Protecting Your Rights After Alcohol-Related Crashes

By Eugene Bruno on March 29, 2024

Alcohol-related crashes can have devastating consequences, impacting victims physically, emotionally, and financially. If you or a loved one has been injured in an alcohol-related crash, it’s crucial to understand your legal rights and options for seeking justice and compensation. This blog post will address the legal avenues available to victims of alcohol-related crashes, including personal injury claims and lawsuits.

Legal Rights of Victims in San Diego

As a victim of an alcohol-related crash, you have certain legal rights that protect your interests and enable you to seek compensation for your injuries and losses. These rights may include:

• Right to Compensation: Victims of alcohol-related crashes have the right to pursue compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and other related losses.
• Right to Legal Representation: You have the right to retain legal counsel to represent your interests and advocate on your behalf throughout the legal process. An experienced lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of your case and pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.
• Right to File a Personal Injury Claim: Victims of alcohol-related crashes may be eligible to file a personal injury claim against the party responsible for their injuries. This could include the driver who was under the influence of alcohol, as well as other liable parties such as bars, restaurants, or social hosts who served alcohol to an intoxicated individual.
• Right to Seek Punitive Damages: In cases involving egregious conduct, such as drunk driving crashes, victims may have the right to seek punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages. Punitive damages are intended to punish the at-fault party and deter similar misconduct in the future.
• Right to Legal Recourse: If the at-fault party’s insurance coverage is insufficient to cover your damages, or if the insurance company denies your claim, you have the right to pursue legal recourse through a civil lawsuit. A lawsuit allows you to present your case before a court of law and seek a judgment in your favor.

Steps to Take After An Alcohol-Related Crashes

If you’ve been involved in an alcohol-related crash, it’s important to take the following steps to protect your legal rights and strengthen your potential personal injury claim:

• Seek Medical Attention: Your health and well-being should be the top Seek prompt medical attention for any injuries sustained in the crash, even if they initially appear minor.
• Document the Scene: If possible, gather evidence at the scene of the crash, including photographs of the vehicles involved, skid marks, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Obtain contact information from witnesses and law enforcement officers.
• Report the Crash: Report the crash to the appropriate authorities, such as local law enforcement or highway patrol. Cooperate fully with their investigation and provide an accurate account of the events leading up to the crash.
• Preserve Evidence: Preserve any evidence related to the crash, including medical records, vehicle repair estimates, and correspondence with insurance companies. This documentation will be valuable in supporting your personal injury claim.
• Consult An Attorney: Contact a reputable San Diego personal injury attorney who specializes in alcohol-related crashes. An attorney can assess the merits of your case, explain your legal rights and options, and guide you through the claims process.

Seeking Justice and Closure After a Crash

Navigating the aftermath of an alcohol-related crash can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. By understanding your legal rights and seeking the guidance of an experienced San Diego car accident lawyer, you can pursue justice and compensation for your injuries and losses. Remember, holding the responsible parties accountable not only helps you recover physically and financially — it promotes public safety and deters future instances of drunk driving.

If you’ve been injured in an alcohol-related crash, you are entitled to seek compensation for your injuries. With a 99.7 percent success rate and tens of millions of dollars recovered for our clients, the attorneys at Eugene Bruno & Associates can help you pursue damages for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses.

Call 1-888-BRUNO-88 (1-888-278-6688) for a free consultation with our San Diego law firm. We can investigate your crash to determine fault and liability, build a strong case based on the facts, negotiate skillfully on your behalf, and fight for your rights in court if necessary.