SANTA ANA DUI ACCIDENT LAWYER
Fighting for the rights of victims of drunk driving accidents in Santa Ana, CA.
Zero Fees Unless We Win
In the aftermath of a DUI accident, you need an ally who can guide you through the complex process of seeking justice and compensation. RTM Law advocates for victims of DUI accidents in Santa Ana, Orange County. Our award-winning drunk driving accident lawyers understand the intricacies of California’s DUI laws and will tirelessly work to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
Don’t navigate this challenging time alone — let RTM Law be your trusted partner in your pursuit of justice. Reach out to our Santa Ana personal injury attorneys today and take the first step towards reclaiming your life.
What Constitutes Drunk Driving in California?
Drunk driving is considered a serious offense. As per the California Vehicle Code section 23152, it is unlawful for any person to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or other substances. The law specifically prohibits motorists from driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or higher.
However, different rules apply to certain groups of drivers. For instance, minors and young adults aged 18 to 20 can be charged with impaired driving based on blood alcohol levels of 0.01 or higher. Similarly, commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders can be charged if their BAC is .04% or higher, especially if they are on DUI probation. If you are under 21, driving with any BAC is illegal.
It’s important to note that drivers who commit DUI offenses can face criminal penalties in court as well as an administrative driver’s license suspension and loss of driving privileges.
Drunk Driving Accident Statistics
In the United States, drunk-driving crashes claim approximately 37 lives each day, translating to one fatality every 39 minutes.
In the year 2021, there was a worrying increase in alcohol-impaired driving fatalities, with the death toll reaching 13,384 — a rise of 14% from the previous year. Roughly 30% of car accident deaths in California are attributed to drunk driving, which is remarkably close to the national average. Tragically, all these deaths could have been avoided.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for DUI Accidents?
The Drunk Driver
The person driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is primarily responsible for the accident. They can be held liable for any damages, injuries, or deaths that occur as a result of their impaired driving.
Bar or Restaurant Owners
California DUI laws allow victims of drunk driving accidents to hold bar owners or servers responsible if they served alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person who then caused a traffic accident.
Social Hosts
Similar to bar and restaurant owners, social hosts can also be held accountable if they serve alcohol to someone who is obviously intoxicated, and that person then causes a drunk driving accident.
Vehicle Owners
If the vehicle’s owner knowingly allows an intoxicated individual to operate their car, they may be held liable for resulting accidents.
Employers
If the drunk driver was operating a vehicle as part of their job (for example, a delivery driver), the employer could potentially be held liable for the accident.
Victim of a drunk driver in Santa Ana?
Let us fight for you!
Call our Santa Ana DUI accident lawyer
Free consultation. Available 24/7.
Why Work With RTM Law?
In-Depth Knowledge
RTM Law is backed by a powerful team of experienced attorneys, medical professionals, and case managers with comprehensive knowledge of DUI and drunk driving accident laws in California. We specialize in navigating complex DUI accident cases and strive to secure the maximum possible compensation for our clients.
Individualized Attention
We understand that every DUI accident case has its own unique complexities. That’s why our Santa Ana personal injury attorneys offer customized legal representation for each client, ensuring their specific concerns are addressed and their voices are heard throughout the entire legal journey.
Stellar Success Rate: Millions Won
Our law office takes pride in winning millions of dollars for hundreds of DUI and drunk driving accident victims across Orange County and throughout California. You can rely on RTM Law’s Santa Ana DUI accident lawyer for confident and effective representation.
Hurt by a drunk driver in Santa Ana, CA?
We can help you file a claim.
No fees until we win. Available 24/7.
Victim of a drunk driver in Santa Ana?
Let us fight for you!
Free consultation. No fees until we win.
Penalties for DUI in Santa Ana, Orange County
Driving under the influence is a serious offense in Orange County, California, with strict penalties upon conviction. The laws fall under various “driving under the influence” code sections in the California Vehicle and Penal Codes.
A first-time DUI arrest and conviction generally results in a misdemeanor charge, which can lead to up to 6 months in jail. The penalties may include 3-5 years of summary probation, fines ranging from $390 to $1,000 plus additional costs, 96 hours to one year in jail, and mandatory participation in an 18-month or 30-month DUI program.
The law also stipulates that any individual driving with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.15% or higher, or refusing to submit to chemical tests at the time of the arrest, can face legal penalties.
Prior DUI convictions worsen the situation. Under California law, if a person is arrested for DUI for the second time within 10 years, the penalty increases to a two-year suspension. Furthermore, a fourth-time DUI offender may receive a maximum of 16 months of jail time, a permanent driver’s license suspension, and 30 months of required alcohol education and counseling.
