DUI Accident Victim Frequently Asked Questions

When Should I Contact a Lawyer after a DUI Accident?

The best time to contact a lawyer is immediately after an accident, as soon as initial medical needs have been addressed. Evidence may be lost and witness recollections forgotten in the days, weeks, and months following an accident. Contacting a lawyer soon allows your attorney to begin investigating and researching your case. As a result, the sooner you contact a lawyer, the sooner you can receive compensation for your injuries. At Estey Bomberger, our attorneys are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to discuss your case and answer your questions.

What Types of Damages May I Be Entitled To?

Typically, injured victims of DUI accidents may be entitled to compensation for medical care expenses, including ambulance transport, initial hospitalization, surgical procedures, doctor visits, physical therapy, occupational rehabilitation, prescription medications and medical devices. Accident victims may also be entitled to compensation for past and future lost earnings, and if applicable, loss of earning capacity. Additionally, non-economic damages may be awarded for physical pain and emotional suffering. In some cases involving drunk driving accidents, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the at-fault party. When a family member is killed in a fatal accident, loved one’s may be entitled to compensation in a wrongful death claim for final medical expenses, funeral expenses, anticipated future lifetime earnings, and loss of love, care, affection, and companionship.

How Do I know How Much My DUI Accident Case is Worth?

Every case we handle is different and unique. Without specific facts about you, your accident, and the party responsible for your injuries (or a loved one’s death), it is impossible to accurately assess how much a case may be worth. DUI accidents in particular have unique legal issues, and compensation awarded for medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering may be substantial.  After an alcohol or drug-related accident, consulting with a knowledgeable lawyer – one who has successfully handled DUI accident injury claims – can give you a better idea of the type and amount of damages you may be entitled to.

What Should I Do if the Insurance Company Offers Me a Check?

Insurance companies frequently try to settle claims quickly, by offering accident victims what they may say is a “generous” offer. The reason insurance companies offer money so quickly is they want victims to take compensation before they understand the nature and long-term effects of their injuries. While a check for a few thousand dollars may be helpful in paying several months worth of bills, it may do nothing to pay lifelong medical expenses or compensate months of future lost earnings. It is always advisable to speak to an attorney and determine if a settlement offer is fair. Often, accident victims are entitled to substantially more compensation than is initially offered.

What Does it Cost to Hire an Attorney?

At Estey Bomberger, all of our cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, also known as a no win, no fee arrangement. Per our written fee agreement, we are only paid in the event we recover money for your claim. In the unlikely event that we accept your case and cannot recover money for you, you will owe us nothing.

To learn more about your rights following a DUI accident, contact the California DUI accident personal injury lawyers at Estey Bomberger for a free, no-obligation consultation.