Huntington Beach Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
Drunk Driving Accident Attorney in Huntington Beach, CA
The aftermath of a drunk driving collision in Huntington can leave injured victims seeking accountability and answers. An unexpected wreck can lead to physical and financial hardships, complicating an already stressful situation. If an intoxicated driver hit you or someone you love, you can rely on a Huntington Beach drunk driving accident lawyer to guide you to fair compensation for your damages.
Dedicated Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers
For the injury lawyers at Bentley & More LLP, our success is measured by more than our numerous awards and recognitions. What matters to our legal team is seeing our clients have the resources needed to recover and rebuild after a preventable injury. We bring decades of combined experience to complex personal injury cases, including drunk driving cases.
Our track record of success in court has been recognized by Super Lawyers and other legal groups. However, awards and recognition are not guarantees of future results. Selection criteria vary by organization.
What sets our law firm apart is our focus on the needs and interests of the people we represent. Our clients’ priorities are our top priority, and we never waver on what matters most to them. When someone secures our representation, they work directly with one of the firm’s lead attorneys, who personally manages cases from start to finish. Trust our trial-ready team of litigators to go the extra mile to see that you are financially restored following a personal injury.
Must-Know Drunk Driving Statistics
Irvine is a master-planned city in Orange County that is known for its clean cityscape, high-achieving schools, and strong local economy. But even here, drunk driving accidents can cause devastating collisions that affect families in Woodbridge, Northwood, Irvine Spectrum, and elsewhere in the city. In 2023, 570 people were killed or injured in car collisions, and 55 of those incidents involved a drunk driver.
With an annual crime rate of 19.87 per 1,000 residents, crime remains a concern in the city, and drunk driving contributes to crime figures. One February 2025 story is a reminder of the loss of life that can follow a drunk driving wreck. That month, a 48-year-old allegedly ran a red light before hitting a Ford transit van, killing one passenger in the van. The driver was charged with suspicion of murder and driving under the influence.
Driving under the influence is a serious crime in California, with penalties potentially including heavy fines and jail time. An arrest can occur along Jamboree Road, Barranca Parkway, and elsewhere in Irvine. Injured drivers and passengers are typically treated at Kaiser Permanente Orange County Irvine Medical Center or Hoag Hospital Irvine. Drunk driving is a criminal offense, and criminal defendants can simultaneously face civil liabilities as well.
Hardships and Setbacks Caused By Drunk Driving
In the blink of an eye, a drunk driving collision can lead to immediate and ongoing hardships. Drunk drivers are more likely to engage in erratic driving behaviors and speed. Common injuries sustained in a drunk driving accident can include:
- Traumatic brain injuries, including concussions and more severe head trauma
- Spinal cord injuries that can lead to partial or full paralysis
- Broken bones, especially in the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis
- Internal injuries, including organ damage and internal bleeding
- Neck and back injuries, such as whiplash or herniated discs
- Lacerations and deep cuts from broken glass or debris
- Emotional and psychological injuries, including PTSD and anxiety
The emotional trauma of a serious accident can also lead to ongoing hardships. Flashbacks to the moment of the crash and the emotional aftermath can cause significant hardships for victims of a drunk driving crash. A long and uncertain recovery can lead to medical bills and lost wages.
What Types of Evidence Can Support a Claim?
Before the victim of a drunk driving crash can pursue compensation, they must collect evidence establishing fault and documenting their injuries. Accident reports, including one authored by a police officer, police bodycam footage, photos of the scene of the collision, video footage, and witness statements, can all be used to build a claim that leads to fair compensation.
Medical records can show the extent of the claimant’s injuries. Once these and other forms of documentation have been collected, an injury lawyer can move forward with an injury claim filed with the liable driver’s insurance company or the civil court system.
Compensation You May Be Owed
A drunk driving collision can lead to considerable financial hardships. The city of Irvine is home to many millionaires who want the amenities of a city without the overcrowding and congestion. When high earners miss time from work, they can lose out on commissions and other opportunities. A severe collision can even lead to a short- or long-term disability that can greatly curtail or end someone’s ability to perform their normal job duties.
With support from an injury attorney, injured parties can pursue compensation for tangible and intangible harm. A claim can account for tangible and intangible losses. Economic damages reflect financial losses that resulted from the collision. Medical bills, transportation costs, out-of-pocket expenses, and even upcoming treatments can be addressed through a settlement.
The physical pain and emotional suffering you went through can be compensated through non-economic damages. In the rare case that a claim goes to trial, a judge or jury may award punitive damages to punish the defendant for misconduct and reckless disregard for the safety of others.
Insurance Claims Versus Civil Court Actions
When you hear the term “injury claim,” that is basically referring to two possible paths for pursuing compensation: negotiations with the insurer of the party at fault or a civil court action. In California, all drivers are required to maintain insurance policies and to carry proof of insurance at all times. These policies can compensate other parties for property damage and bodily injury.
In the event of a drunk driving collision, the insurance carrier for the party at fault is responsible for paying for any harm their policyholder caused. Negotiations with insurance carriers can be complicated, which is why many injured parties rely on legal representation to secure fair settlements. If negotiations do not lead to a settlement figure that fully compensates the claimant, there is the option of taking the claim to court.
The Civil Complex Center at 751 West Santa Ana Boulevard in nearby Santa Ana or another courtroom could provide the proper venue for seeking compensation from the party at fault. Most civil claims are resolved through settlements, although some cases may go to trial where a jury or judge decides which side’s arguments are more likely to be true.
Why It Is Critical to Hire a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
If you were injured due to the reckless actions of a drunk driver, your top priority should be to hire a drunk driving accident lawyer to manage your drunk driving accident case. The state’s drunk driving accident laws are complex, and the other party could dispute liability. Representation from a Huntington Beach drunk driving accident attorney can help you gather the right evidence and build a strong case that leads to fair and full compensation.
FAQs
What Happens if You Are Hit by a Drunk Driver in California?
If you are hit by a drunk driver, prioritize your safety by calling 911. When paramedics arrive, allow them to examine you for injuries. Provide factual and neutral statements to the police describing what you saw and experienced. As soon as possible, contact an injury attorney so you have representation throughout the claims process. Follow your lawyer’s advice and take the time you need to recover.
What Mistakes Do Injured People Make After a Drunk Driving Collision?
One major mistake that injured drivers and passengers make after a drunk driving collision is failing to secure high-quality legal representation. In the aftermath of a drunk driving crash, you may be facing multiple challenges. Failing to hire an experienced attorney soon after the collision could mean that your settlement does not fully compensate you.
What Is the Average Settlement for a Drunk Driving Accident in California?
No two injury claims are ever the same, so there is no readily available “average” amount for a settlement. The final recovery that someone secures after being hit by a drunk driver largely depends on how severe their injuries are and their attorney’s ability to negotiate a fair settlement amount. Insurance caps may apply, and a lawyer can further pursue compensation with a civil court filing.
How Long Does an Injury Claim Take to Resolve?
An injury claim can take a few months to several months or longer to resolve. The complexity of the case is one factor. When the injured party requires considerable time to recover, that can delay the process because it may not be clear at first how much compensation is owed. The level of cooperation by the party at fault and their insurance carrier can also influence the timeline for a drunk driving injury claim. Legal representation can streamline the process for claimants.
Contact an Experienced Injury Law Firm Today
If you were injured by a drunk driver, now is the time to act. The dedicated team of injury lawyers at Bentley & More LLP can provide you with the focused support that your case deserves. We can take the time to learn about the harm you suffered before moving forward with a results-driven strategy. Contact our office today to learn how we can help you secure the compensation that you are owed.
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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