SANTA ANA DUI ACCIDENT LAWYER
Fighting for the rights of victims of drunk driving accidents in Santa Ana, CA
Available 24/7. Zero fees until 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.
ARE YOU A VICTIM OF A DRUNK DIVER IN SANTA ANA, CA?
FREE CASE EVALUATION.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for DUI Accidents?
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.
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.
Why Work With RTM Law
For Your DUI Accident Lawsuit?
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.
ARE YOU THE VICTIM IN A DUI ACCIDENT?
YOU NEED AN ATTORNEY TO HELP YOU GET THE BEST MEDICAL CARE AND MAXIMUM COMPENSATION.
CONSULTATION IS FREE. NO FEES UNTIL WE WIN.
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.
ARE YOU A VICTIM OF A DRUNK DIVER IN SANTA ANA, CA?
FREE CASE EVALUATION.
Client Testimonials
Spencer Shields2023-11-15I was extremely thrilled with Ramin. His work ethic and professionalism made me feel very comfortable during my case. His punctuation was great and he was personable to talk with. I would highly recommend him as solid representation. Thank you so much 😊
Kayla Neff2023-11-11My experience with RTM LAW was very good! I got into a car accident and sustained bodily injuries, and they were very helpfully and commutative during the entire process. They are very nice people and I would absolutely recommend them to any of my family and friends.
Lester Alvarez2023-10-11I recommend this group
Dreaa xxo2023-10-04I had a great experience working with RTM! Rina my case manager was the best, always worked overtime just to adhere to my needs. I will definitely be recommending them to my friends!
Wendy Diaz2023-08-29Highly recommend. Extremely satisfied with RTM Law and all the staff who helped in this case.
Michelle Manian2023-08-28Ramin is a very kind understanding patient person who helped me with a situation. He gave me some great advice and insight. I found him via Google search, and I would recommend him. If you need legal advice, give him a call.
Jeff Fayngor2023-08-10Amazing law firm. We work with RTM law on multiple cases and can say with certainty they are a solid firm. They always treat our clients right and fight for whats right. They are a no nonsense type of firm. If you need a fighter in your corner call RTM
Ramin Amindari2023-07-11I recently had the pleasure of working with Ramin and RTM LAW for my traffic accident case, and I must say that I am beyond impressed with their exceptional skills, professionalism, and dedication. Their expertise in handling my case was nothing short of remarkable. From the very beginning, they patiently listened to my concerns, thoroughly assessed the details of my case, and provided me with clear and honest guidance throughout the entire process. All my injuries were addressed and taken care of promptly and professionally. They were incredibly responsive addressing all of my questions and concerns. I never felt left in the dark, as they kept me informed about every step and development. Their personalized approach made me feel like more than just a client; Rina was basically my personal assistant and would answer my call or email at anytime of the day when any minor or major question and issue arose. I felt supported and understood throughout the entire process. Ramin and RTM Law are outstanding attorneys who go above and beyond for their clients. Their expertise, professionalism, and dedication make them a true asset. If you find yourself in an auto collision and need a personal injury attorney, I wholeheartedly recommend reaching out to Ramin and RTM Law because they will provide you with the highest level of legal representation, support, and guidance.
Victim of an accident caused by someone else?
Santa Ana DUI Lawyer: FAQs
Is it necessary to hire an attorney for a DUI accident case?
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.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim after a DUI in Santa Ana?
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.
How can a DUI attorney help victims?
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.
Does RTM Law’s Santa Ana DUI accident lawyer offer DUI defense?
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.
Will my DUI accident case go to trial?
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.
What if the person driving under the influence was uninsured?
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.
What is the settlement value of a California DUI with injury?
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.
What if the DUI accident led to death?
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.
We Help Accident Victims File a Personal Injury Claim
in Santa Ana, California
✔ Artesia Pilar
✔ Bella Vista
✔ Bristol Memory Coalition
✔ Bristol-Warner
✔ Cabrillo Park
✔ Casa Bonita
✔ Casa De Santiago
✔ Cornerstone Village
✔ Delhi
✔ Downtown Santa Ana
✔ 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
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.