San Francisco Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers

Our Experienced San Francisco Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers Help You Obtain the Financial Compensation You Are Entitled To For Your Injuries

At The Hassell Law Group, our car accident lawyers are highly skilled at handling drunk driving cases. We are ranked among the best car accident attorneys in San Francisco, and we have been advocating for our clients for over two decades. Our skilled legal team has over 100 years of combined legal experience, and we are dedicated to ensuring our clients receive the compensation they deserve and the best outcome possible.

• Our undefeated trial and arbitration record on behalf of our clients speaks for itself – we are master negotiators and seasoned trial attorneys.
• We know how to handle drunk driver insurance claims.
• There is no financial risk to you. We work on a contingency fee basis, so our clients owe us nothing for our services unless we recover money on their cases.

Our stellar results and client-focused approach has been recognized by Kev’s Best, TopVerdict, Super Lawyers, and Expertise.com.

• 2022 Top Verdict Award for California’s Top 10 Motor Vehicle Accident Settlements
• 2022 Top Verdict Award for California’s Top 20 Personal Injury Settlements
• Ranked among the Top 5 Personal Injury Attorneys in San Francisco
• 2024 Northern California Super Lawyer
• 2024 Expertise Best Car Accident Attorneys in San Francisco

We Are Experienced Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys in San Francisco

At The Hassell Law Group we understand the serious implications of drunk driving accidents in San Francisco and the Bay Area. Our team of skilled and experienced drunk driving accident lawyers is dedicated to providing strong legal representation for victims of these preventable tragedies. With a proven track record of success in handling drunk driving accident cases, we have the knowledge and expertise to navigate the complex legal landscape and seek maximum available financial compensation for your damages.

We Are Fierce Advocates for Victims of Drunk Driving Accidents

If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident, our team of San Francisco personal injury lawyers have over 100 years of combined personal injury legal experience and are here to help you and your loved ones recover compensation for your injuries. We believe in holding drunk drivers accountable for their actions and seeking justice for the injured victims. Our compassionate attorneys will work closely with you to understand the full extent of your injuries and the impact they have had on your life. We will then build a strong and compelling case to pursue maximum financial compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. You can count on our attorneys to seek the maximum available financial compensation for your injuries.

We Offer Compassionate and Aggressive Legal Representation

When you choose our firm, you can expect compassionate and aggressive legal representation from our personal injury attorneys. We will handle all aspects of your case, from investigating the accident and gathering evidence to skillfully negotiating with insurance companies and, if necessary, taking your case to trial. Our attorneys have a deep understanding of the laws and regulations surrounding drunk driving accidents in the San Francisco Bay Area, and we will leverage that knowledge to build a strong and compelling personal injury case on your behalf.

We Provide Comprehensive Legal Support For Victims of Drunk Driving Accidents

Our award-winning legal team provides comprehensive legal support for victims of drunk driving accidents. Our team will investigate the circumstances surrounding your accident, gathering crucial evidence such as police reports, photos, witness statements, and any available surveillance footage. We will collaborate with accident reconstruction experts and medical professionals as needed to establish the full extent of your injuries and their long-term impact on your well-being.

We Fight for Maximum Compensation

Our goal is to seek the maximum compensation possible for your drunk driving accident case. We will negotiate skillfully and aggressively with insurance companies on your behalf, seeking a fair and just settlement and claim all of your current and future medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other available damages. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, our skilled trial attorneys are prepared to take your case to court and advocate for your rights before a judge and jury. We will advocate for your best interests every step of the way.

Restoring Your Peace of Mind After A Drunk Driving Accident

We understand that a drunk driving accident can wreak havoc in your life. Our goal is not only to secure the financial compensation you deserve but also to restore your peace of mind. Our compassionate legal team will provide you with the support and guidance you need throughout the legal process, answering your questions, addressing your concerns, and keeping you informed every step of the way. We are dedicated to helping you rebuild your life and move forward after this traumatic experience.

Contact Our San Francisco Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers Today

If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident involving a drunk driver, don’t hesitate to contact our award-winning personal injury attorneys at The Hassell Law Group. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and evaluate your legal options. Let us handle the legal complexities while you focus on your recovery. Time is of the essence, so reach out to us today and let us fight for your rights and the justice you deserve.

