Two Injured After Drunk Driving Accident in Sonora
Two drivers were injured and hospitalized after a drunk driving accident in Sonora on the morning of Thursday, March 12, 2020. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Sonora unit, the car accident occurred in the area of Greenley Road and Cabezut Road. A 45-year-old Murphys woman was driving west on Cabezut Road. At the same time, a 50-year-old Sonora man was headed north on Greenley Road in his pickup truck. The Sonora man was making a right-hand turn onto Cabezut Road and reportedly veered over the double-yellow lines, resulting in a collision with the Murphys woman’s vehicle. Both drivers were taken by ambulance to Adventist Health Sonora for treatment of unspecified injuries. Upon further investigation, the CHP determined the Sonora man was driving while intoxicated. He was later arrested and booked on felony DUI causing bodily injury charges.
What Happens When a Drunk Driver Hits You?
Generally, the drunk driver’s insurance company is financially responsible for personal injury damages to the injured party. This includes reimbursement of past and future medical expenses, past and future lost wages, and property damage. They may also be held liable for intangible losses such as disfigurement or pain and suffering. However, there may be situations where an injured person’s right to compensation may be affected. In cases where the other driver has state minimum car insurance coverage or none at all, an injured person may be able to file an uninsured/underinsured motorist claim with their insurer. A Sonora personal injury lawyer can review your car insurance policy to determine whether you carry that coverage. To learn more about traffic collisions with uninsured and underinsured drivers, watch the video below.
Can I Recover Punitive Damages for a DUI Accident?
Punitive damages, or exemplary damages, are only awarded in some personal injury cases under specific circumstances. In the case of a car accident, punitive damages may be claimed when the at-fault party was driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This type of damage is not covered by insurance companies. Instead, it is obtained from the negligent driver to punish them for their egregious behavior and to discourage others from engaging in similar acts.
Common Defenses Insurance Companies Use in Sonora Drunk Driving Accidents
California is a comparative fault state. This means that an insurance company representing a drunk driver may attempt to pin a fraction of fault on an injured party. If successful, it will limit their financial liability for the incident and lower the amount of compensation available to the injured person. To protect yourself from comparative fault, it is best to seek the assistance of an experienced lawyer. An attorney can obtain various types of evidence that are essential for dismissing unfair apportionment of fault. This includes the at-fault party’s drunk driving conviction and jail booking records, as well as police reports and witness testimony.
Should I Hire a Lawyer if I Was Hit by a Drunk Driver?
After a car accident, you may be contacted by the other driver’s insurance company. They may offer you a quick settlement to close your personal injury claim, not fully taking into account what you have lost as a result of their insured’s negligence. In such situations, it is best to retain legal representation. A Sonora car accident lawyer will bring more than experience to you after a DUI-related accident. A lawyer will focus on your needs and review the facts and circumstances of your case to determine what damages you need to be made whole again. An attorney is also there to guide you through the personal injury claims process and inform you of your options for a successful outcome. By having a lawyer on your side, you can focus on what matters most, your recovery and future.
Car Accident Lawyers in Sonora
I’m Ed Smith, a Sonora car accident lawyer. Any DUI-related accident has the potential to result in severe damages for those involved. If you or someone you care about has been seriously injured in a drunk driving accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your emotional, physical, and financial losses. To learn more, give me a call at (209) 227-1931 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 to receive my free, friendly advice.
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