Tustin Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
Trusted Drunk Driving Accident Attorney in Tustin, CA
It is illegal for anyone to drive a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, but this is an unfortunately common cause of accidents in Tustin and throughout Orange County. If you or a family member was injured in a crash caused by a drunk driver, a Tustin drunk driving accident lawyer is the ideal resource to consult. While the state prosecutes the drunk driver for breaking the law, your attorney can help you hold them accountable for your damages.
Representing Drunk Driving Accident Victims in Tustin, CA
The attorneys at Bentley & More LLP have years of experience representing accident victims in Tustin and the surrounding communities of California. When you or a family member is injured by a drunk driver, you might assume that the state will prosecute the drunk driver and compensate you for your losses, but you would be mistaken. The state’s criminal case against the drunk driver does not seek compensation for victims.
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, there were 317 people injured or killed in vehicle accidents in Tustin in 2023, and 29 were victims of accidents involving alcohol. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that about 32 people die every day from drunk driving accidents throughout the US. These accidents often result in devastating injuries, and you will need an attorney’s help after such an accident.
You will need to hire a drunk driving accident lawyer to help you pursue compensation for your damages. While proving fault for this type of accident may be easier than what you might expect in other accident cases, you will still need help proving that the drunk driver is directly responsible for causing your claimed damages. Your recovery may require filing an auto insurance claim or pursuing compensation with a Tustin personal injury lawyer.
Building a Drunk Driving Accident Case in Tustin
In California, all vehicle accident cases that involve two or more parties are resolved on a fault basis. Whoever caused the accident is liable for the resulting damages, so if a drunk driver has injured you, you will need to establish fault for the accident before you can receive any compensation. Your Tustin drunk driving accident attorney at Bentley & More LLP can help you assess the full range of damages you are eligible to claim from the defendant.
Recovering from most vehicle accidents in California begins with auto insurance. State law requires all drivers to have auto insurance that includes coverage for bodily injury and property damage liability. After a covered driver causes an accident, their policy can pay for any damages they caused to others. However, securing compensation through auto insurance is rarely easy or straightforward.
Most insurance companies try to devalue claims as much as possible, and many injured accident victims do not know how to fight against bad faith handling of their insurance claims. However, if you hire a Tustin car accident lawyer to help with your insurance claim before the insurer tries to deny or devalue the claim, you are more likely to be treated fairly.
Your Tustin drunk driving accident lawyer may also assist you with building and filing a personal injury case against the drunk driver. In California, the injured plaintiff in a personal injury case has the right to claim compensation for any economic and non-economic damages they suffered because of the defendant’s negligence or misconduct:
- You can seek compensation for the cost of repairing your vehicle or for the actual cash value of the vehicle if it was damaged beyond repair. You may also have grounds to claim compensation for the value of any personal belongings that were lost in the accident.
- You can claim compensation for all of the medical expenses resulting from the accident. This includes immediate medical expenses following the accident as well as the cost of necessary future medical care. If you or a family member suffered a catastrophic injury such as a brain injury, the defendant may be liable for necessary in-home medical care, multiple surgeries, and other ongoing treatment required to reach maximum medical improvement.
- If you cannot work because of your injuries, the defendant is also liable for the income you are unable to earn. This can include lost future earning capacity if the accident resulted in any permanent disability that diminishes your ability to work in the future.
- A personal injury plaintiff can claim compensation for the pain and suffering they experienced. California does not require using a specific formula to calculate non-economic damages. Generally, the amount of pain and suffering compensation a plaintiff receives reflects the overall severity of the injuries the defendant caused.
- When a defendant has caused a personal injury through illegal misconduct or egregious negligence, they may also be required to pay punitive damages along with the victim’s other compensatory damages. Your attorney can advise you as to whether this is likely to come into play for your case.
While the police will arrest the drunk driver and the state will prosecute them for breaking the law, you need to hire a drunk driving accident lawyer to help you claim compensation for your damages. Whether you can recover your losses with an auto insurance claim or you must file a personal injury case, you have the greatest chance of obtaining suitable compensation if you have an experienced Tustin drunk driving accident lawyer representing you.
Hire a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Now
Time is a crucial concern for any vehicle accident case in California. Some of the evidence you may need to prove fault for the accident may not be obtainable for very long, and there are statutory deadlines for pursuing compensation with an auto insurance claim or personal injury case in California. The sooner you connect with legal counsel, the more time your attorney has to build a strong case on your behalf.
Bentley & More LLP has an extensive record of success with vehicle accident cases throughout California. We know the various legal challenges you could encounter in the aftermath of a drunk driving accident and how to help you overcome them. If you are ready to discuss your legal options with an experienced Tustin drunk driving accident lawyer, contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our team.
About Tustin, California
Located in historic downtown, the Tustin Area Museum preserves over 150 years of rich regional history, offering community educational programs and vintage exhibits. However, impaired driving remains a serious risk on local roadways, with state figures recording 29 alcohol-involved victims injured or killed in vehicle crashes across Tustin in a single year. In response, local law enforcement agencies conduct high-visibility sobriety checkpoints and targeted saturation patrols along high-density traffic corridors to deter impaired driving. These ongoing enforcement efforts underscore Tustin’s dedicated focus on preserving public safety across every neighborhood.
Client Testimonials
“I can’t thank Bentley & More enough, especially Steve. After my dad’s passing in a car accident, they secured a settlement we are so grateful for. From the start, they made sure we were taken care of, handling everything so we didn’t have to worry. Steve went above and beyond, always there when we needed support, and it was such a relief knowing we were in good hands. If you’re looking for a firm that truly cares, Bentley & More is the one. Highly recommend them!” – Kevin Jimenez ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Bentley & More LLP Office
Address: 4931 Birch Street Newport Beach, CA 92660
Phone: (949) 870-3800
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