Drunk Driving Car Accidents in Bakersfield

Drunk driving puts everyone on the road at risk, but it is also a common practice among many drivers whose negligence frequently costs many lives. Following drunk driving car accidents in Bakersfield, victims and their loved ones should know what steps to take to hold drunk drivers liable and seek total compensation. Our car accident attorneys are ready to help you take legal action.

When Is a Driver Too Impaired to Operate a Vehicle?

Across the country, the legal limit for driving while impaired is a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08%, meaning drivers could get arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) if their blood consists of 0.08% or more alcohol.

Even if a driver is under this legal limit, they could get a DUI conviction if their driving ability is sufficiently impaired.

Additionally, the rules vary in California for certain individuals, with drivers under 21 capable of getting a DUI conviction with a BAC of just 0.01%, while the limit is 0.04% for drivers operating a vehicle requiring a commercial driver’s license (CDL), according to the California Department of Motor Vehicles.

Possible Compensation for a Drunk Driving Car Accident in Bakersfield

Following a drunk driving accident, victims or their families in Bakersfield could recover multiple types of compensation from liable drivers. Some of the main forms of compensation include:

Economic Damages

Victims of drunk driving crashes often experience significant financial losses because of everything from medical bills and lost income to rehabilitation and modifications made to homes to accommodate disabilities.

Non-Economic Damages

In addition to economic damages, drunk driving car accidents often cause certain non-economic damages, which account for the personal losses an individual suffers. These damages may include psychological distress, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of consortium, and more.

Punitive Damages

If a driver practiced egregious behavior on the road, they may need to pay punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages. For example, a drunk driver may have operated a vehicle with extreme aggression with the intention of causing an injury.

Wrongful Death Damages

If a victim dies following a drunk driving accident, their family could recover wrongful death damages alongside other compensatory and punitive damages. Examples of these might include burial and funeral expenses, along with other losses suffered because of the victim’s death.

Steps to Take After a Drunk Driving Car Accident

If a drunk driving accident takes place in Bakersfield, the following are some specific steps to take to help build a strong case:

Report the Accident

If a person believes drunk driving caused an accident, it is crucial to report the accident to authorities, who may be able to confirm whether the driver was impaired and apply criminal charges.

Seek Medical Attention

Regardless of the apparent severity of injuries, an individual should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Taking this step could help them get on the path to treatment while also helping connect any injuries to the drunk driving incident.

Collect Evidence

To prove liability and the resulting damages, a person needs ample evidence to support a case, including medical bills, police reports, witness testimony, and much more that our lawyers could gather to bolster a case.

Consult an Attorney to Discuss a Bakersfield Drunk Driving Accident Case

After drunk driving car accidents in Bakersfield, our lawyers could help you put together a strong case against all liable parties. Reach out to our attorneys today to discuss a potential case.