How to Build a Drunk Driving Accident Claim in California

a set of car keys beside a tumbler of scotch

Even as a safe and experienced driver, if a drunk driver decides to get behind the wheel while you are on the roads, you may be at risk of being in a drunk driving accident. There is never an excuse for choosing to get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle while intoxicated. That is why it is crucial that the negligent individuals who choose to drink and drive are held accountable for the injuries and losses they cause as a result of their actions. If you have been injured by a drunk driver in California, it is important that you understand how to build a drunk driving accident claim.

NK Law Group is a California personal injury law firm dedicated to helping drunk driving accident victims receive the fair compensation they deserve. If you have been injured due to the carelessness of a drunk driver, you deserve to be compensated for your losses. Our legal team will help you build a drunk driving claim to get justice for the losses you have suffered as a result of the other party’s negligence. 

What Are the Three Stages of Building a Drunk Driving Accident Claim?

When a drunk driver makes the careless choice to get behind the wheel and operate a motor vehicle, they are putting themselves and others at risk. If you have suffered an injury due to a drunk driver causing an accident, you have the legal right to file a personal injury claim and collect damages within two years from the date the accident occurred. While two years may seem like an extensive period of time, drunk driving claims can be complicated and it is important that you start the claims process as quickly as possible. 

When building a drunk driving accident claim in California, there are three major stages that will help you collect the compensation you deserve for your losses. Those three stages are as follows:

Conducting a Full Investigation

Even if the driver who hit you is arrested and found guilty of driving while drunk, that does not mean that you will automatically be entitled to compensation for the accident. That is why it is crucial that a full investigation is done when you begin the claims process. During the investigation, it is important to have the help of a trusted California lawyer who can assist you in collecting necessary evidence that will be useful in building your claim. This evidence may include any of the following:

  • The police report
  • Eyewitness testimony
  • Video and photo footage of the accident
  • Forensic evidence like an open container of alcohol found in the drunk driver’s vehicle
  • Testimony from a bartender who served the driver who hit you
  • The drunk driver’s own testimony or social media posts

If you are unsure what evidence may be necessary to help build your case, get the help of a California drunk driving accident lawyer as soon as possible. 

Proving That the Drunk Driver Is Liable for the Accident

After a drunk driver causes an accident that leaves you with injuries, it is crucial that you are able to prove that the drunk driver is the one who actually caused the collision to occur. With the help of a lawyer, this can be done by using the expert help of accident reconstructionists.

Proving That You and Your Loved Ones Have Suffered Losses Due to the Accident

Being injured in a drunk driving accident often leaves victims with extensive losses. With the help of your trusted lawyer, they can assist you in calculating how much compensation you are eligible to recover for the losses you have suffered like medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and property damage. 

Speak With a California Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Today

The top-rated attorneys at NK Law Group have been helping drunk driving accident victims in California build strong personal injury claims for years. Our experienced legal team is dedicated to providing clients with the trusted representation they deserve. To schedule a free consultation, contact us here or call (510) 519-9497.

Naseer Khan, Esq.

EXPERTLY REVIEWED BY

Naseer Khan, Esq.

January 29 2023

Top-rated personal injury attorney Naseer Khan, Esq. has over a decade of experience advocating for injury victims in California. As an award-winning attorney and a member of the American Association for Justice, Khan has a stellar track record of success and devotion to justice for his clients.