San Francisco Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
Was Your Crash Caused By a Drunk Driver?
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 & Peterson, LLP today.
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.
California Dram Shop Law
There are some form 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.
According to MADD, in California:
- There is no vendor liability for intoxicated adults.
- There is limited vendor liability for intoxicated minors.
- No social host law (parents or other adults who allow minors to consume alcohol on their premises).
- Per BUS §25602, a person cannot be held civilly liable for drunk driving injury or death if they sold or furnished alcohol to a “habitual or common drunkard or obviously intoxicated person,” but it can warrant a misdemeanor.
- Per BUS §25602.1, legal cause of action may be brought against the party who sold or furnished alcohol to a minor if that minor’s drunk driving was the proximate cause of injury or death.
Your Legal Recourse After a DUI Accident
If you or someone you love was involved in an auto accident with a drunk driver, we invite you to contact our San Francisco drunk driving accident lawyers today for a free review of your legal rights and options. If there is a way for you to recover financial compensation for your losses, our firm can help you find it.
Contact us at (888) 831-8448 today to learn more.
NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED LAW FIRM
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Inner Circle of Advocates
Invitation-only organization of the top 100 plaintiff trial lawyers in the U.S.
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International Academy of Trial Lawyers
Former President of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, limited to the top 500 trial lawyers in the U.S.
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Super Lawyers 2023
James S. Bostwick and Erik L. Peterson have been named top-rated medical malpractice attorneys in Northern California.
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American Board of Trial Advocates
Invitation-only group of the nation’s top civil lawyers and judges.
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American Board of Professional Liability Attorneys
James Bostwick is a nationally certified medical malpractice specialist and founding member.
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The Best Lawyers in America
Recognized since its inception in 1983 by this peer-reviewed publication, comprised of the best legal talent in the world.
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Best Law Firms 2023
Recognized for professional excellence with impressive ratings from clients and peers.
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The National Trial Lawyers
James Bostwick & Erik Peterson are listed in the Top 100 Trial Lawyers.
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Multi-Million Dollar Advocates
An exclusive group limited to less than 1% of U.S. attorneys who have won multi-million dollar results.
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Lawdragon
James Bostwick inducted into the Hall of Fame and featured among the Top 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers in America.
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America's Top 100 Med Mal Litigators
James Bostwick's exceptional talents have been recognized by America’s Top 100 Medical Malpractice Litigators®, where he remains among some of the most esteemed medical malpractice litigators throughout the country.
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What Sets Bostwick & Peterson, LLP Apart?
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More than $1 billion recovered for our clients
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Since January 2018, the firm has twice broken the California record for the largest medical malpractice settlement
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James Bostwick was named Trial Lawyer of the Year by Best Lawyers® in 2012
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James Bostwick is a Nationally Certified Specialist by the American Board of Professional Liability
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Included in the list of "Best Lawyers in America" by U.S. News - Best Lawyers® since its inception in 1983
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James Bostwick received the Trial Lawyers "Presidential Award of Merit"
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James Bostwick is a member of the Inner Circle of Advocates, limited to the nation’s top 100 plaintiff lawyers
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Record-setting verdicts and settlements in five states for medical malpractice and motor vehicle accidents
Put our highly recognized and award-winning attorneys on your side. We will make the difference in your case.