San Francisco Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys

Top-Rated Drunk Driving Injury Lawyers in Northern California

If you or a loved one was hit by a drunk driver in San Francisco, choose a firm with proven experience and results. At The Cartwright Law Firm, we understand the pain, frustration, and uncertainty that come with a serious injury. Our drunk driving accident lawyers can work diligently to recover maximum compensation while you focus on restoring your health.   

With over 60 years of experience and millions of dollars recovered in Northern California, our firm is well-equipped to represent your best interests in and out of the courtroom. As skilled litigators, we prepare every case for trial and never shy away from litigation if necessary to achieve a fair outcome. Our goal is to guide your steps with care and integrity while aggressively pursuing the justice you deserve.

If you were harmed by someone else’s negligence, don’t wait to seek justice. Our attorneys can help you navigate the legal proceedings with compassionate counsel tailored to your unique legal needs. From recouping medical bills and lost wages to establishing liability, let us handle the legal complexities while you focus on healing during this stressful time. Reach out today to learn how you can take the first step toward rebuilding your life.

If you were hit by a drunk driver in San Francisco, we can help you pursue justice. Contact us online to request a free case evaluation.

Drunk Driving Statistics in California

Car accidents can lead to devastating injuries for victims, especially in collisions involving drunk driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), alcohol-related traffic fatalities accounted for more than 32% of all traffic deaths on California roads between 2020 and 2021. The rate increased by 16% between 2020 and 2021 following a 4% surge in alcohol-related deaths from 2019 to 2020, making it crucial to stay vigilant and know your rights after a drunk driving accident. 

Common Injuries in Drunk Driving Accidents

Drunk driving accidents can result in a wide range of serious injuries, including: 

• Whiplash. Sudden braking during a collision can cause the neck to jerk violently, potentially leading to whiplash, neck pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.
• Spinal cord injuries (SCI). A high-impact crash can compress or sever the spinal cord, potentially leading to paralysis, chronic pain, and mobility challenges.
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Traumatic brain injuries may occur when the head collides with the pavement, dashboard, windshield, or the vehicle’s interior. 
• Fractures and broken bones. Broken bones and fractures are common injuries in high-impact collisions, especially if the victim is struck by debris during the accident. 
• Burn injuries. Victims may suffer burn injuries if a vehicle catches fire during a crash. Severe injuries may require reconstructive surgery to prevent long-term damage. 
• Internal injuries. The impact of a collision can cause organ damage, hemorrhaging, and other internal injuries that may require immediate medical attention.
• Lacerations and cuts. Flying glass or sharp objects within the vehicle can cause deep cuts or lacerations, potentially necessitating sutures or surgeries. 

Proving Liability in a Drunk Driving Injury Claim

Proving liability is an important yet complex step to recovering compensation in any injury claim. This is where having a skilled attorney on your side can make all the difference. Your lawyer can thoroughly investigate your case, identify negligent parties, and gather evidence to establish liability by proving four key elements. These include: 

1. Duty of care. The defendant owed you a duty of care, such as obeying traffic laws.
2. Breach of duty. The defendant breached their duty by acting negligently (e.g., driving while impaired by alcohol).
3. Causation. The defendant’s negligence directly caused the accident and your resulting injuries. 
4. Damages. You suffered compensatory harm (damages) as a result of the breach. 

Key Evidence in Drunk Driving Accident Lawsuits

Building a strong case is critical to meeting the standard of proof in a drunk driving accident lawsuit. Because the victim (plaintiff) bears the burden of proof, securing experienced representation is essential to prove liability by a preponderance of the evidence (e.g., that the defendant “more likely than not” caused your injuries). 

Some examples of strong evidence include: 

• Police reports. Official documentation of the accident, the driver’s condition, any traffic violations, and other relevant details. 
• Chemical test results. The blood or breath test results obtained in a DUI stop. 
• Eyewitness statements. Testimonies from any witnesses who saw the accident occur.
• Medical records. Formal records of your injuries after the accident.
• Expert statements. Testimonies from qualified professionals, such as accident reconstruction experts or medical specialists.

