San Francisco Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Was Your Crash Caused By a Drunk Driver in SF?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 13,524 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers in 2022, accounting for 32% of all traffic-related deaths in the United States. Approximately 37 people die each day in these crashes—about one every 39 minutes. The annual estimated cost of alcohol-impaired driving fatalities reached $143 billion, including medical expenses and the value of lives lost.

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 caused by a drunk driver, our San Francisco drunk driving accident attorneys are ready to fight for justice and the best possible result.

Our drunk driving accident lawyer in San Francisco fights to hold negligent drivers accountable and pursue full compensation. Call (888) 831-8448 or contact Bostwick & Associates 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.

Our experienced San Francisco drunk driving accident lawyers can guide you through this process and work to hold the drunk driver financially accountable.

Understanding the Consequences of Drunk Driving Accidents

Drunk driving accidents often leave victims facing serious physical, emotional, and financial challenges that can affect every part of daily life:

• Severe impact on victims: Drunk driving accidents can cause catastrophic injuries, with long‑term effects that may alter a victim’s health, independence, and quality of life.
• Emotional and psychological harm: Beyond physical injuries, many victims experience lasting emotional trauma, including anxiety, nightmares, and flashbacks that make it difficult to return to normal routines. Recovery often requires time and professional support.
• Financial strain: Medical treatment and rehabilitation costs can accumulate quickly, creating significant financial pressure, especially in a high‑cost city like San Francisco.
• Challenges after the crash: Dealing with insurance companies and legal processes can feel overwhelming while trying to recover from injuries and emotional stress.
• Support and guidance: Our team at Bostwick & Associates focuses on guiding victims through the legal process, protecting their rights, and helping them pursue compensation tied to the full impact of the accident.

This victim‑focused approach is intended to support recovery while addressing the lasting consequences of a DUI accident.

Your Rights After a Drunk Driving Accident

When drunk driving accidents occur, impaired drivers may be held responsible criminally and civilly. Drunk drivers can face a variety of criminal penalties, such as jail time, fines, and license suspensions, and those injured by drunk drivers and their families may be able to pursue damages in a civil lawsuit.

By filing a personal injury lawsuit, accident victims may be able to recover damages for injuries sustained in the accident, including medical bills, lost earnings, and pain and suffering. In the event of a fatality, the surviving family members may be able to recover damages in a wrongful death lawsuit.

Compensation Available for Drunk Driving Accident Victims in San Francisco

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 help you and your family secure the resources needed for both immediate recovery and long-term stability.

California Dram Shop Law

There are some forms of dram shop laws in multiple states throughout the U.S. These laws allow establishments that sell or furnish alcohol to be held liable for drivers who get involved in car crashes. In states where dram shop laws apply, bar owners and others can be held responsible if they continue to serve alcohol to obviously intoxicated persons or to minors.