Too Drunk to Drive
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer. On a regular basis, our office meets new clients who’ve just had their lives permanently altered due to careless drunk drivers who hit them. Suddenly, they can no longer go to work or interact with their family members in a normal manner since they’re undergoing surgeries and long-term rehabilitative therapy sessions.
Still other cases are brought to us as wrongful death tragedies – or develop that status when the severely injured client passes away. As a law firm that truly cares about each client, all drunk driving cases deeply affect us and make us fight even harder to help you obtain the full compensation you deserve for all your serious injuries and other losses.
Drunk Driving in California, Just the Facts:
Although Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) gives California a much higher rating than many other states due to the progress we’ve made in passing legislation to further decrease all annual drunk driving accidents, we still have a long way to go. During 2016, drunk drivers caused 29% of all traffic fatalities in this state. That same year, approximately 1,059 people lost their lives due to California’s drunk drivers.
At present, thanks to our state’s pilot program requiring ignition interlock devices for drunk drivers in Sacramento, Los Angeles, Alameda and Tulane counties, 13 million people are now safer. In 2019, this program will fully expand to statewide coverage. Yet as encouraging as these facts are, we still must combat far too many serious drunk driving incidents.
Watch Youtube Video – Drunk Driving Accident – Fair Oaks Boulevard, Carmichael CA
The video depicts the carnage left behind by a drunk driver who fled the scene of an accident in Carmichael. Alcohol was a factor in this crash.
Recent Suspected Drunk Driving Accidents
On December 8, 2017, a suspected drunk driver crashed his car into a Citrus Heights home. The accident occurred around 3:00 AM — a time when a large percentage of these types of events often take place.
The driver was taken to Mercy San Juan Hospital for treatment. Upon discharge, an arrest for suspicion of DUI (driving under the influence of alcohol) remains likely.
The house that was hit is located near Old Auburn Road and Argo Drive. Local utility crews were called out to help assess some of the damage done to nearby gas and power lines. While they did their work, a home inspector was also busy determining the full extent of the damage done to the home.
Sadly, a fatal accident involving a suspected drunk driver occurred less than one month ago in Sacramento.
How Our Office Seeks to Protect Your Rights After Being Hit
Once we accept your case, we’ll fully investigate the accident scene and obtain copies of all police reports. While you concentrate on regaining better health, we’ll also be searching for possible accident witnesses, reviewing your medical records, and preparing your case for settlement talks with the drunk driver’s insurance company. If your case cannot be settled for an acceptable amount of money to compensate you for all your damages, we’ll be fully prepared to take your case to court and fight for a successful verdict there.
What Criminal Law Consequences May the Drunk Driver Who Hit You Face?
Once the suspected drunk driver who hit you has been arrested for a DUI, the arresting officer is required to immediately send any driver’s license confiscated and a completed notice of suspension or revocation form to the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles). The DMV will then conduct an administrative review of the case that includes reading the arresting officer’s report and the license suspension (or revocation) order – and reviewing any sobriety test results.
Of course, repeat offenders will always face the stiffest penalties. And after a DUI conviction is obtained in court, revocation or suspension of the driver’s license is mandatory – with the driver also facing possible jail time, fines and other criminal penalties.
Related Articles by Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer, Ed Smith:
Car Accident Lawyer in Sacramento
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer. Accidents can have terrible consequences. If you or someone you love was injured in an accident caused by the egregious acts of someone else, I can help. Please call me promptly at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly, and compassionate advice. You can also find me online at AutoAccident.com.
I have been serving injured people and their families in Sacramento since 1982. You are more than welcome to review my former clients’ comments posted to: Google, Avvo, and Yelp.
The Million Dollar Forum has recognized my efforts in obtaining million-dollar awards for my clients. A selection of some of my past Verdicts and Settlements is available on my website.
