Was The Driver Who Injured You Charged With DUI?
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed because of a drunk driver, attorney Scott Sumner can help you obtain compensation and justice for your losses. Along with holding the responsible party accountable, he can help you secure compensation for life-changing catastrophic injuries that could require long-term care.
Our office in Walnut Creek, California, has protected victims of drunk driving accidents for 25 years. We can help you focus on your recovery while we fight for your best interests.
Drunk Driving Accident Statistics
In 2015 alone, over 10,000 people were killed in the United States in car accidents caused by an alcohol-impaired driver. Nobody is safe from these preventable accidents. In fact, children under 14 represented a large percentage of the victims killed in these accidents. However, thanks to the combined efforts of campaign groups, law enforcement, and legislative measures, the rates of alcohol-related fatal car accidents have decreased in recent years, and drunk drivers are now being held accountable for their decisions.
While Mr. Sumner is focused on compiling evidence and building the strongest case possible, you can focus on achieving a healthy recovery and returning back to normal life.
What Are Victims In California Entitled To?
If you have been hurt in a drunk driving accident, you are entitled to recover damages for your injuries. While each case has its own set of unique facts, damages often include:
- Medical expenses: These include any medical costs associated with treatment for injuries sustained in the accident and any costs needed to cover future medical care.
- Lost wages: These include any wages lost from having to miss work for recovery. You can also recover lost future earnings if you suffer catastrophic injuries and are not able to return to work in the same position or even at all.
- Pain, suffering and emotional distress damages: These are typically awarded to compensate victims on top of any medical costs and lost wages.
- Punitive damages: In some cases where the driver was engaging in an extremely dangerous activity, it might be possible to secure an award of punitive damages to punish them.
In the case of a wrongful death, the family of the deceased is entitled to receive repayment of final expenses such as the funeral and burial, along with the loss of income resulting from the death of a head of the household.
In rare instances, a lawyer can also help hold those who supplied the alcohol accountable. Dram shop laws are unique in California because they only apply to those who serve alcohol to an obviously intoxicated minor who causes an accident. You can depend on our firm to investigate every possible avenue of compensation in order to help you rebuild your life after a car accident.
Why You Need A Lawyer
In most car accidents, the negligent party or their insurance company has to reimburse the injured party. But in drunk driving accidents, there are other players involved, such as the bar or restaurant serving alcohol to the driver.
Although dram shop laws and punitive damages are complex areas to navigate, a qualified drunk driving accident attorney can help you determine fault. While Mr. Sumner is focused on compiling evidence and building the strongest case possible, you can focus on achieving a healthy recovery and returning back to normal life.
Call For Help
If you have been in an accident with a drunk driver, Mr. Sumner may be able to help. He has recovered millions of dollars for clients and is consistently voted as one of the Top 100 Personal Injury Lawyers in Northern California by his peers. To schedule a complimentary consultation, contact us online or call us at 925-278-6170.