Drunk driving is never okay, whether in Burbank or anywhere in California. If you or someone you care about has been hurt by a drunk driver, the Burbank car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti are here to help.
Burbank Drunk Driving Accident Statistics
Drunk driving accidents are a serious problem. In Los Angeles, over 2,000 people are hurt or killed each year in these crashes. In Burbank, there were 107 DUI crashes in 2023, and in 2024, there have already been 93 by October. This shows a 19% increase in drunk driving incidents.
What is the Statute of Limitations?
The statute of limitations for filing personal injury claims following a car accident is two years. This is why it is absolutely crucial for accident victims to hire legal assistance immediately after a crash.
Contact the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti. We are here to help you guide through this difficult time.
What Causes Burbank Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk driving accidents happen for several reasons, and knowing them can help keep you safe. Here are some common causes:
- Alcohol Use: Drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs don’t think clearly and make poor decisions.
- Speeding: Many drunk drivers go too fast, making it hard for them to stop.
- Distracted Driving: Drunk drivers often aren't paying full attention to the road.
These accidents can lead to serious injuries and emotional pain for victims. Alcohol can impair judgment and coordination, which results in reckless driving and slower reaction times.
Other factors include:
- Impaired Judgment: Alcohol affects decision-making skills.
- Coordination Issues: Being drunk can make it hard to control the car.
Poor Road Conditions: Drunk drivers struggle more on bad roads, like those that are wet or icy.
If you are hurt because of a drunk driver, it’s important to get legal help quickly. Our law firm's accident lawyers can gather evidence, like police reports, to show that the driver was drunk, helping victims get the compensation they need for medical bills and recovery.
Types of Injuries from Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk driving accidents can lead to severe injuries. Here are some common injuries that can happen:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): These can range from mild concussions to serious problems that affect daily life.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: These may cause paralysis or loss of feeling, often needing long-term care.
- Broken Bones and Fractures: Victims usually need surgery and physical therapy.
Internal Injuries: Damage to organs or internal bleeding needs quick medical help.
Drunk driving is reckless and causes worse injuries compared to other accidents. This makes it even harder for victims, both physically and emotionally.
To get the help you need, having an skilled Burbank drunk driving accident lawyer is important. The Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti can help you get fair compensation for your injuries and medical bills. Call us today.
What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident
After a car accident, what you do can impact your safety and ability to get compensation later. Here are some steps to follow:
Call for Medical Help
- Check for injuries and call 911 if needed.
- EMTs can provide urgent care. Even minor injuries should be checked to avoid complications later.
- Medical record s are important for your injury claim.
Collect Evidence at the Accident Scene
- Take photos and videos of the crash, vehicles, road conditions like skid marks.
- Document weather conditions and any traffic signs.
- Collect contact info from witnesses. Their accounts can strengthen your claim.
Contact Law Enforcement:
- Call the police to report the accident.
- A police report will document evidence and help with insurance claims.
Be careful about discussing the accident to avoid misunderstandings.
If you follow the steps above, it will help protect your health and strengthen your case with an experienced personal injury attorney.
Our Burbank Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Can Help You Prove Fault
In California, drunk driving is a crime. California Vehicle Code section 23152(b). If the State files a complaint against the driver, that is not where the case ends for you. You still need to hire a civil personal injury lawyer. This is important because the district attorney is focused on prosecuting a crime--not on getting you financial compensation. An experienced auto accident lawyer will help you in the following ways:
Figure Out Who is Responsible
A DUI civil lawyer can you help you figure out who might be responsible for paying for your compensation. Here are the parties that can be held responsible in a drunk driving accident:
- Drunk Driver: The main person at fault who caused the accident.
- Vehicle Owner: If they let someone unqualified drive their car.
- Employer: If an employee causes an accident while working.
- Auto Manufacturers: If a vehicle part fails and causes an accident.
- Government Authorities: If poor road conditions or lack of signs contributed to the crash.
Protect You if You Partially Caused the Accident
In California, even if a victim shares some blame, they can still receive compensation. This is called pure comparative negligence. However, how much they get may be reduced based on their level of fault. You need aggressive advocacy on your side for a case like this.
Speak to the District Attorney For You
An experienced attorney will know how to speak to the district attorney on your behalf to make sure that your rights are protected in the criminal court. We can also help you get restitution in the criminal court. Sometimes a drunk driving accident victim may want to make a victim impact statement. This is where the victim tells the driver in open court how this accident impacted their life. Our drunk driving accident lawyer will go to court with you so that you feel safe and supported.
We Deal with the Insurance Company For You
We can make an accident claim and negotiate with the insurance company and the insurance agents for you to get a potential settlement. We make sure there is insurance coverage. If they don't pay you fairly, we will file an accident lawsuit
What Compensation is Available for Victims of Drunk Driving Accidents?
Here are the key points regarding what compensation can cover:
- Medical Expenses: This Covers costs for emergency treatment, surgeries, and rehabilitation. It includes ambulance fees and ongoing medical care.
- Lost Wages: This refers to income lost while unable to work. It includes both past earnings and future income if the victim cannot return to their job. Evidence like pay stubs and employer statements is needed to determine.
- Pain and Suffering: Accounts for physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish. Considers the impact on the victim’s quality of life, including the loss of hobbies. May include compensation for treatments related to emotional trauma, such as therapy for anxiety or PTSD.
- Punitive Damages: Punitive damages may be awarded in severe cases of negligence, like drunk driving. They are rare, so most claims focus on compensatory damages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk driving is a pervasive factor in many severe accidents, leaving victims to cope with life-altering consequences. Understanding your rights and options in these distressing situations is essential. Below, we address some frequently asked questions to guide you.
What is the average settlement for a drunk driving accident in California?
There is no question that DUI car accidents cases are often more valuable than normal cases. But ultimately, the amount of your settlement will depend on several factors including, the amount of available insurance, the seriousness of your injuries, the amount of your medical bills, loss of earnings, and the skill and reputation of your lawyer. At the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, we have handled many drunk driving car accident cases in Burbank. We know the local authorities and courts, and can get you maximum compensation. You can trust us with your case.
What if the intoxicated driver is uninsured?
Encountering an uninsured intoxicated driver adds another layer of complexity to recovery efforts. However, several avenues can be pursued:
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage: If the at fault driver doesn't have insurance, you may file a claim through your own UM/UIM coverage. This can help you recoup costs for medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses.
- Legal Help: Our attorneys can guide you through the process of addressing your insurance company, ensuring that you receive the requisite compensation for your injuries.
- Pursuing a Personal Injury Lawsuit: If the drunk driver has enough assets, a personal injury lawsuit may make sense.
Call Now to Begin Your Free Case Review
If you or a loved one has been hit by a drunk driving accident in Burbank, getting help from a qualified accident attorney is essential.
Our legal team works on a contingency fee basis. This means that you don't pay a dime until we win.
Don't wait, before it's too late.
