San Diego Drunk Driving Accident Attorney

Why Choose Our San Diego Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Since 1995, we’ve prepared personal injury cases for trial rather than limiting our work to settlement negotiations. We also listen to your story, explain your options clearly, and keep you informed as the case develops.

Our reported results reflect the stakes involved in impaired-driver cases. We secured a $45 million verdict for the children of a woman killed by a drunk driver, and a $131 million recovery in a car accident case involving alcohol being overserved at a restaurant. These results demonstrate our experience handling serious alcohol-related collision claims. A legal assessment may consider the collision evidence, injury documentation, available insurance coverage, and the conduct of all parties who may bear responsibility.

How We Build & Guide Your Drunk Driving Accident Claim

Our representation includes:

• Comprehensive Case Evaluation: We listen to your story, answer your questions, and evaluate key details.
• Clear Guidance on California Laws: California Vehicle Code Section 23152 prohibits driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. We explain how California law applies to your civil claim, which is separate from any DUI prosecution.
• Dealing With Insurance Companies: We investigate the claim and respond when insurers try to limit or delay payment.
• No Upfront Costs: You owe no attorney fees unless we win your case. Our contingency fee arrangement allows you to pursue your claim without law firm bills creating additional financial stress.
• Consistent Communication: We know drunk driving accidents change lives physically, financially, and emotionally. Our team keeps you informed, guides you through each step, and returns your calls when you need answers.

Investigating a San Diego Drunk Driving Injury Claim

Building a strong civil claim after an impaired-driver collision means gathering and preserving the right evidence. At Carpenter & Zuckerman, we evaluate crash details and supporting documentation as part of every case review. Our firm has the resources and trial teams to investigate complex personal injury claims.

Relevant evidence in a DUI collision case may include the police report, witness statements, photographs from the scene, traffic or business surveillance video, vehicle data, medical records, and toxicology information from related criminal proceedings. The absence of a DUI charge doesn’t by itself resolve whether a civil negligence claim may exist. Our attorneys assess the full picture of what happened and identify potential sources of liability before advising on next steps.

Potentially Responsible Parties & Insurance Sources

The impaired driver is typically a central defendant in a civil claim, but the facts of a collision can point to other parties or insurance sources as well. Identifying available avenues of recovery is part of how we approach vehicle-accident cases.

Depending on the circumstances, potential insurance sources may include the driver’s liability policy and the injured person’s own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, which applies when the at-fault driver carries no insurance or insufficient limits to cover the full extent of your losses. A claim involving another person or business requires evidence connecting that party’s conduct to the collision and the harm that resulted. We handle catastrophic injury cases and can pursue a wrongful death claim when a collision is fatal. We investigate the facts that may affect both liability and the compensation available to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to wait for the drunk driver’s criminal case to finish before pursuing a claim?

No, you can pursue a civil claim independently of any criminal case. While the criminal case may supply useful evidence, you don’t need to delay starting your own injury claim. The two proceedings move on separate tracks, and waiting can put your civil deadlines at risk.

What compensation might be available after a drunk driving accident?

You may seek compensation for medical costs, property damage, lost income, and pain and suffering. The value of your claim depends on the nature and severity of your injuries, the insurance available, and the evidence supporting your losses. Every case is different, and we work to identify the categories of damages supported by your circumstances and evidence.

How long do I have to file a claim in California?

California law generally gives injured parties two years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim, but specific deadlines can vary depending on the defendant, the type of claim, and other facts. Acting promptly can preserve evidence and protect your right to recover damages. Speak with an attorney as soon as possible to confirm the deadlines that apply to your case.

Can I recover damages even if I was partly at fault?

Yes. California follows a comparative fault system, which means you may receive compensation even if you share some responsibility for the collision. Your financial recovery may be reduced according to your assigned percentage of fault. The details of how fault is allocated depend on the evidence and the specific circumstances of your case.