What to Do If You Are in an Accident with a Drunk Driver

Being involved in a car accident with a drunk driver can be a frightening and overwhelming experience. It’s important to know what steps to take to protect yourself and ensure that your rights are upheld. Here are the key actions to consider if you find yourself in such a situation:

Prioritize Safety: Your safety and the safety of others involved should be your immediate concern. If possible, move to a safe location away from traffic and turn on hazard lights. Call 911 emergency services to report the accident and request medical assistance if needed.

Gather Information: Obtain essential information from the drunk driver and any witnesses at the scene. This includes their names, contact details, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance information. If you can do so safely, take photos or videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries.

Notify Law Enforcement: Make sure to report the accident to the police. When they arrive, provide an accurate account of the events leading up to the collision. Inform the officers if you suspect the other driver may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Document the Accident: Write down your recollection of the accident while it is still fresh in your mind. Include details such as the date, time, location, weather conditions, and any other relevant factors that may have contributed to the accident.

Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Even if you don’t initially feel injured, it’s crucial to undergo a medical evaluation. Some injuries, such as whiplash, brain injuries, or internal trauma, may not be immediately apparent and can take hours or days before symptoms appear. Prompt medical attention not only ensures your well-being but also creates a record of your injuries, which can be valuable for your insurance claim or legal case. We recommend that you seek an immediate medical evaluation at the nearest hospital emergency room.

Contact an Experienced Attorney: Reach out to our skilled personal injury attorneys who specialize in drunk driving accidents. They will guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and pursue compensation for your injuries, damages, and losses.

Preserve Evidence: Preserve any evidence related to the accident, such as medical records, photographs, witness statements, damaged personal property, and property damage estimates. This evidence will be crucial in building a strong case against the drunk driver.

Avoid Discussing the Accident: Refrain from discussing the accident on any social media platform or with anyone other than your attorney and healthcare professionals. Statements you make to insurance companies or on social media can be misconstrued or used against you during legal proceedings. Do not provide recorded statements to any insurance company (even your own) without your attorney being present.

Remember, it is essential to consult with our knowledgeable personal injury attorneys who can provide personalized guidance based on the specific circumstances of your case. They will fight for your rights and help you navigate the legal process, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

The Different Types of Drunk Driving Car Accidents

Drunk driving accidents are a serious and preventable tragedy that can cause devastating consequences for those involved. When alcohol impairs a driver’s judgment and coordination, the risk of accidents and injuries increases significantly. Understanding the different types of drunk driving car accidents can help victims and their families navigate the legal process and seek the justice and compensation they deserve.

Head-On Collisions: Head-on collisions occur when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide front-end to front-end. These accidents often result in severe injuries or fatalities due to the combined force of the collision. Drunk drivers may lose control of their vehicles, swerve into oncoming traffic lanes, and cause devastating head-on collisions.

Rear-End Collisions: Rear-end collisions happen when a drunk driver crashes into the back of another vehicle. Intoxication can impair a driver’s reaction time and judgment, leading to a failure to maintain a safe following distance. These accidents can cause whiplash injuries, back and spinal injuries, and other types of harm to the occupants of the vehicle being struck.

Intersection Accidents: Drunk driving accidents frequently occur at intersections. Intoxicated drivers may run red lights or stop signs, fail to yield the right of way, or make improper turns, leading to collisions with other vehicles. Intersection accidents can result in serious injuries, including broken bones, spinal cord injuries, or even fatalities.

T-Bone Collisions: T-bone collisions, also known as side-impact or broadside collisions, happen when the front of one vehicle crashes into the side of another vehicle, forming a “T” shape. Drunk drivers may ignore traffic signals or fail to yield at intersections, leading to T-bone accidents. These accidents can result in severe injuries to all vehicle occupants, but especially for occupants on the side of the vehicle that bears the impact.

Single-Vehicle Accidents: Drunk drivers are at a higher risk of being involved in single-vehicle accidents. Intoxication can lead to loss of control, resulting in the vehicle veering off the road, and colliding with pedestrians. Single-vehicle accidents caused by drunk driving can cause significant injuries or fatalities to innocent victims who happened to be in the area as the accident occurred.

