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Sacramento Drunk Driver Accident Victim Lawyer
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Northern California Drunk Driver Accident Victim Attorney
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“Driving under the influence”, or “Driving while intoxicated”, is the
term for alcohol-related driving behavior. It is responsible for nearly 1/3 of
all traffic deaths in this country. Many of these impaired drivers are repeat
offenders and all can cause a heavy burden of death and/or injury to themselves
and to innocent drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.
Anyone who causes an accident while driving under the influence of alcohol or
another substance is considered negligent. Unfortunately, this is of little
comfort to someone who has sustained injuries or lost a loved one in an
alcohol-related accident. The driver convicted of DUI has the liability to pay
for all damages, but may not be the only person considered negligent or liable.
Those who provided the alcohol may also be considered negligent and liable for
damages. Many states have laws which impose liability on bars, clubs,
restaurants, or hotels which supply liquor improperly. In such cases, a business
is expected to exercise due care and not to serve anyone who is obviously drunk.
Even someone outside of such a business may incur liability for supplying liquor
to a driver who subsequently had an accident, injuring or killing others. The
host of a party may be liable in some states if he continues to allow a guest to
imbibe after it is obvious the guest is under the influence.
If you have been injured due to a dunk driver, you may be entitled to the
following benefits: medical bills, wage loss, loss of earning capacity, pain and
suffering, emotional distress and disfigurement.
As with any accident involving vehicles, there are a number of steps you need to
take to ensure everything with your claim goes as smoothly as possible.
For your medical problems, see a doctor as soon as possible. Often times, an
injury from a drunk driver accident can be underestimated. You may feel fine
now, but some injuries, particularly neck and back injuries, can become quite
painful and debilitating in the long-term. A paper trail is also important
throughout the process.
Get as much information you can about your accident. Key items include the
names, numbers and addresses of all the people involved, including witnesses.
You will also need to keep track of insurance information and the reporting
process. Make copies.
Please do not talk to anyone about your accident other than law enforcement
personnel. Anything you say to insurance company representatives or
investigators could make it harder for you to settle your claim. It is also a
good idea not to sign anything, particularly some kind of release form, without
talking to a lawyer first. This is just a smart way for you to protect yourself.
It is important to know what to do to protect the legal rights of yourself and
your loved ones. Selecting the right attorney is an important decision. You
should choose someone who is experienced, aggressive and dedicated to working to
get fair compensation for your injuries. Over the past we have successfully
handled thousands of injury and death cases. That is why you should contact the
Law Offices of Clancey, Doyle & O'Donnell.
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