Sacramento Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers

We Hold Drunk Drivers Accountable

The decision to drink and drive has resulted in thousands of innocent California residents being badly injured or killed. Drunk driving accidents are particularly tragic because every one of these crashes is 100% preventable. The Sacramento area is particularly dangerous—in 2016, Sacramento had the highest per capita rate of alcohol-related crashes that caused injury in the entire state of California.

At Piering Law Firm, we understand your concerns and know what needs to be done. We are your advocates in making certain you receive the maximum settlement after being hit by a drunk driver because you deserve the chance to recover on your own terms. If you have been hit by a drunk driver in California, we can help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.

Want to learn more about how we can help? Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.

Establishing Liability In Drunk Driving Cases

What should you do if you have been hit by a drunk driver with no insurance? Sadly, finding someone to hold accountable in drunk driving cases is not always enough. Despite state requirements to have adequate insurance coverage, individuals who drink and drive often flaunt the law and drive without any coverage whatsoever. Many of these drivers do not even have a valid driver's license and should never be on the road to begin with. This is where having a lawyer by your side can help.

If you were hit by a drunk driver with insurance, we take away the stress of dealing with insurance companies and filing an insurance claim against the drunk driver by handling all of the negotiations on your behalf. Besides holding drunk drivers responsible for the injuries they cause, we make certain insurance companies meet their obligations when making injury claim payments. Our Sacramento drunk driving accident lawyers understand how to locate applicable insurance coverage to compensate you for your injuries.

Are Bars Liable for Drunk Drivers?

This type of liability, also known as "Dram Shop Law," refers to holding restaurants or bars responsible for over-serving customers who then cause a drunk driving accident after leaving the establishment. Specific laws regarding dram shop liability differ from one state to the next.

In California, it is extremely difficult to win a third-party claim against alcohol-providers when it comes to drunk driving accidents. However, there are several exceptions to this rule:

  • If the bar or restaurant knowingly served alcohol to an "obviously intoxicated" minor who later causes the accident
  • If the parent, guardian or other adult at the residence provides a minor with alcohol that can later be found to be the "proximate cause" of the accident

Average Settlement for Drunk Driving Accidents

Injuries resulting from drunk driving crashes are often more severe than those occurring in the typical automobile crash. Such accidents often involve head-on crashes or accidents where a drunk driver blows through a stop sign or red light without even attempting to slow down. Oftentimes victims are rear-ended by drunk drivers who are not paying attention. These crashes result in traumatic injuries requiring prolonged hospitalization and multiple surgeries. The amount of compensation required to cover medical expenses and everyday costs is often difficult to calculate.

Should I Get a Lawyer If I Was Hit by a Drunk Driver?

As personal injury cases involving drunk drivers are complex, it is beneficial to have on your side attorneys who understand this area of the law and have experience trying such cases in court. Two of our lawyers, Robert Allen Piering and John Beals, have been representing individuals injured in California car crashes for a combined 35 plus years. We understand the Sacramento court system and the best methods for getting evidence admitted to a case. Because we have a powerful reputation concerning litigation of these matters, we also are in a strong position to negotiate the best possible settlement for you.

Reach the Piering Law Firm to schedule a free and confidential consultation by filling out our online form or by calling us at (916) 476-2399. We will charge no legal fee without recovering compensation for you. Se habla español.

Settlements & Verdicts

Piering Law Firm Has Achieved Notable Results in a Wide Range of Cases
  • $5,000,000 Wrongful Death

    A wrongful death judgment secured for a child who lost his mother as a result of domestic violence.

  • $4,893,830 Wrongful Death

    Complex wrongful death motorcycle accident involving product liability claims against both helmet and motorcycle luggage manufacturers.

  • $3,609,600 Knee Amputation

    Motorcycle vs. automobile collision resulting in below knee amputation. Client was riding motorcycle and defendant pulled out in front of him, resulting in a severe injury to client's leg, which ultimately led to the amputation of his leg, just below the knee.

  • $2,500,000 Serious Injuires

    Case involving serious injuries to a motorcycle rider who was involved in an accident with a shuttle bus on the freeway in San Francisco.

  • $2,000,000 Wrongful Death

    A settlement in a wrongful death action as a result of a crash that took the life of a motorcyclist.

  • $2,000,000 Against Bar/Security Company

    34-year-old software sales associate out with friends drinking at a bar in San Francisco. After a few hours, he leaves the bar to go home and gets in an argument outside of the club with a security guard.

  • $2,000,000 Trucking Accident

    Recovery for the victim of a rear-end traffic collision with a big rig that resulted in a neck injury.

  • $1,700,000 Trucking Accident

    Verdict received after trial for the victim of a rear-end traffic collision involving a commercial trucking company.

  • $1,300,000 Head-On Collision

    A policy limit settlement involving a head-on collision on a notoriously dangerous stretch of highway between State Highway 99 in Sacramento and Marysville, commonly known as "blood alley".

  • $1,250,000 Pedestrian Wrongful Death

    The defendant's primary limits of $250,000 were tendered in response to a conditional limit demand that required disclosure of all other coverages. The defendant had an excess policy of $1,000,000.00 which was tendered along with the primary limits.

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Hear It From Our Clients

    “

    I was referred to John due to a car accident. I couldn't of asked for a better lawyer to represent me. He was very involved from beginning to end making sure I understood the process and that I got the medical treatment I needed. He is definit”

    - Nicolle M.

    “I was recommended to the Piering Law Firm by a dear friend. I am thoroughly impressed with their high level of expertise, professionalism and consistency. They relieved me of a lot of stress by taking on my case. I am very much pleased with our results and”

    - Angelique Y.

    “

    If anyone has been injured from an accident and needs help, Piering Law Firm is who you need to reach out to. Not only are they helpful, they will educate you about your situation and help you get the best treatment you need for your road to r”

    - Ricky Y.

    “

    Rob Piering and his team built a strong case for me, they followed up and supported the case and myself all throughout. Rob and his team are knowledgeable, talented, honest and extremely experienced. They were available on a daily basis and re”

    - Elizabeth D.

    “

    Rob Piering was my lawyer in an accident lawsuit. I couldn't have asked for better representation. Rob and his staff at Piering Law Firm are super knowledgeable and are amazing at what they do. He is quick to respond and very personable. He wa”

    - Kayla R.

    “

    I was recommended to John Beals by a friend. John educated me about the automotive claims process, but it was his advocacy for me that really stands out. He truly cared for me through encouragement to have my health professionals really look f”

    - Dale D.

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