BAKERSFIELD DUI
ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
Injury lawyers fighting for the rights of victims of drunk driving accidents in Kern County, CA.
Zero Fees Unless We Win
After a drunk driving accident, it’s crucial to have a skilled and compassionate ally to navigate the legal maze. At RTM Law, we stand with victims of DUI accidents in Bakersfield, Kern County. Our top-rated DUI accident attorneys are experts in California’s DUI laws and are dedicated to vigorously defending your rights and obtaining the compensation you’re entitled to.
Facing these challenges alone can be overwhelming. Let RTM Law’s Bakersfield personal injury lawyers be your steadfast advocate in your quest for justice. Contact us now to begin your journey towards recovery and regaining control of your life.
What Does Drunk Driving Mean in California Law?
In California, drunk driving is defined under the Vehicle Code 23152(b) VC as operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. This limit is lowered to 0.01% for drivers under 21 and drivers on DUI probation.
A conviction of DUI in California can lead to severe penalties, including license suspension, hefty fines, mandatory DUI education programs, and even jail time. It’s important to understand that if you’re a victim in a DUI accident, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries, and the Bakersfield DUI accident lawyers at RTM Law can help you navigate this process.
Those who are proven to have been driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can also face additional penalties under Vehicle Code 23152(a) VC for driving while impaired by substances that affect your judgment or physical abilities.
Bakersfield Drunk Driving Accident Statistics
Kern County unfortunately ranks among the top counties in California for alcohol-involved collisions. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, in 2017, there were 4,674 DUI arrests in Kern County, many of which led to severe or fatal accidents. These statistics underline the seriousness and prevalence of DUI accidents in Bakersfield.
End of 2023 DUI-related reports from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) even show a sharp rise in DUI arrests over the Christmas weekend, nearly tripling compared to 2022. During the enforcement period from 6 p.m. Friday to 11 p.m. Monday, CHP Bakersfield recorded 30 DUI arrests and one fatal car accident.
In contrast, the same period in the year before witnessed 11 DUI arrests and no fatal accidents, from 6 p.m. December 23 to 11 p.m. December 26. This alarming increase highlights a growing concern for road safety during holiday seasons.
Drunk Driving Accidents in Bakersfield: Who Can Be Held Liable?
When it comes to drunk driving accidents, establishing liability can be complex as it doesn’t necessarily lie solely with the intoxicated driver. In some cases, liability can extend to multiple parties, all of whom can be held accountable for your damages. Here are some of the key parties that could be held liable:
The Drunk Driver
The person driving under the influence is typically the primary party held responsible. Their decision to operate a vehicle while impaired often directly leads to the accident.
The Bar or Restaurant
Under California’s Dram Shop laws, if a bar or restaurant knowingly serves alcohol to an obviously intoxicated person who then causes an accident, that establishment could potentially be held liable.
Social Hosts
Similarly, individuals who host social gatherings and provide alcohol to visibly intoxicated guests can also be held liable under certain circumstances if those guests cause a DUI accident.
Vehicle Owners
If the owner of a vehicle allows an intoxicated person to drive their car and an accident occurs, the owner may bear some responsibility.
Employers
If the accident occurs while the driver was performing work-related duties, the employer can be held liable, especially if they failed to implement or enforce appropriate policies around alcohol and driving.
Victim of a drunk driver in Bakersfield?
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Why Work With RTM Law For Your DUI Accident Claim?
Extensive Expertise
RTM Law has a formidable team of injury attorneys, medical professionals, and case managers who possess in-depth knowledge of DUI and drunk driving accident laws in California. Our specialization lies in effectively navigating complex DUI accident cases and tirelessly striving to secure the highest possible compensation for our clients.
Personalized Approach
We recognize that each drunk driving case comes with its own unique complexities. That’s why our Bakersfield DUI accident attorneys provide tailored legal representation for every client, ensuring that their specific concerns are addressed and their voices are heard throughout the entire legal process.
Impressive Track Record; Millions Recovered
Our law firm takes great pride in our ability to win millions of dollars for numerous DUI and drunk driving accident victims throughout Kern County and the entire state of California. When you choose RTM Law, you can have confidence in our ability to provide assertive and effective representation.
Hurt by a drunk driver in Bakersfield, CA?
We can help you file a claim.
No fees until we win. Available 24/7.
Victim of a drunk driver in Bakersfield?
Let us fight for you!
Free consultation. No fees until we win.
Penalties for Driving Under the Influence and Distracted Driving
Driving under the influence is a serious offense in Bakersfield, and the penalties reflect the gravity of these unlawful actions. A first-time DUI conviction can lead to penalties including probation, heavy fines, mandatory DUI education programs, and possible imprisonment.
The severity of the penalties amplify with each subsequent offense. A second DUI conviction within ten years of the first can potentially lead to a two-year license suspension, even greater fines, mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device, and longer jail time.
A third DUI offense within a ten-year period is classified as a misdemeanor in California and can result in severe penalties, including a three-year license revocation and substantial jail time.
In addition to these penalties, an individual convicted of DUI may also face increased insurance premiums, a criminal record, and potential employment difficulties.
Remember, if you have been a victim of a DUI accident in Bakersfield, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses. The Bakersfield DUI accident lawyers at RTM Law are dedicated to holding the responsible parties accountable and helping you secure the rightful compensation you deserve. Contact us for a free consultation today.