Orange County is known for having some of the harshest drunk driving charges across the State of California, and the felony DUI laws dealing with Driving Under The Influence (DUI) and Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) are stringent.
What Damages Can DUI Victims Claim?
- Medical Expenses: This includes all costs associated with medical care, such as hospital bills, medication, physical therapy, and any necessary medical equipment.
- Lost Income: If a victim is unable to work due to their injuries, they may be able to recover compensation for lost wages. This also includes loss of future earning capacity if the victim’s ability to work is permanently affected.
- Pain and Suffering: These damages compensate for the physical pain and emotional distress suffered by the victim. It can be challenging to quantify these damages, but they can be substantial.
- Loss of consortium: This refers to the deprivation of familial relationship benefits due to injury caused by another’s wrongful act. It commonly applies to spouses, parents and children, or domestic partners, covering loss of companionship, affection, help, and sexual relations.
- ✔ Punitive Damages: These are meant to punish the offender and are awarded in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct, like drunk driving.
- Property Damage: Victims can also seek compensation for damage to their vehicle or other property as a result of the accident.
- Wrongful Death: If a loved one was killed in a DUI accident, family members might be eligible to file a wrongful death claim to recover damages for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and more.
Client Success Stories
Our track record speaks for itself. We are five-star rated on Google!
Santa Ana DUI Accident Lawyer: FAQs
While it’s not legally required, hiring a DUI accident lawyer greatly increases your chances of receiving fair compensation. They understand the nuances of the law and can effectively advocate for your rights.
In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally two years from the date of the accident. Get the best possible lawyer as soon as possible to ensure all deadlines are met.
A DUI accident lawyer can provide crucial legal advice, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary. They aim to secure the maximum possible compensation for your injuries and losses.
No, we don’t. Our Santa Ana DUI lawyer represents only the VICTIMS of drivers facing drunk driving offenses and facing DUI charges. At RTM Law, our mission is to ensure that victims receive the justice and compensation you need and deserve.
Most DUI accident cases are settled out of court. However, if a fair agreement cannot be reached, your lawyer may recommend going to trial. At RTM Law, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial to ensure the best possible outcome.
If you’re hit by an uninsured drunk driver, you may still be able to receive compensation through your own insurance policy’s uninsured motorist coverage. An experienced Santa Ana DUI accident attorney can guide you through this process.
The settlement value of a DUI case with injury in California varies greatly depending on the specifics of each case. For minor injuries, settlements typically range between $20,000 to $50,000. However, settlements involving major injuries can exceed $1,000,000.
In cases of a DUI causing a death, settlements can range from $500,000 to several millions of dollars. The wide range is due to various factors including the age and earning potential of the victim, the circumstances of the incident, and the specific laws in the jurisdiction where it occurred.
Get a Free Consultation With Our Orange County DUI Accident Attorneys. Call the Personal Injury Lawyers at RTM Law Firm.
Victim of a DUI accident? We’re here for you. RTM Law’s dedicated team of personal injury lawyers understand the challenges that victims face due to the recklessness of intoxicated drivers.
We’re committed to securing justice and the compensation you rightfully deserve. We don’t charge any fees until we win.
Schedule a free consultation with our experienced Santa Ana DUI lawyers at (949) 287-4342 or fill out our contact form.
Hurt by a drunk driver in Santa Ana?
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
Get a Free Consultation
Fill out the form below and tell us more about your case.
We have time for your call.
We can help you
No Fees Unless We Win
Available 24/7
We Help Accident Victims File
a Personal Injury Claim in Santa Ana, California
Our Santa Ana personal injury attorneys handle a wide range of personal injury claims
in several areas, including:
- Artesia Pilar
- Bella Vista
- Bristol Memory Coalition
- Bristol-Warner
- Cabrillo Park
- Casa Bonita
- Casa De Santiago
- Cornerstone Village
- Delhi
- Downtown Santa
- Edna Park
- Fairhaven
- Fairview Village
- Floral Park
- Flower Park
- French Court
- Heninger Park
- Laurelhurst
- Logan
- Lyon Street
- Mabury Park
- Madison Park
- Mar-Les
- Metro Classic
- Mid-City
- Morning Sunwood
- New Horizons
- Pacific Park
- Panorama Heights
- Park Santiago
- Pico-Lowell
- Portola Park
- Republic Homes
- Riverview West
- Saddleback View
- Sandpointe
- Santa Anita
- Shadow Run
- South Coast Metro
- Sunwood Central
- Thornton Park
- Valley Adams
- West Floral Park
- West Grove Valley
- Willard
- Wilshire Square
- Windsor Village
- Young Square
Our Location
RTM Law, APC | Personal Injury Attorney
CA 92706
(949) 287-4342
