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Drunk Driving Accident

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.

Understanding the Consequences of Drunk Driving Accidents

Drunk driving accidents can have devastating consequences for both the victims and the at-fault drivers. It is important to understand the severity of these accidents and the potential long-term effects they can have on your life.

Here are some key points to consider:

  • Physical injuries: Drunk driving accidents often result in serious injuries, including broken bones, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and even fatalities. These injuries can require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and may have a lasting impact on your quality of life.
  • Emotional trauma: Being involved in a drunk driving accident can cause significant emotional distress. It is common to experience feelings of fear, anxiety, depression, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after such a traumatic event.
  • Financial burden: The financial costs of a drunk driving accident can be overwhelming. You may face medical bills, lost wages due to time off work, property damage, and ongoing expenses related to your recovery. Seeking compensation for your injuries can help alleviate some of this burden.
  • Legal implications: In addition to seeking compensation, it is important to hold the responsible party accountable for their actions. A skilled San Francisco drunk driving accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal process, gather evidence, and build a strong case to ensure you receive the justice you deserve.

At Bostwick & Peterson, LLP, we understand the complexities of drunk driving accident cases and are dedicated to helping victims seek justice. Our experienced attorneys will fight tirelessly on your behalf to ensure you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.

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.

Local Resources and Support for Drunk Driving Accident Victims in San Francisco

Living in San Francisco, we understand the unique challenges our community faces when it comes to drunk driving accidents. The bustling streets of neighborhoods like the Mission District, SoMa, and the Financial District can be particularly hazardous, especially during weekends and holidays. If you or a loved one has been affected by a drunk driving accident, it's crucial to know that local resources are available to support you through this difficult time.

San Francisco's local government entities, such as the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) and the Department of Public Health, play a vital role in addressing and mitigating the impact of drunk driving. While we do not partner directly with these entities, their law enforcement and public health efforts are essential in creating a safer environment for all residents.

One of the significant pain points for San Francisco residents is the high cost of living, which can exacerbate the financial strain following a drunk driving accident. Medical bills, lost wages, and property damage can quickly increase, overwhelming victims. Our Bostwick & Peterson LLP team is well-versed in navigating these local challenges and is committed to helping you secure the compensation you need to alleviate this burden.

Additionally, the emotional toll of a drunk driving accident cannot be understated. The trauma of such an event can lead to long-term psychological effects, including anxiety and PTSD. San Francisco offers various support services, such as counseling and mental health resources, to help victims cope with these challenges. We encourage you to take advantage of these local resources to aid in your recovery.

At Bostwick & Peterson, LLP, we are deeply familiar with the streets and neighborhoods of San Francisco. We understand the specific risks and challenges our community faces and are dedicated to providing personalized legal support to help you navigate the aftermath of a drunk driving accident. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you in seeking justice and compensation for your injuries and losses.

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.

Commonly Asked Questions

What should I do if I'm involved in a drunk driving accident in San Francisco?

If you're involved in a drunk driving accident in San Francisco, it's crucial to prioritize your safety and health first. Seek medical attention immediately, even if you don't think you're injured, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent. After addressing your health, consider consulting with a San Francisco drunk driving accident lawyer to understand your legal rights and options. They can guide you through the process of filing a claim and seeking compensation for damages such as medical bills, lost earnings, and pain and suffering.

What are the potential consequences for drunk drivers in San Francisco?

Drunk drivers in San Francisco can face severe criminal penalties, including jail time, fines, and license suspensions. Additionally, they can be held civilly liable for damages resulting from an accident. This means that victims of drunk driving accidents can file a personal injury lawsuit against the impaired driver to seek compensation for their injuries, losses, and suffering. It's important to have a lawyer who can help hold the responsible party accountable and secure the justice you deserve.

NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED LAW FIRM

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What Sets Bostwick & Peterson, LLP Apart?

  • More than $1 billion recovered for our clients
  • Since January 2018, the firm has twice broken the California record for the largest medical malpractice settlement
  • James Bostwick was named Trial Lawyer of the Year by Best Lawyers® in 2012
  • James Bostwick is a Nationally Certified Specialist by the American Board of Professional Liability
  • Included in the list of "Best Lawyers in America" by U.S. News - Best Lawyers® since its inception in 1983
  • James Bostwick received the Trial Lawyers "Presidential Award of Merit"
  • James Bostwick is a member of the Inner Circle of Advocates, limited to the nation’s top 100 plaintiff lawyers
  • Record-setting verdicts and settlements in five states for medical malpractice and motor vehicle accidents
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