Pasadena Drunk Driving Accident Attorney
Car Accident Lawyer in Pasadena Advocates for Drunk Driver Victims
In a recent year, there were 1,266 fatalities caused by drunk driving accidents in California. Initiatives like Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) in Pasadena provide emotional support and assistance for victims of drunk driving. Still, the risk of drunk drivers remains high.
If you or a loved one was harmed by a drunk driver in Pasadena, you have the right to pursue compensation to recover the cost of your medical bills and other expenses, such as rehabilitation and occupational therapy. You need the legal help of a committed Pasadena drunk driver accident lawyer from a reputable law firm.
Ruben Vardanyan has dedicated our legal practice to helping accident victims, and Vardanyan Law Firm has won millions of dollars in settlements for our clients. Ruben Vardanyan belongs to the American Association for Justice and has also been recognized as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers based on peer reviews and independent research.
Call (747) 777-9725 to schedule a FREE consultation with a Pasadena car accident attorney our firm today.
I was in a bad accident a few years ago and Ruben and his team took really good care of me. They were amazing at keeping me informed and explaining each step along the way. Even till this day they still check up on me to make sure I’m doing okay. They are great!!!!!
Thank you Vardanyan Law Firm for all you’ve done for me!!!
- Lizette S.
Understanding DUI Laws in Pasadena
California's DUI laws are designed to deter drunk driving and protect public safety. Under California Vehicle Code Section 23152, it's illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher for most drivers. For commercial drivers, the limit is 0.04 percent BAC. Drivers under 21 are subject to a zero-tolerance policy, meaning any detectable BAC can result in penalties.
Under California law, it's illegal to drive when your ability to function is impaired, and intoxicated driver may face criminal DUI charges even if their BAC is below the legal limit. DUI laws also apply to impairment by drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medications. Legal penalties for DUI include fines, license suspension, and imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offense and prior convictions.
How Alcohol Impairs Driving Skills
Intoxicated drivers are a threat to everyone along the highway, and they have no business getting behind the wheel of a car. That's why people who plan on drinking should make arrangements in advance to select a designated driver or use a rideshare service.
Alcohol impairs several key driving skills:
- Hearing is a necessary ability for a driver to detect important auditory cues. But when under the influence, this diminishes. Hearing includes the sound of horns, sirens, and approaching vehicles, all of which are vital for timely reactions to potential hazards. Impaired hearing results in delayed responses to these auditory signals, increasing the risk of collisions.
- Concentration is significantly reduced with alcohol a driver's concentration, impairing a driver's ability to focus on the multiple tasks required for safe driving. Concentration is vital for monitoring the road, interpreting traffic signals, and responding to sudden changes in traffic conditions. This loss of concentration often results in a failure to notice critical developments, such as a pedestrian crossing or sudden braking by the vehicle ahead.
- Alertness and wakefulness greatly diminish with alcohol consumption, both of which are essential for safe driving. When drivers are not fully alert, their ability to respond promptly to road conditions is severely hampered. Alcohol acts as a depressant on the central nervous system, leading to increased drowsiness and slower reaction times.
- Vision is reduced with alcohol. This makes it difficult to adjust to changes in light, diminishes peripheral vision, and limits depth perception. These visual impairments make it difficult for drivers to perceive road hazards, judge distances, and react to changes in traffic conditions.
- Judgment can be impaired by drinking, which leads to risky behaviors and poor decision-making. Drunk drivers often misjudge their speed, underestimate stopping distances, and fail to recognize traffic signals and signs. This diminished judgment increases the likelihood of accidents, putting the driver and other road users at risk.
- Reflexes are slowed, which means a driver's ability to respond swiftly to sudden changes or emergencies on the road is significantly reduced. Quick reactions are essential for avoiding accidents, but alcohol dulls this capacity, leading to delayed braking and swerving.
- Coordination is impaired, affecting the driver's ability to perform tasks that require simultaneous actions, such as steering while braking or signaling. Diminished coordination can result in erratic driving behavior, such as drifting between lanes or difficulty maintaining a consistent speed.
Compensation for Victims of Drunk Driving Accidents in Pasadena
Victims of drunk driving accidents are likely to face significant medical expenses and extensive rehabilitation needs. These costs include immediate medical treatments such as emergency care, surgeries, and hospital stays. In addition, some victims require ongoing care, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and psychological counseling, to cope with trauma.
Rehabilitation aims to restore as much function as possible, but it can be a lengthy and costly process. Victims might also need specialized medical devices and modifications to their home, such as wheelchair access, to accommodate new physical limitations.
Legal claims should address current and future income losses to ensure comprehensive financial recovery. Compensation for lost wages covers the income a victim has already lost due to their inability to work while recovering from injuries. Calculating these losses involves documenting pay stubs, tax returns, and employment records to accurately reflect the financial impact of the accident.
Beyond immediate losses, victims may face long-term or permanent impairments that reduce their ability to earn at their pre-accident level. This diminished earning capacity is calculated by factoring in the victim's age, occupation, skills, and the extent of the injuries.
Why You Need a Pasadena Car Accident Attorney
Lawyers play a crucial role in investigating and collecting evidence following a drunk driving accident. Vardanyan Law Firm will identify and secure key evidence to support your Pasadena car accident claim. This process begins with a thorough investigation of the accident scene, gathering police reports, and obtaining any available surveillance footage.
Our attorney will obtain BAC results and medical records to substantiate the extent of the driver's impairment and the victim's injuries. Another important step is collecting testimonies that provide firsthand accounts of the driver's behavior and the circumstances of the accident.
Insurance adjusters will often submit a lowball settlement offer, making it difficult to secure the full compensation you deserve. Vardanyan Law Firm brings valuable experience to these negotiations. If the other side refuses to make a reasonable settlement offer, we are always prepared to take your Pasadena drunk driving accident case to trial.
Speak With Our Pasadena Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Today
Vardanyan Law Firm handles cases on a contingency basis, so you won't owe us anything unless we win you a settlement. We also provide a no-cost consultation.
Our drunk driver accident attorney in Pasadena can help with your case. Call (747) 777-9725 to learn more today.