Drunk driving affects thousands of individuals every year and can cause devastating losses. Bearing this burden and navigating the legal process can be a lot. Having a drunk driving accident lawyer in Santa Clara, CA on your side can make all the difference.
A Santa Clara personal injury lawyer from Suits Litigation, Inc. is ready to fight for you and give you an ally in the fight for justice. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a DUI crash, you can count on our law firm to hold the intoxicated driver accountable.
What Is a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer?
A drunk driving accident lawyer in Santa Clara handles accidents involving drunk drivers and helps clients like you secure compensation. They take investigative measures, gather evidence, and negotiate on your behalf. Drunk driving accident lawyers are also adept at holding at-fault parties accountable by establishing their liability in a case so it can be resolved.
Why You Need a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
When you’re dealing with serious injuries or the death of a loved one after a drunk driving accident, the last thing you may want to do is deal with insurance companies, repair shops, and the legal system as a whole. When you hire a drunk driving accident lawyer who is experienced in handling these types of cases, you can focus on your recovery while they focus on managing your case, communicating with insurance companies, negotiating compensation, and so much more.
We know how to present your case in a way that protects your rights and interests so you are treated fairly and can rest easy knowing that you may receive the most favorable results possible. We also have extensive knowledge that helps us navigate the complexities of these cases and establish the other driver’s liability in order to resolve your case.
How a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Can Help Your Case
When Suits Litigation, Inc. handles your case, we begin by investigating the accident and gathering evidence to show your losses and the other party’s fault. This allows us to build a strong case centered on the information available in the case and your unique circumstances. We also take the time to talk to knowledgeable professionals who can provide greater insight into your case through expert testimonies. We talk to witnesses as well, who can provide details and who may be able to support your claim.
What Types of Compensation Can You Receive in a Drunk Driving Accident Case?
Drunk driving accidents can cause devastating losses, both financially and through suffering. The losses you have experienced can disrupt every area of your life and create significant uncertainty and stress. While you can handle a claim to recover your losses yourself, insurance companies are not always on your side and may push back. This is where it’s helpful to hire a lawyer who can effectively fight for you and secure greater compensation. Some damages you can recover in a personal injury case include:
- Emergency, ongoing medical, and rehabilitation expenses
- Home or vehicle accommodations, as well as medical equipment
- Property damage costs
- Loss of wages or earning capacity because of your injuries
- Funeral and burial expenses and death benefits
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- PTSD, anxiety, and depression
- Lost enjoyment and quality of life
- Loss of companionship and/or consortium
When you hire a drunk driving injury accident attorney from Suits Litigation, Inc. to represent you, we carefully calculate your losses to determine how much your case is worth and then outline this information in a demand letter to the insurance company. They are less likely to try to use bad faith tactics when you have a lawyer representing you. We fiercely negotiate to reach a favorable settlement agreement. If this is unsuccessful, we are prepared to take your case to trial to get you results.
What Should You Do After a Drunk Driving Accident?
Drunk driving accidents are traumatic events that can cause considerable suffering. Between the pain of your injuries and the shock of the collision, you’re likely feeling unsure about what to do next. The thought of insurance claims and legal action can seem daunting. While a lot takes place after an accident, the subsequent whirlwind can be less overwhelming by taking it one action at a time. To make sure you are maximally protected, take the following steps:
- Get Medical Attention: Receive immediate medical care to treat your injuries and determine if you have injuries that are not yet apparent.
- File a Police Report: Recount the accident to police officers so there is an official record of the collision. They can also document the other driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) to determine how drunk they were at the time of the accident. Request a copy of the police report once it’s been filed.
- Exchange Insurance Information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver after the accident. This is required by law in California Vehicle Code 16025. You will also need this information in order to file a claim.
- Begin Collecting Evidence: Claims to recover compensation rely heavily on evidence. The more you have, the more conclusively you can demonstrate that the other driver was drunk and recover compensation. In addition to the police report, keep medical records, medical expenses, photos and videos, repair estimates, and more.
- Contact Insurance: Contact your own insurance company to report the accident to them. Let them know you are going to be filing a claim against the other driver’s insurance company. Compile evidence and complete the necessary paperwork to initiate your claim with the at-fault party’s insurance.
- Hire a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Near You: An experienced lawyer can communicate with the insurance company on your behalf and help you navigate and resolve potential obstacles. They will help you recover maximum results.
These steps can help ensure you receive the care you need to recover and insulate you from factors that could negatively impact your claim. If this still feels overwhelming, hiring Suits Litigation, Inc. can help share the burden and handle the logistics in your case.
Understanding the Legal Process in Drunk Driving Accident Cases
After a drunk driving accident, you will generally start by filing an insurance claim to pursue compensation for your losses. You will need to complete the necessary paperwork and submit evidence to show what occurred and back up your claim. Once it has been submitted, insurance adjusters review your claim and conduct an investigation to verify the information provided. Insurance companies generally try to protect their bottom line, so they may try various tactics to avoid paying you fairly.
If you have hired a drunk driving accident injury lawyer, then they can negotiate with the insurance company and try to reach an agreement on the value of your settlement. If an agreement cannot be reached, then your case may proceed to trial. At this point, both parties may submit evidence into discovery and prepare their arguments for court. Some cases may settle during this stage, but if they do not, your case may be heard by a judge and jury. Our team can counsel you throughout the process.
The Importance of Hiring a Local Lawyer for Your Drunk Driving Accident Case
When you hire a DUI accident lawyer serving Santa Clara, you benefit from their local knowledge. They understand everything from the local laws that can affect your case to dangerous streets or areas where drunk driving accidents may be more likely to occur.
Local lawyers also have relationships with insurance companies, medical experts, lawyers, and court personnel within the Santa Clara County Superior Court system. These relationships are beneficial for strong, tailored cases and identifying effective strategies.
How to Find the Right Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Near You
Hiring a lawyer is a big decision, and one you should make with care. The Santa Clara car accident lawyer you choose can make a difference in the outcome of your case, and you also want to make sure that they are someone you can work closely with and trust. Taking advantage of free consultations is an important first step toward finding your lawyer.
During a consultation, ask a lawyer about their overall experience, as well as the experience they have handling your specific type of case. Take time to learn about their case results, how they approach drunk driving cases, what strategies they may use in your case, and factors that could impact the outcome of your case. Additionally, personal injury cases are subject to a two-year statute of limitations (California Code of Civil Procedure 335.1) period, so be sure to ask a lawyer about its implications on your case.
Why Choose Us If You’re Looking for a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Serving Santa Clara
Suits Litigation, Inc. has 17 years of experience representing clients when their world has been turned upside down. Our team has handled a variety of situations and provides compassionate service and effective solutions in your case. With us on your side, you can be confident that we fight tirelessly to hold the drunk driver who hurt you responsible for their actions. Our client reviews are a testament to our track record of success in getting results.
Contact Our DUI Accident Attorneys Near Santa Clara
Suits Litigation, Inc. focuses on getting you justice after a drunk driving accident. When you’ve been wronged, we can step in and aggressively advocate on your behalf so you are treated fairly. We offer free consultations so you can learn about your options and what we can do for you. Contact our law firm online to schedule a free consultation.