If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a car accident caused by a drunk driver in Riverside, you deserve compensation for your losses. Drunk driving accidents cause devastating injuries and financial hardship for victims and their families. At Dordick Law Corporation, we help accident victims recover the compensation they need to rebuild their lives.
Our experienced drunk driving accident lawyers in Riverside understand these complex cases. We know how to hold impaired drivers accountable. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront—we only collect a fee if we recover compensation for you. Our Riverside car accident attorneys have recovered millions for injured victims.
Why Hire a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Riverside
Drunk driving accidents differ from other car accidents in important ways. When a driver operates a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs, they violate California law. This violation creates a legal presumption of negligence. This distinction gives accident victims significant advantages in pursuing compensation.
Dordick Law Corporation brings years of experience handling drunk driving accident cases throughout Riverside County. We understand local court procedures and insurance company tactics. Our attorneys investigate thoroughly, gathering evidence like police reports, toxicology results, witness statements, and accident scene documentation. Our team includes experienced trial attorneys who have successfully litigated complex personal injury cases.
We handle every aspect of your case, from initial consultation through settlement negotiations or trial. Our contingency fee model means you never pay legal fees upfront—we invest our resources in your case because we believe in your claim. We also advance costs for expert witnesses, medical records, and accident reconstruction specialists, so you don’t bear these expenses. View our case results to see the compensation we’ve recovered for clients.
Understanding Negligence Per Se in Drunk Driving Cases
California law recognizes a legal doctrine called “negligence per se.” This principle applies when a driver violates a traffic law, such as driving under the influence. When negligence per se applies, the defendant’s violation of the law establishes negligence automatically—you don’t need to prove the driver acted carelessly or recklessly.
In drunk driving cases, negligence per se works powerfully in your favor. If the at-fault driver violated California Vehicle Code Section 23152—either by operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs or by driving with a BAC of 0.08% or higher—and if you can prove that such violation was a substantial factor in causing your injuries, then negligence per se may be established. Evidence such as toxicology results, field sobriety test results, police observations, or a DUI conviction (if available) can support your claim. The driver cannot argue they were careful or that the accident wasn’t their fault—the law presumes negligence based on their impaired driving.
This legal advantage significantly strengthens your case. Rather than spending time and resources proving the driver acted negligently, we focus on proving the extent of your injuries and damages. The driver’s violation of DUI laws creates a strong foundation for your claim. Many Riverside personal injury cases involving impaired drivers result in substantial settlements and verdicts.
It is important to note that a civil claim for compensation can proceed even if the driver has not been arrested, charged, or convicted of DUI. In civil cases, evidence of impairment—through toxicology, witness testimony, or accident reconstruction—is sufficient, as the standard is a preponderance of the evidence.
Types of Compensation Available for Drunk Driving Accident Victims
California law allows accident victims to recover two categories of damages: economic damages and non-economic damages. In cases involving drunk driving, you may also pursue punitive damages in certain circumstances.
Economic Damages compensate you for financial losses directly caused by the accident. These include:
- Medical expenses: Emergency room treatment, hospitalization, surgery, physical therapy, ongoing medical care, and future medical treatment related to your injuries
- Lost wages: Income you lost while recovering from your injuries, including time away from work for medical appointments and treatment
- Lost earning capacity: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or earning the same income, you can recover the difference
- Property damage: Repair or replacement of your vehicle and personal property damaged in the accident
- Transportation costs: Expenses for rental vehicles, rideshare services, or other transportation while your vehicle was being repaired
Non-Economic Damages compensate you for intangible losses that don’t have a specific dollar amount:
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain, discomfort, and suffering caused by your injuries
- Emotional distress: Anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, and other psychological injuries
- Loss of enjoyment of life: Inability to participate in activities you enjoyed before the accident
- Loss of consortium: Impact on your relationships with family members
In cases involving drunk driving, California law allows punitive damages when the defendant’s conduct was particularly reckless or malicious. Punitive damages punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future. Drunk driving often qualifies for punitive damages because operating a vehicle while impaired demonstrates extreme recklessness and disregard for others’ safety.
Riverside Drunk Driving Accident Statistics & Your Rights
Drunk driving remains a serious problem in California and Riverside County. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), alcohol-impaired driving fatalities account for approximately thirty percent of all traffic deaths nationally. In California, impaired driving causes thousands of injuries and deaths annually.
Riverside County experiences significant drunk driving accident rates, particularly in high-traffic areas and during evening and weekend hours. These statistics underscore the prevalence of impaired driving and the importance of holding drunk drivers accountable. Our Riverside personal injury attorneys have recovered millions in compensation for victims through settlements and verdicts.
If you suffered injuries in a drunk driving accident, California law gives you the right to pursue compensation. You have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit—this deadline is called the statute of limitations. Missing this deadline eliminates your right to recover compensation, so it’s critical to contact an attorney promptly.
