Fresno Drunk Driving Accident Attorney

Driving under the influence of alcohol is extremely dangerous and highly illegal. Alcohol significantly impairs many of the functions that are necessary for safe driving. When a drunk person gets behind the wheel, he or she can cause a severe accident. If you have been injured by a drunk driver in Fresno, you deserve justice. In these situations, the Fresno drunk driving accident attorneys at Freedman Law can help. Our lawyers will help you hold the at-fault driver accountable and advocate aggressively for maximum compensation.

Why Select Our Injury Attorneys

For over 20 years, our legal team has diligently represented Central Valley residents in their injury claims, including drunk driving accidents. We will leverage our skills, experience, and resources to craft a compelling case in your favor.
Our Fresno personal injury attorneys have recovered over $1.25 billion in settlements and jury verdicts for our clients. We will work closely with you to identify all paths to compensation and maximize your potential award.
With a sizeable and skilled support staff, we are available 24/7 to support our clients. Our law firm will maintain an open line of communication with you throughout your case.

The Dangers of Drinking and Driving

Driving under the influence (DUI), driving while intoxicated (DWI), and drunken driving, are just some of the names that involve drinking and driving. No matter what your jurisdiction calls drunk driving, it is the act of driving a motor vehicle with blood levels of alcohol in excess of the legal limit.

If you or a loved one have been injured by a drunk driver, you could be entitled to compensation for your pain, suffering, and additional considerations. Accidents caused by drunk driving throughout California have the potential to cause significant harm and fatal injuries to other drivers, passengers and pedestrians. In addition to the criminal penalties that these drivers may face, they may also be held civilly liable for the injuries suffered by drunk driving accident victims.

There is a high incidence of traffic accidents occurring as the result of a drunk driver. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) statistics in 2008 there were:

920 fatal accidents in California where at least one driver had a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.08% or above.
1,029 fatal accidents in California where at least one driver had a BAC of 0.08% or above.
170 people were killed in California in accidents where at least one driver had a BAC between 0.01% and 0.07%.
1,198 total deaths caused in California where at least one driver had a BAC of 0.01% or above.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a drunk driving accident, the aftermath can be hard to deal with. In such a serious event, people can be overwhelmed by emotion and not function as they normally do. One of your first steps in getting your life back on track is calling or emailing our car accident attorneys in Fresno to set up an appointment.

Common Drunk Driving Accident Injuries

A drunk driving accident can be very severe. Drivers who are under the influence of alcohol are more likely to make dangerous, risky decisions behind the wheel. As a result, other drivers, passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and others on the road can suffer serious injuries.

Some of the most common injuries in drunk driving accidents include the following.

Traumatic Brain Injuries: The brain is one of the most important organs in our body and we can suffer severe symptoms if it is injured. A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs during a car accident when an object penetrates your skull, your head collides with another object or surface, or your brain collides into the side of your skull. TBIs can result in permanent disability and the need for lifelong care. A traumatic brain injury lawyer in Fresno can work with medical experts to calculate the damages incurred in the crash and the costs of ongoing medical care.
Spinal Cord Damage: The spinal cord is responsible for helping our brain communicate with the rest of the body. However, it can become torn, twisted, or broken during a drunk driving accident. Any damage to the spinal cord can result in a loss of feeling and function below the injury site.
Soft Tissue Injuries: During a drunk driving accident, your body can move and twist in unnatural ways. As a result, you can develop injuries in the tendons, ligaments, muscles, and other soft tissues in your body. Whiplash, a painful soft tissue injury that affects the neck and upper back, is very common after car accidents.
Broken Bones: Motor vehicle accidents can generate significant amounts of force, when can put pressure on our bodies and cause our bones to break. These fractures can take months to heal. Some of the most common types of broken bones include hips, arms, legs, ribs, hands, and feet.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Not all drunk driving accident injuries are physical. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can arise after a traumatic event, such as a dangerous and life-threatening collision. People with PTSD can experience life-altering symptoms, including flashbacks, nightmares, and difficulty engaging in certain situations.
Internal Organ Damage: A drunk driving accident can lead to internal organ damage and potentially life-threatening bleeding. Damage to the lungs, kidneys, liver, and stomach is especially common. After a drunk driving accident, it is vital to seek medical attention immediately and receive treatment for underlying or internal conditions before symptoms become too severe.

Legal Options for People Injured in Drunk Driving Accidents

If you are injured by a drunk driver, you have the right to pursue legal action against him or her. Not only can you press criminal charges against the driver, but you can also file a civil lawsuit or car insurance claim. Through a lawsuit or insurance claim, you can recover compensation for the damages you suffered in the collision, such as medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages.

To prove your right to compensation, you will need to establish the at-fault driver’s negligence. There are four elements of negligence in California drunk driving accident claims.

The at-fault driver owed you a duty of care.
The at-fault driver breached that duty of care.
The breach of duty caused your accident.
You sustained damages that you can collect in the claim.

In California, all drivers owe a duty to drive safely and follow traffic laws. Drunk driving is highly illegal and dangerous. If you can prove that the driver was under the influence and caused your accident, you can establish your right to a settlement.

Why You Need a Fresno Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

If you plan on filing an insurance claim or lawsuit after a drunk driving accident, you need an attorney on your side. By hiring a Fresno personal injury lawyer to represent your claim, you gain access to valuable resources, skills, and experience that you can leverage to support your right to compensation.

The aftermath of a drunk driving collision can be painful. A drunk driving accident lawyer from Freedman Law can handle all aspects of your case on your behalf, allowing you to focus on healing. If you need additional support, your attorney can connect you with doctors, chiropractors, and other specialists to aid your path to recovery.

Your lawyer can conduct a full investigation into your accident and gather the evidence you need to prove the drunk driver’s liability. He or she can estimate the full value of your potential settlement and calculate your future award, helping you avoid an insufficient settlement. If your case is highly complex, your attorney will have access to resources to support your claim, such as expert witnesses who can testify on your behalf.

Call a Fresno Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Now

If you are injured in a Fresno drunk driving accident, the attorneys at Freedman Law can fight for your right to maximum recovery. Our lawyers will work diligently to hold the drunk driver accountable and protect your best interests. Give our law firm a call at 559-447-9000 or fill out our online form to strategize your next steps with a Fresno drunk driving accident lawyer.