If you or your loved ones have been affected by a drunk driving accident, it’s essential to seek legal representation from our experienced drunk driving accident lawyers who specialize in advocating for victims’ rights. We can help you navigate the legal process, gather evidence, and pursue a fair settlement or verdict to compensate for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and emotional suffering.

Common Injuries Caused by Drunk Driving Accidents

Drunk driving accidents often result in severe injuries due to impaired judgment and increased reaction time of intoxicated drivers. The victims of these accidents may face long-lasting physical, emotional, and financial consequences. Below, we review some of the common injuries that occur in drunk driving accidents, highlighting the importance of seeking legal assistance to protect your rights and obtain the financial compensation you deserve.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Drunk driving accidents frequently lead to traumatic brain injuries, which can range from mild concussions to severe, life-altering medical conditions. When a vehicle collides with significant force, the occupants’ heads can strike the dashboard, steering wheel, or windows, causing brain trauma. Traumatic Brain Injuries can result in cognitive impairments, memory loss, speech difficulties, and even long-term disabilities.

Spinal Cord Injuries (SCIs): The impact of a drunk driving accident can cause damage to the spinal cord, resulting in spinal cord injuries. These injuries can lead to partial or complete paralysis, affecting motor function, sensation, and bodily control. Victims of spinal cord injuries may require extensive medical care, rehabilitation, and adaptive devices to regain independence.

Bone Fractures: The forceful impact of a drunk driving accident can cause fractures and breaks in various bones of the body. Common fractures include broken ribs, arms, legs, hips, and wrists. Multiple fractures may require surgeries, immobilization with casts or braces, and extensive rehabilitation for a full recovery. In some cases, victims may experience long-term complications or disabilities due to these fractures.

Internal Organ Injuries: Drunk driving accidents can result in internal injuries, such as damage to organs like the liver, kidneys, spleen, or lungs. The force of the impact on the vehicle causing occupants to strike objects within the vehicle can cause internal bleeding, lacerations, or organ failure. Prompt medical attention is crucial to diagnose and treat these injuries, as they can be life-threatening if left untreated.

Soft Tissue Injuries: Whiplash, strains, sprains, and other soft tissue injuries are common in drunk driving accidents. The sudden jolt or impact can cause damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments, leading to pain, limited mobility, and long-term discomfort. Soft tissue injuries may require physical therapy, medication, or other forms of treatment to aid in the healing process.

Emotional and Psychological Trauma: In addition to physical injuries, victims of drunk driving accidents often experience emotional and psychological trauma. They may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions due to the traumatic event. Emotional support, counseling, and therapy can play a crucial role in the healing process.

Drunk driving accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, impacting victims physically, emotionally, and financially. If you or someone you love has been injured in a drunk driving accident, seeking legal representation from our experienced drunk driving accident lawyers is essential. Our skilled legal team can help you navigate the complex legal process, gather evidence, and pursue rightful compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering.

Legal Consequences of a Drunk Driving Accident in California

In California, drunk driving is taken very seriously, and the legal consequences for causing an accident while under the influence can be quite severe. If you or a loved one has been involved in a drunk driving accident, it’s important to understand the potential legal ramifications that the intoxicated driver may face:

Criminal Penalties: Driving under the influence (DUI) with a blood alcohol level over the legal limit in California is a criminal offense. The penalties for a DUI conviction can vary depending on the circumstances and the driver’s prior record. They may include fines, probation, mandatory alcohol education programs, license suspension, restitution to the victims, and even jail time. For repeat offenders or cases involving serious injuries or fatalities, the penalties can be more severe.

Civil Liability: In addition to criminal charges, a drunk driver can also be held civilly liable for the damages caused by the accident, and for punitive damages. The injured party (plaintiff) may file a personal injury claim or lawsuit seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, other related losses, and punitive damages. If the accident resulted in a fatality, the victim’s family may pursue a wrongful death claim.

Increased Insurance Rates: A drunk driving conviction can lead to increased insurance rates or policy cancellation. Insurance companies view intoxicated driving as high-risk behavior, and they may either raise premiums significantly or more likely refuse to provide insurance coverage altogether. This can have long-term financial implications for the intoxicated driver.

License Suspension or Revocation: When arrested for DUI in California, the driver’s license is typically confiscated, and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) initiates a separate administrative process to determine whether the license should be suspended or revoked. Administrative penalties can include license suspension, mandatory DUI education programs, and installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) upon license reinstatement.

