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.