You also have the right to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Insurance companies often try to minimize settlements or deny claims entirely. An experienced personal injury attorney protects your rights and ensures you receive fair compensation.
Steps to Take After a Drunk Driving Accident
Taking the right steps immediately after a drunk driving accident protects your health. It also preserves evidence and strengthens your legal claim.
- Prioritize safety. If you can do so safely, move your vehicle out of traffic. Call 911 to report the accident and request police assistance. Tell the dispatcher if you suspect the other driver was impaired—this helps police conduct appropriate investigations.
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if you don’t feel seriously injured. Some injuries, like traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and internal injuries, don’t cause immediate symptoms. Medical documentation creates an important record linking your injuries to the accident.
- Document the accident scene thoroughly. Take photographs and videos of vehicle damage, accident scene conditions, traffic signs, and road conditions. Obtain contact information from witnesses—their statements often prove valuable in establishing what happened. This evidence is critical for pedestrian accidents and other complex collision scenarios.
- Request the police report and ask officers if they conducted sobriety tests or arrested the other driver for DUI. Request toxicology results and the other driver’s BAC level if available. This evidence directly supports your claim and is essential in hit and run cases where driver identification is crucial.
- Preserve all evidence related to the accident. Keep medical records, receipts for accident-related expenses, photographs, and communications with insurance companies. Avoid posting about the accident on social media, as insurance companies monitor social media and may use your posts against you.
- Never admit fault or apologize for the accident, even if you feel partially responsible. Statements made at the accident scene can be used against you later. Let your attorney handle all communications with insurance companies and the other driver’s representatives.
Additionally, California law requires you to report the accident to the DMV within 10 days if anyone was injured, killed, or if property damage exceeds $1,000. You can file this report online at the DMV website or by mail using Form SR-1. Failure to report can result in license suspension.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drunk Driving Accidents in Riverside
How do I prove the other driver was drunk?
Multiple types of evidence establish that a driver was impaired. Police reports often document observations of impaired driving, such as slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, or poor coordination. Toxicology reports showing the driver’s blood alcohol content provide scientific evidence of impairment. Witness testimony from people who observed the driver’s behavior before or after the accident supports your claim. Accident reconstruction experts can analyze the accident circumstances and determine whether impaired driving contributed to the collision. Our Riverside attorneys work with leading experts to build compelling cases.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
California follows a “pure comparative negligence” system. This means you can recover compensation even if you were partially responsible for the accident. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you would recover $80,000. This system protects accident victims and ensures fair outcomes even in complex situations involving rideshare accidents or truck accidents.
How long does a drunk driving accident case take?
The timeline varies depending on case complexity and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Many cases settle within 6 to 12 months. Cases requiring extensive investigation, expert analysis, or litigation may take longer. Factors affecting timeline include the severity of injuries, number of parties involved, insurance company responsiveness, and court schedules. Your attorney can provide a more specific timeline based on your case circumstances.
What is the statute of limitations for filing a claim?
California law gives you two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline applies to claims against the at-fault driver. Insurance claims may have different deadlines, but it’s important to act quickly regardless. Waiting too long risks losing evidence, as witnesses’ memories fade and physical evidence may be lost or destroyed. Contact our Riverside office immediately to protect your rights.
Can I recover punitive damages in a drunk driving case?
Yes, California law allows punitive damages in drunk driving cases. Punitive damages apply when the defendant’s conduct was particularly reckless, malicious, or oppressive. Drunk driving—operating a vehicle while impaired—demonstrates extreme recklessness and disregard for others’ safety, making it eligible for punitive damages. Punitive damages punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct, providing additional compensation beyond economic and non-economic damages.
Do I need to go to court?
Many drunk driving accident cases settle without going to trial. Settlement negotiations often resolve cases more quickly and with less expense than litigation. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, we’re prepared to take your case to trial. Our attorneys have extensive litigation experience and aren’t afraid to advocate aggressively for your rights in court. Review our case results to see our track record of success.
What should I do if the drunk driver was uninsured?
If the at-fault driver lacked insurance, you may still recover compensation through your own insurance policy. Many California drivers carry uninsured motorist coverage, which protects you if an uninsured driver causes an accident. Your policy covers medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages up to your coverage limits. We help you navigate the uninsured motorist claim process and ensure you receive the compensation your policy provides.
Contact Dordick Law Corporation Today
If a drunk driver injured you or a loved one in Riverside, don’t delay seeking legal representation. The sooner you contact our office, the sooner we can begin investigating your case and protecting your rights. Our team of drunk driving accident attorneys in Riverside offer free consultations to discuss your situation and explain your legal options.
Dordick Law Corporation handles drunk driving accident cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront, and we only collect a fee if we recover compensation for you. We’re available 24/7 to answer your questions and provide the legal representation you deserve. Our award-winning attorneys are ready to fight for you.
Call (310) 341-7176 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation. Let us help you recover the compensation you need to move forward after your accident
