Stockton Woman Hurt in DUI Crash on Interstate 5
A 25-year-old woman from Stockton and a California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer were hurt after a crash reportedly caused by a DUI driver on northbound Interstate 5 on the early morning of Thursday, January 28, 2021. The CHP traffic officer was helping a Chevrolet driver at approximately 7:10 a.m. when another motorist allegedly lost control of their Audi.
The Audi driver, a 39-year-old Lathrop man, reportedly crashed into the Chevrolet then struck the CHP officer, who was outside of his patrol vehicle. The woman, a 25-year-old Stockton resident, and the unidentified CHP traffic officer were both taken to area hospitals for treatment of minor injuries. The driver of a third vehicle struck by the Audi was uninjured, officials reported. The Audi driver did not report injuries in the incident and was arrested for a violation of driving under the influence (DUI), authorities said. Further details on the car accident were not immediately available.
Types of Damages in a Motor Vehicle Crash Case
If you suffered injuries in a motor vehicle collision caused by an intoxicated driver, it is essential to seek the legal assistance of an experienced Stockton personal injury attorney. A lawyer who is experienced in handling cases like yours can help determine whether you have grounds to file a personal injury claim for damages incurred. If serious injury is involved, an attorney will know the best way to navigate the personal injury claims process for recovery of damages, such as:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
In some extreme car accident injury cases, punitive damages may be sought from the negligent party as a way of punishing them for their egregious conduct and to prevent similar situations from happening to others in the Stockton community. A personal injury attorney may seek punitive damages in auto accident cases involving excessive speeding or driving under the influence (DUI). For more details on the legal process and the types of factors that may affect the value of a personal injury case, watch the video below.
What is the Statute of Limitations for a Car Accident Injury Case in California?
As with most personal injury lawsuits, California’s statute of limitations limits the amount of time a claimant must file suit in civil court. Under the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1, a claimant has two years from the date of a car accident to file a personal injury suit. This must be done if the insurance company does offer a fair personal injury settlement within the deadline to protect the statute. Since these types of cases are time-sensitive, it is critical to speak with a Stockton personal injury attorney who has the experience, skills, and resources your claim needs.
Working with a Stockton Injury Attorney on an Interstate 5 DUI Crash Case
Every personal injury case for a car accident has unique circumstances and facts. An experienced Stockton personal injury lawyer can review the case and discuss whether you have grounds for a claim against the at-fault party. An attorney will also conduct an independent investigation of the incident to determine fault, gather and preserve evidence related to the claim, negotiate with insurance companies, and file a lawsuit in civil court if all attempts at a fair settlement fail with the insurer within the two-year statute of limitations. To learn more about your case, contact one of our attorneys today for a free case evaluation.
Personal Injury Attorney in Stockton
I’m Ed Smith, a Stockton personal injury attorney. If you have been hurt in a motor vehicle collision caused by a drunk driver, you may have a legal right under California law to the recovery of medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses. Speak with an experienced injury lawyer today if you or a loved one has been injured in a collision with an intoxicated driver in Stockton or elsewhere in San Joaquin County. Call today at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400 for compassionate, free, and friendly advice. We handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe no upfront fees and will only have to pay attorney’s fees if we obtain fair compensation for you.
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