Riverside Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been injured by a drunk driver in Riverside, you have the right to pursue compensation for your injuries and losses.

Liability for Drunk Driving Accidents

In California, a drunk driver who causes an accident is typically held liable for any injuries or damages they cause. Driving under the influence (DUI) is a violation of California Vehicle Code § 23152. If a driver operates a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, they are legally intoxicated. However, even if their BAC is lower, they can still be found liable if their ability to drive safely was impaired.

Liability in a drunk driving crash can extend beyond the driver in some cases, under California’s dram shop or social host liability laws. A bar, restaurant, or social host may be held partially responsible if they served alcohol to an obviously intoxicated minor who later caused a crash.

Are Drunk Drivers Always Liable for Accidents?

Drunk drivers are not automatically liable for every accident they are involved in, but they are often found at fault when their impairment contributes to the crash. In California, liability in a car accident—whether or not alcohol is involved—still depends on negligence. This means the injured party must show that the drunk driver acted unreasonably and caused the accident.

If the driver’s intoxication played a role in the collision—such as swerving into another lane, running a red light, or failing to yield—then they are likely to be held liable. However, if the drunk driver was not at fault for the crash (for example, if another driver rear-ended them), they may not be held civilly responsible for damages, despite their intoxication.

That said, driving under the influence is strong evidence of negligence. A DUI arrest or conviction can significantly strengthen your case. In many cases, courts also allow punitive damages to punish the drunk driver for reckless behavior.

Types of Compensation Available

Victims of drunk driving accidents can pursue several forms of compensation, including:

• Medical expenses: Coverage for emergency treatment, hospital bills, surgeries, medications, and long-term rehabilitation
• Lost wages: Reimbursement for time missed from work, including future loss of income due to permanent disability
• Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional trauma, and mental distress
• Property damage: Costs to repair or replace your vehicle or any other damaged property
• Punitive damages: In cases involving gross negligence, courts may award additional damages to punish the drunk driver and deter similar behavior
• Wrongful death damages: If a loved one is killed, surviving family members may recover funeral expenses, loss of support, and loss of companionship

A Riverside drunk driving accident attorney will help you calculate the full extent of your losses to ensure none are overlooked.

How a Riverside Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Can Help Me

Hiring a Riverside drunk driving accident lawyer gives you a better chance at recovering the full amount of compensation you deserve. An attorney will:

• Investigate the crash and gather evidence such as police reports, BAC test results, witness statements, surveillance footage, etc.
• Work with experts if necessary to build a strong case for liability and damages
• Handle all communication with insurance companies and negotiations
• Pursue a civil lawsuit if you cannot reach a settlement and represent you in court
• Identify all potential sources of compensation beyond the drunk driver

Legal representation can significantly ease your stress and help you move forward with confidence.

Speak to a Riverside Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Today

Contact a Riverside drunk driving accident lawyer today to schedule a free consultation and learn how to protect your rights. Call (951) 688-0006 today!