Getting behind the wheel after drinking is often a recipe for disaster. Drivers who drive after they’ve had alcohol can endanger the lives of others. If you have been impacted by the negligent actions of an impaired driver, consult a drunk driving accident lawyer in Los Gatos, CA who can skillfully advocate for you throughout the legal process.
Suits Litigation, Inc. has 17 years of experience handling a variety of personal injury cases, including drunk driving accidents. Our team is committed to securing the resources you need so you can find a way forward. A Los Gatos personal injury lawyer can help manage your case as they fight tirelessly for you.
What Is a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer?
A drunk driving accident attorney can represent you and fight for you when you have been the victim of an impaired driver. From initial consultation to resolution, they handle every aspect of your case, from managing logistics to investigative measures to case building and negotiations, and more. A Los Gatos car accident lawyer prioritizes and protects your rights and interests so they can help you secure compensation and offset the losses you’ve endured.
Why You Need a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Los Gatos, CA
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drunk driving contributed to 12,429 deaths in the most recent year of data alone. Given the severity of this issue and the complexities of these cases, it is important to look for a drunk driving accident lawyer near you if you or a loved one has been injured by a drunk driver.
Our team has extensive knowledge of California law and the local court system that we use to clearly demonstrate the at-fault party’s actions and offense, so you can get justice.
How a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Can Help Your Case
In order for a drunk driving accident injury lawyer to hold an impaired driver liable for your injuries, they must investigate the accident to determine what occurred. This means looking over police reports, field tests, photos and videos, vehicle repair estimates, and so much more. The lawyer handling your case can also collect this information to use as evidence to reinforce your claim and the other party’s fault.
Your lawyer also handles insurance companies on your behalf. Insurance companies may take advantage of your vulnerable position and what you say and use it against you to pay you less or deny your claim. However, lawyers can present your case without jeopardizing the outcome. We also represent you in court if your case goes to court.
Types of Compensation You May Be Entitled to in a Drunk Driving Accident
A drunk driving injury accident attorney can help calculate the value of your losses to help you determine how much you may be able to recover in compensation. Settlements are generally divided into economic and non-economic damages, so you receive comprehensive support through the compensation you receive. Depending on your circumstances, damages you may be able to recover can include:
- Economic Damages: These damages make up the majority of your settlement and cover the financial losses you have sustained. This portion of your settlement often covers your medical expenses, lost wages, damage to property, and even funeral and burial expenses when applicable. These expenses are added together to determine how much they are worth.
- Non-Economic Damages: These damages provide compensation for your pain and suffering so you can get the support and resources you need to help rebuild your life. This part of your settlement can also cover emotional distress, lost quality of life, and loss of companionship or consortium. Because of the subjective nature of these damages, formulas are used to calculate their value.
A drunk driving accident lawyer can negotiate with other parties to help secure a settlement that reflects the total value of your losses. Various factors can impact what you may receive in your claim, but a lawyer can optimize your case and help you try to recover 100% of your losses.
The Importance of Acting Quickly After a Drunk Driving Accident
If you have been the victim of a drunk driving accident, it is important to act quickly. Time is often working against you after an accident, and every minute and every action makes a difference in your case. This begins with your safety and health. Drunk driving accidents have the potential to cause catastrophic injuries, and some may not be apparent without tests and exams by a medical professional.
You should also act quickly to preserve evidence and continue to keep thorough records as you progress through medical treatment and your case. Filing a police report, taking pictures of the accident, and getting witness information are steps that can be taken early on. Documenting medical care and expenses, vehicle repairs, and lost wages should be an ongoing process, as applicable.
Additionally, taking swift action can help ensure that you file your claim before the statute of limitations (California Code of Civil Procedure 335.1) expires. By hiring a lawyer, you can have support and guidance throughout the legal process and have someone to protect your rights as the victim.
What to Expect During the Legal Process of a DUI Accident Claim
When you hire a drunk driving accident lawyer serving Los Gatos, they can walk you through each stage of the claim process so you know what to expect and feel more confident about the proceedings. During the initial consultation, we prepare you for what steps must be completed, what to do and not to do, and how we may approach your case. Our team then begins gathering evidence such as breathalyzer and blood tests, surveillance footage, your medical records, and more to build a strong case that establishes liability.
Our team also spends time calculating your case so we can draft and submit a demand letter to the insurance company, so they know the extent of your losses. We negotiate with them until we can reach a settlement agreement, and you can be compensated. We are also equipped to go to trial if negotiations break down.
Why Hire a Local Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Near Los Gatos, CA?
Local lawyers have combined their general legal knowledge with knowledge of the specific area and its laws and people. A local lawyer can provide more customized recommendations and solutions to help get better results.
For example, our team can help connect you with medical professionals in Los Gatos and resources such as the California Victim Compensation Board. We have also built relationships in the legal community, as well as with skilled reconstructionists. These resources help us serve you better.
How to Find a Qualified Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Near You
With so many law firms out there, it can feel overwhelming trying to determine who to hire to handle your case. Finding a law firm that has experience and that you feel confident in is very important, and it is not a decision that should be made lightly. Some factors you should consider when looking for a lawyer include:
- Experience: Ask a lawyer about how many years of experience they have practicing law and handling drunk driving cases. This can indicate their level of skill and capability as a lawyer.
- Reviews: Read reviews, talk to people you may know who have hired the firm in the past, and talk to a lawyer about any questions or concerns you may have as a result. This can provide a picture of what it’s like to work with the lawyer and what kind of service you may receive.
- Consultation Availability: When you need to hire a lawyer, you should look to see if a law firm’s consultation availability aligns with the timeline of your case. Limited availability could also mean that they may have a heavy caseload, which could potentially affect your case if you were to hire them.
- Case Successes: While every case is different, looking at past successes can highlight a law firm’s track record and what they could do for you.
While this is not an exhaustive list of what to look for when finding a lawyer, it provides some key points to consider. Each element can have a considerable impact on your case, and finding the right fit is important.
Why Choose Us If You Need a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Near Los Gatos
Suits Litigation, Inc. only handles personal injury cases, like drunk driving accidents, so we can focus on helping clients find hope, stability, and justice in their time of need. We act quickly to protect your rights and fight to hold drunk drivers responsible for getting behind the wheel and causing an accident. We leverage our local relationships and legal knowledge to gather information and evidence, and to find the right solution for your particular situation. Our client testimonials reflect our success in the community.
Contact Our DUI Accident Attorneys Near Los Gatos
Suits Litigation, Inc. is your strongest advocate after a drunk driving accident. We can help you pursue your claim and implement effective strategies to get results. To request a free legal consultation, contact our personal injury law firm online.