San Francisco Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Was Your Crash Caused By a Drunk Driver in SF?

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 28 people die every day in the U.S. because of an alcohol-impaired driver. Drunk driving accidents account for nearly one-third of all traffic fatalities in California and across the country. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that over 50% of all traffic accidents are alcohol-related.

Drinking and driving is against the law. It impairs a person’s faculties, impeding their ability to operate a motor vehicle safely. If you or a loved one were involved in an accident involving a drunk driver, we invite you to contact the San Francisco drunk driving accident attorneys at Bostwick & Associates today.

To schedule a free consultation, call (888) 831-8448 or contact us online today.

Drunk Driving Laws in California

California has strict laws designed to prevent drunk driving. Under California Vehicle Code §23152, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of:

• 0.08% or higher for most drivers
• 0.04% or higher for commercial drivers
• 0.01% or higher for drivers under the age of 21

Drunk drivers who cause accidents may face both criminal charges and civil liability. While criminal cases can result in jail time, fines, and license suspension, victims must file a civil personal injury claim to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.

An experienced San Francisco drunk driving accident lawyer from Bostwick & Associates can guide you through this process and ensure that the drunk driver is held financially accountable.

How Alcohol Impairs Your Ability to Drive

Even small amounts of alcohol can impair critical driving skills. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identifies several ways alcohol negatively impacts driving:

• Slowed reaction time – Alcohol makes it harder to respond quickly to hazards such as sudden stops or pedestrians crossing.
• Reduced coordination – Motor skills such as steering, braking, and accelerating become less precise.
• Impaired judgment – Drivers under the influence often misjudge distances, speeds, and their own ability to operate a vehicle safely.
• Blurred vision – Alcohol affects eye movement, making it difficult to track moving objects or focus clearly.

Because of these dangers, drunk drivers are among the most reckless motorists on the road. Unfortunately, their poor decisions often leave innocent victims suffering life-changing injuries.

How to Prove Liability Against a Drunk Driver

Proving liability in a drunk driving accident requires showing that the at-fault driver was both negligent and intoxicated at the time of the crash. Evidence that may support your claim includes:

• Police reports documenting the arrest and BAC results
• Breathalyzer or blood test results showing the driver’s level of intoxication
• Eyewitness statements from passengers, pedestrians, or other motorists
• Surveillance or dashcam footage of the accident
• Expert testimony from accident reconstruction specialists

At Bostwick & Associates, our attorneys conduct thorough investigations to uncover every piece of evidence. We work to establish not only the driver’s intoxication but also the direct connection between their impairment and the harm you suffered.

Compensation Available for Drunk Driving Accident Victims

Victims of drunk driving crashes may be entitled to significant compensation, including:

• Medical expenses (emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, prescriptions)
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity
• Property damage to your vehicle and belongings
• Pain and suffering from physical and emotional trauma
• Punitive damages in cases involving extreme recklessness

Our goal is to ensure you and your family receive the resources you need for both immediate recovery and long-term stability.

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