Criminal Record: A California DUI conviction results in a permanent criminal record. This can have far-reaching consequences beyond the immediate penalties, including difficulties with employment, professional licenses, housing applications, and background checks.

Possible Felony Charges: If the drunk driving accident causes serious bodily injury or death, the intoxicated driver may face felony charges such as felony DUI, vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, or even second-degree murder (Watson murder) in certain circumstances. Felony convictions carry much harsher penalties, including lengthy prison sentences and substantial fines, as well as restitution for the victims.

It’s worth noting that the legal consequences can vary depending on the specific facts of the case and the jurisdiction in which the accident occurred. If you have been involved in a drunk driving accident, it’s essential to consult with our experienced personal injury attorneys who can assess your situation, assert your rights, and guide you through the legal process.

How Common are Drunk Driving Accidents?

Drunk driving accidents remain a significant concern in the United States. While efforts to combat drunk driving have led to a decline in these incidents over the years, they still occur with alarming frequency. Here are some statistics that highlight the prevalence of drunk driving accidents:

National Statistics (United States):

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 10,142 people died in alcohol-impaired driving crashes in 2019, accounting for nearly 28% of all traffic-related fatalities.

Every day, on average, about 28 people in the United States die in motor vehicle crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver.

In 2019, an estimated 4% of adults in the United States reported driving under the influence of alcohol at least once in the past year.

State and Regional Variations:

The prevalence of drunk driving accidents can vary from state to state and within different regions. Factors such as enforcement efforts, public awareness campaigns, and cultural norms surrounding alcohol consumption can influence these variations.

Certain states have implemented stricter laws and initiatives to combat drunk driving, which have shown positive results in reducing alcohol-related accidents. However, some areas still struggle with high rates of drunk driving incidents.

Underreported Incidents:

It’s important to note that drunk driving accidents may be underreported due to various factors such as lack of enforcement, difficulties in detecting impairment, and challenges in attributing accidents solely to alcohol consumption. The actual number of incidents involving drunk driving may be higher than reported.

Efforts to combat drunk driving include public awareness campaigns, law enforcement initiatives, stricter penalties, ignition interlock programs, and advocacy for responsible alcohol consumption. Education and prevention are crucial in reducing the occurrence of drunk driving accidents and protecting road users from the dangers posed by impaired drivers.

How Common are Drunk Driving Accidents in California?

Drunk driving accidents have been a significant concern in California and across the United States. This is some information based on historical statistics.

Historically, California has experienced a notable number of drunk driving accidents. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), in 2019, there were 1,060 alcohol-involved fatal collisions in the state, resulting in 1,120 deaths. Additionally, there were thousands of alcohol-related injuries reported that year.

However, it’s important to note that efforts to combat drunk driving have been ongoing, and there have been various initiatives and campaigns to raise awareness, enhance law enforcement, and promote responsible alcohol consumption. These efforts aim to reduce the incidence of drunk driving accidents and improve road safety.

To stay up to date with the latest statistics and trends related to drunk driving accidents in California, we recommend referring to reputable sources such as the California Office of Traffic Safety, the California Highway Patrol, or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). These organizations regularly publish reports and data related to traffic safety, including drunk driving incidents and their impact on road users.

We offer a free consultation. Our contingency fee payment system lets you utilize our legal services without worrying about legal fees. You won’t owe us anything unless we recover money in your case.

We understand that attorney’s fees are a leading cause of victims not seeking the legal representation they truly need. That’s why we use this contingency fee arrangement.

Our legal fees are calculated based on a percentage of the compensation we recover for you. That means that if there is no compensation recovered for you, there is no fee, and you owe us nothing.

We want everyone who has been seriously injured by a drunk driver to be able to access high-quality legal counsel for their accident claim, and we have helped countless accident victims recover compensation for their injuries.

Contact us today and let us help you. We provide a free consultation.

The general information provided on this website should not be considered legal advice, and does not constitute legal advice. For legal advice, you should consult directly with an attorney. If you contact us by telephone, email, letter, or by contact form submission through this website, please note that such communication does not create or constitute an attorney client relationship. We cannot act as your attorney until we are hired as your attorney by a formal written agreement.