No one forces people to drink. No one makes them get behind the wheel. A collision may be an accident, but driving while impaired is a choice. When a drunk driver injures you or someone you love, filing a personal injury claim for compensation is about much more than money.
At the Law Offices of William W. Green & Associates in Anaheim, we are devoted to holding drunk drivers accountable for their actions. We understand how much a favorable outcome means to you, which is why we will thoroughly investigate your case. We never step into the courtroom until we are confident and prepared to fight for the results our client deserves.
A Civil Claim Is About Justice For You
When drunk drivers cause accidents, they may face consequences in criminal and/or civil court. Criminal charges such as DUI and vehicular assault are about punishment. They take into consideration the societal cost of a driver's reckless actions.
Civil cases and personal injury claims are about justice for you. Damages are a legal way to compensate you for the losses you suffered. In California, these can include:
- Special damages: You can think of these as tangible expenses or out-of-pocket damages. These could include compensation for actual hospital bills, lost wages or household services. You can use experts to help establish future expenses such as expected medical costs, nursing care or vocational retraining.
- General damages: Not all of your losses can be measured with hospital bills and pay stubs. General damages, like those for your pain and suffering, cover losses that are not “economic,” but are still very real.
- Punitive damages: Some actions are so egregious that justice may include punishing the negligent party by requiring payment for damages the insurer will not or cannot cover and deterring others from making the same choice. Drunk driving accidents are one of the limited situations in which you can seek punitive damages through a personal injury claim.
- Your day in court: While not awardable in a settlement or by a jury, civil cases give you an opportunity to tell your story. Your life was changed forever. You suffered painful injuries. You spent hours in physical recovery. You were unable to work. Your financial security was put at risk. Even when you are able to give a victim statement in criminal cases, the trial focuses on the actions of the defendant.
Let Us Help You Tell Your Story
We encourage you to meet with an attorney at our firm in a free, no-obligation consultation. They will listen to you and help you determine your legal rights and options. Schedule yours by calling toll free at 800-524-5446 or contact us.