Who Is Liable for a Drunk Driving Accident?

While the impaired driver is typically the primary party responsible for the accident, other liable parties may be involved as well. Some common examples include parents of teenage drivers, private event hosts, and bars, clubs, or restaurants. 

At The Cartwright Law Firm, we leave no stone unturned when seeking justice. Our firm can investigate the accident with a practiced legal eye to assess every legal avenue for financial recovery and maximize the total compensation available to you. 

Civil vs. Criminal Drunk Driving Cases

After a drunk driving accident, the intoxicated driver will generally face DUI charges in criminal court. However, the victim must bring a separate civil lawsuit to recover compensation. Understanding the difference between civil and criminal cases is key to achieving a favorable outcome. 

The burden of proof in criminal cases is higher than in civil proceedings. While the impaired driver must be found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in criminal court, civil cases only require proof by a preponderance of the evidence, meaning there is a 51% chance or higher that the defendant’s negligence directly caused the accident.

No matter your legal circumstances, working with a qualified drunk driving accident lawyer is important to navigate the legal complexities of your case and recover a fair settlement. 

Recoverable Damages in Drunk Driving Accident Lawsuits

Various types of compensation may be recovered in a drunk driving accident claim, including economic damages for direct financial losses and non-economic damages for indirect, non-financial losses. Common recoverable damages include: 

• Lost wages
• Medical bills
• Property damage
• Emotional suffering
• Loss of consortium
• Lost earning capacity
• Surgeries and treatments
• Prescription medication costs
• Physical therapy and rehabilitative care
• Permanent scarring and disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life

In cases involving especially egregious misconduct, courts may also award punitive damages to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior in the future. Consulting a trusted lawyer is imperative to maximize the value of your claim and assess the total damages available to you.

I Was Hit by a Drunk Driver Near the Embarcadero. Am I Eligible for Compensation? 

If you were hit by a drunk driver near the Embarcadero, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses. Consulting an experienced drunk driving accident lawyer is critical for gathering evidence and maximizing available damages. Our attorneys can meticulously investigate the accident, identify liable parties, and fight tirelessly to recover full compensation on your behalf.   

My Car Was Totaled by a Drunk Driver on I-280. Can I Sue? 

If your car was totaled by a drunk driver on I-280, you may be entitled to compensation for vehicular damage, as well as medical expenses, treatment costs, lost wages, and other losses. Our lawyers can help you file a lawsuit against the intoxicated driver and represent your best interests at trial if necessary to recover the full compensation you need to get back on your feet. 

How Long Do I Have to File a Drunk Driving Injury Claim?

In California, the statute of limitations for drunk driving injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, some exceptions may apply in certain cases. Seeking sound counsel from a qualified drunk driving accident attorney is paramount to filing your claim correctly and within the appropriate deadline. 

Why Choose The Cartwright Law Firm? 

If you were injured in a drunk driving accident, time is of the essence. Some advantages of partnering with our knowledgeable attorneys include: 

• Trial readiness. We prepare every case for trial and never shy away from litigation if necessary to achieve a favorable outcome. 
• Decades of experience. When you work with The Cartwright Law Firm, you’ll put over 60 years of experience on your side. 
• Skilled negotiators. Our skilled negotiators are familiar with evasive insurer tactics to protect your rights and pursue a fair settlement. 
• Winning results. With winning results in and out of the courtroom, we believe our proven track record speaks for itself.
• Client-centric counsel. Our goal is to keep you informed and up-to-date throughout your case with caring, strategic, and personalized legal counsel. 
• No-cost consultations. We offer free case evaluations and contingency fees to help you move forward with confidence and clarity. 

Don’t wait to seek justice after a drunk driving accident. Our attorneys can fight for the compensation you deserve. Call (415) 851-6486 to schedule a free consultation.