What Damages Can DUI Victims Claim?
- Medical Expenses: You can claim compensation for the cost of immediate medical care following the accident, as well as any future medical expenses related to your injuries. This may include hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, medication, and more.
- Lost Wages: If you’re unable to work due to your injuries, you’re entitled to recover the income you would have earned during your recovery period.
- Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injuries result in long-term disability like a traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury that reduces your ability to earn money in the future, you can claim compensation for this loss.
- Pain and Suffering: This refers to the physical pain and emotional distress you’ve endured as a result of the accident. It’s difficult to quantify, but it’s an important component of your claim.
- Property Damage: If your vehicle or other personal property was damaged in the DUI accident, you can claim the cost to repair or replace them.
- Wrongful Death: If a loved one was killed in a DUI accident, their family can claim damages for funeral expenses, loss of consortium, and the emotional pain and suffering caused by their death
Client Success Stories
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Bakersfield DUI Accident Attorney: FAQs
A Bakersfield DUI accident attorney can guide you through the complex legal process, help you understand your rights, gather necessary evidence to strengthen your case, and represent you in court. Their expertise can significantly improve your chances of securing the highest possible compensation.
It’s crucial to contact a lawyer as soon as possible after a DUI accident. Quick action can allow your lawyer to gather fresh evidence, contact witnesses, and start building your case promptly.
In Bakersfield, as with the rest of California, there is a ‘Zero Tolerance‘ law for drivers under the age of 21. Hence, if such a driver is found driving with any amount of alcohol in their system, they can be held accountable, and an accident attorney can help you pursue a claim against them.
California follows a ‘Pure Comparative Fault‘ law, meaning that even if you were partly at fault in the accident, you could still recover damages. However, the compensation will be reduced proportionately based on your level of fault.
The settlement timeline for a drunk driving accident claim can vary depending on the complexity of the case, the parties involved, and the legal procedures. An experienced Bakersfield DUI accident attorney can provide an estimated timeline based on the specifics of your case.
The settlement amount can greatly vary based on factors such as the severity of injuries, the degree of fault, the impact on earning capacity, and more. Your Bakersfield DUI accident attorney can help evaluate your claim and give an estimate of the potential compensation.
While most accident cases are settled out of court, sometimes a fair settlement cannot be reached, and the case goes to trial. If this happens, your DUI lawyer will represent you in court, advocating for your best interests.
If a DUI accident resulted in the death of a loved one, it is considered a wrongful death. Surviving family members, such as spouses, children, or parents, could file a wrongful death claim against the party at fault. Damages in these cases can include funeral expenses, loss of future earnings, loss of companionship and the emotional pain and suffering caused by the loss.
No, RTM Law is not a defense lawyer. The law firm focuses on advocating for the victims and their families in DUI accidents. We believe in holding those responsible accountable for their actions and seeking justice for our clients.
If you were a passenger, you may still have grounds to seek compensation for your injuries. The driver’s insurance should cover damages, but if that is not enough, you may be able to file a claim against other parties involved, such as bars or restaurants that served alcohol to the driver before the accident.
Hire an Award-winning Bakersfield DUI Accident Lawyer. Free Consultation.
RTM Law takes pride in its team of highly skilled and experienced personal injury attorneys who have successfully represented numerous clients and secured millions of dollars in compensation. Reach out to us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and how we can help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
Don’t wait; call RTM Law now. Let us fight for you.
Hurt by a drunk driver in Bakersfield?
We can help you file a claim.
Free consultation. No fees until we win.
Millions of Dollars Recovered for Accident Victims
Our California personal injury law firm has consistently obtained maximum outcomes and recovered millions for our clients
RTM WINS
$5,000,000
Global Settlement
Trucking Accident
RTM WINS
$2,000,000
Wrongful Death
Auto Collision
RTM WINS
$1,000,000
Global Settlement
Auto v. Truck
RTM WINS
$900,000
Car Accident
Auto v. Auto
RTM WINS
$485,000
Rear End Auto Collision
Involving Mild Brain Injury
RTM WINS
$425,000
Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle Collision
RTM WINS
$425,000
Trip and Fall
Incident at Apartment
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We Help Accident Victims File
a Personal Injury Claim in Bakersfield, California
Our Bakersfield personal injury attorneys handle a wide range of personal injury claims
in several areas, including:
- Algoso
- Baker Street
- Belsera
- Campus Park
- Casa Loma
- East Bakersfield
- Fuller Acres
- Gosford
- Greenacres
- Homaker Park
- Kayandee
- Kern City
- La Cresta/Alta Vista
- Lakeview
- Laurel Glen
- Lonsmith
- Maltha
- Mondavi
- Mountain Meadows
- Oakridge
- Oil Junction
- Oildale
- Old River
- Oleander/Sunset
- Olive Drive Area
- Panama
- Park Stockdale
- Polo Grounds
- Quailwood
- Rexland Acres
- Rosedale
- Sagepointe
- San Trope
- Seven Oaks
- South San Lauren
- Spice Tract
- Stone Creek
- Terra Vista
- Tevis Ranch
- Tyler Homes
- Venola
- West Park Community
Our Location
RTM Law, APC | Personal Injury Attorney
Bakersfield, CA 93309
(661) 402-3200
