney. Contact an experienced California drunk driving accident attorney at Razavi Law Group to guide you through the legal process.

It is imperative that you take the necessary steps after you’ve been involved in a drunk driving accident where you were injured due to a driver under the influence to ensure that the involved parties are held accountable as they may try refuting their responsibility in the accident. To strengthen your claim, those steps include: 

• Write down, to the best of your ability, the sequence of events that led to your accident including details about where it occurred.
• Take time-stamped photos of the accident scene this includes traffic lights, intersections, etc. 
• Ask for a copy of the incident report and police report;
• Record the contact information of witnesses;
• Seek medical attention; and
• Contact a reputable drunk driving accident lawyer in California to discuss how to proceed with your claim.

In order to receive the utmost amount of compensation you deserve is why you should consult our knowledgeable lawyers at Razavi Law Group. Not only are we dedicated to receiving the highest amount of compensation possible for the injuries you sustained during a drunk driving accident but we also try to make this difficult time as stress-free as possible by providing a concierge service that handles speaking with insurance companies and auto body shops on your behalf.

There are several types of negligent factors that contribute to drunk driving accidents in California and there are several parties that could be held liable when you are injured due to a drunk driver. The parties that could be held liable include:

• The drunk driver;
• The person or establishment who sold them the alcohol or substance; and
• The bar or restaurant that served the driver alcohol;

At Razavi law Group, we will fight for you in order to hold all responsible parties accountable in order to pay for all expenses incurred due to this accident. We will do this by investigating the facts regarding your accident and will work tirelessly on your behalf to receive the justice you or your family deserve.

Depending on the extent of your past and future medical bills, the cost of treatment, and the cost of fixing or replacing your vehicle, will determine the amount of your claim. Other factors that can influence the amount of your claim could also include:

• The amount of income lost while incapacitated;
• Whether or not your injuries have affected your future earning capabilities;
• Whether or not you required home modifications in order to accommodate your injuries;
• Whether your injury caused lifelong disfigurement, scarring, disability, or the loss of a bodily function. 

It is imperative that you do not sign or accept any settlements from insurance companies before consulting with a reputable attorney. Speaking with a drunk driving car attorney is crucial when an accident occurs because insurance companies are more concerned with protecting themselves than compensating you for your medical bills or other trauma that occurs: they will either try to pay the least amount possible or try to avoid a payout altogether. Accepting such settlements without consulting your attorney could result in lowball offers that may not include damages that you are entitled; this could include: future medical expenses, emotional trauma, or pain and suffering.