San Bernardino Drunk Driving Accident Attorney

Fighting For Drunk Driving Accident Victims in California

No one can argue against the fact that driving under the influence of alcohol is reckless and dangerous behavior. Studies show that even a few drinks can inhibit the average person's thinking and reflexes so that they are incapable of operating a motor vehicle in a safe manner. Drunk drivers may stray from their lanes and speed, ignore traffic signs and signals, and cause more car accident injuries every year due to their negligence.

Victims of such accidents should not hesitate to fight for compensation. Hire a San Bernardino drunk driving accident attorney today to discuss your options and file a strong claim. Our skilled legal team will be able to investigate your accident and preserve evidence that the other driver was intoxicated at the time, which will establish liability and hold them accountable for your injuries and other damages. Wrongful death is quite common in drunk driving accidents, as well, and immediate family members of the deceased can file a claim to compensate for any loss of income, grief, and funeral expenses. Vetchtein Law, a Professional Law Corporation, is experienced in DUI accident claim cases and can fight aggressively for a victim in need of compensation.

Call (888) 963-9999 today to schedule a free consultation with our drunk driving accident attorney in San Bernardino.

How Can Hiring a Lawyer Help My Injury Claim in San Bernardino?

By hiring a lawyer, you are trusting a legal team to fight for the full compensation that you deserve by holding all responsible parties accountable for your injuries. Did you know that a number of parties may be held responsible, not just the drunk driver? Party hosts who knowingly let their guests leave while drunk may be considered partially liable, as well as bar and restaurant owners. Bars and restaurants have a responsibility to cut off service to anyone who appears to be intoxicated. If they didn't and that person left to cause an accident that resulted in your injuries, they may be held partially responsible. Our San Bernardino drunk driving accident attorneys can help you figure out who the responsible parties are and put together a strong claim.

When you work with a drunk driving accident lawyer, San Bernardino victims can turn to, we handle the day-to-day tasks that most people find overwhelming after a serious crash. This can include communicating with insurance adjusters, gathering witness statements, obtaining surveillance footage from nearby businesses, and working with accident reconstruction professionals when needed. We can also advise you on what to say or not say to the other driver's insurer, so you do not unintentionally harm your case while you are still trying to recover from your injuries.

Common Injuries in Drunk Driving Accidents

Common injuries include the following:

• Traumatic brain injuries: These could result from severe impacts, leading to long-term cognitive, physical, and emotional challenges.
• Spinal cord injuries: Harm to the spine can cause paralysis, chronic pain, or other life-altering conditions.
• Fractures and broken bones: High-impact collisions frequently result in broken arms, legs, ribs, or pelvises.
• Internal injuries: The power of a crash can cause internal bleeding or organ damage, demanding immediate medical attention.
• Whiplash and neck injuries: These are common in rear-end collisions, leading to significant pain and limited mobility.
• Burn injuries: If a vehicle catches fire during a crash, victims may suffer severe burns that require extensive medical treatment.

Beyond the immediate medical care you may receive at facilities such as Loma Linda University Medical Center or other local hospitals, many injuries from drunk driving collisions require lengthy follow-up treatment and rehabilitation. Physical therapy, counseling for emotional trauma, and accommodations at work or home can all become part of your recovery plan, and documenting these needs carefully can help support a compensation claim that truly reflects how the crash has changed your daily life.

What Damages Could Be Recovered in a Drunk Driving Accident Claim?

Some of the damages that could be recovered include the following:

• Medical expenses: Compensation for present and future medical bills, which include surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy, and medication.
• Lost wages: Reimbursement for time missed from work because of injuries and recovery, as well as compensation for reduced earning capacity if the injuries result in long-term disability.
• Pain and suffering: Non-economic damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life caused by the accident.
• Property damage: Coverage for repairs or replacement of your vehicle and any other damaged personal property.
• Punitive damages: In instances of gross negligence, such as driving under the influence, courts could grant punitive damages to discipline the at-fault party and deter similar behavior in the future.

In a drunk driving case, insurance companies may try to quickly offer a settlement that does not account for the long-term costs of your injuries or the full measure of your pain and disruption. We can help you evaluate any offers in light of how juries in San Bernardino County might view similar cases and whether additional categories of damages, such as ongoing care needs or future lost earnings, should be included before you consider resolving your claim.

Steps To Take After a Drunk Driving Accident

In the moments and days after a drunk driving crash, the actions you take can affect both your health and your future claim. Your first priority should always be safety and getting medical attention, even if you think your injuries are minor. Seeking prompt care at an emergency room or urgent care clinic in San Bernardino not only protects your well-being but also creates medical records that can link your injuries to the collision. When it is safe to do so, try to gather basic information such as the other driver’s contact and insurance details and the names of any witnesses at the scene.

It is also important to cooperate with law enforcement officers who respond, whether they are from the San Bernardino Police Department, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, or the California Highway Patrol. Provide honest answers about what you remember, but avoid speculating about fault or minimizing your injuries. If you are able, take photos or videos of the vehicles, road conditions, traffic signals, and any visible injuries before the scene is cleared. Preserving this evidence can be extremely helpful later when we are building your claim and addressing any disputes raised by the insurance company.

After you have received initial medical care, consider contacting our firm before speaking in detail with the at-fault driver’s insurer about the crash. Adjusters may seem friendly, but their goal is often to limit what the company pays out, and recorded statements can be used against you if you are not careful with your words. We can guide you on how to handle these calls, help you track your medical appointments and time missed from work, and start gathering police reports and test results related to the suspected DUI so that your rights are protected from the beginning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do after a drunk driving crash in San Bernardino?

Call 911, get medical care right away, and ask officers to document signs of impairment. If you can, take photos, get the witness contact info, and avoid discussing fault with the other driver or an insurer before you understand your rights.

Can I still file a claim if the drunk driver was arrested or charged?

Yes. A criminal case and a personal injury claim are separate. The criminal process can support your case, but you do not have to wait for a conviction to pursue compensation.

What compensation is available after a drunk driving accident?

You may be able to recover medical expenses, lost income, reduced earning ability, pain and suffering, and property damage. In some cases involving impaired driving, punitive damages may also be available.

How long do I have to file a drunk driving accident lawsuit in California?

Most personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the crash date, but there are exceptions that can shorten the deadline, such as claims involving government entities. Acting early helps preserve evidence and avoids avoidable delays.

What if the drunk driver was uninsured or underinsured?

You may still have options through your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, as well as other potentially responsible parties, depending on the facts. An attorney can help identify every available source of recovery.

Can I recover compensation if I was partially at fault?

Often, yes. California uses comparative fault, which can reduce your recovery by your percentage of responsibility. Even if you think you made a mistake, it is worth getting a legal review before assuming you cannot recover.

Do I have a case if the other driver was not over the legal limit?

Possibly. Impairment is not limited to a single BAC number. Evidence like officer observations, field sobriety tests, crash reconstruction, and toxicology results can support a claim that the driver was unsafe to operate a vehicle.

Contact Our Drunk Driving Accident Attorney in San Bernardino Today

Reaching out to our team soon after a crash also allows us to protect important evidence that might otherwise be lost, such as vehicle data, photos of the scene, or time-sensitive surveillance video from nearby intersections like those along I-215 or Route 66. We can answer your questions about dealing with law enforcement, missed time from work, and getting medical care approved through insurance while we move your claim forward, so you can focus on your recovery and your family.

If you've been injured in an accident that involved a drunk driver, call our firm today at (888) 963-9999 or contact us online to get started with our San Bernardino drunk driving accident lawyer.