Drunk driving car accidents in Monterey can cause serious harm. If you or a loved one has been injured in a wreck like this, the aftermath can be difficult to navigate. You may be dealing with medical bills, missed work, and insurance calls all at once. It may not be clear what steps to take or how to protect your interests while you try to recover.

A car accident attorney from our firm can help organize the facts and guide you through the process. We can review police reports, communicate with insurance companies, and help identify the losses you may recover in a claim. Choosing a private firm instead of handling everything alone can also provide structure and clarity during a stressful period. Since 1975, Dunnion Law has served injured people in the region, bringing more than 50 years of experience to complex injury cases.

Understanding Liability in Alcohol-Related Collisions

In drunk driving accident injury cases, attorneys often begin by examining the evidence surrounding the crash. Alcohol impairment directly influences reaction time, judgment, and vehicle control, which frequently becomes central to determining fault.

California Vehicle Code §§ 23152 and 23153 address driving under the influence (DUI) and DUI causing injury. If the evidence in your case shows that the other driver violated these laws, our attorneys can rely on the legal concept of negligence per se. Under this rule, a statutory violation helps establish that the driver acted negligently without needing further proof of their carelessness.

To support your claim, our firm will carefully review several sources of information, including:

  • Police reports and officer observations from the scene
  • Results of breath or blood alcohol testing
  • Statements from witnesses who saw the driver’s behavior
  • Photographs showing vehicle damage or road conditions
  • Medical documentation that connects your injuries to the crash

By organizing these details effectively, we can help show how an impaired driver caused the Monterey car collision and any injuries you suffered.

What Steps Often Follow a Drunk Driving Crash?

In DUI accident injury claims, the legal process often involves several stages. Attorneys typically review available records, consult medical providers, and evaluate the financial and personal impact of the injuries.

State law places time limits on filing personal injury claims. Under Cal. Civ. Code § 335.1, injured individuals generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. If a government entity played any role in the incident, shorter notice deadlines can apply.

Recoverable damages following a Monterey automobile collision involving an intoxicated driver often include both financial and personal losses. Economic damages can include medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages. Non-economic damages can include:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Inconvenience
  • Disfigurement
  • Physical impairment

In certain situations involving reckless conduct, a court may also award punitive damages under Cal. Civ. Code § § 3294.

Contact a Monterey Attorney About a Drunk Driving Car Crash Case

If you are navigating the aftermath of a drunk driving accident, taking thoughtful steps early can help protect your claim. Keeping records, photographing injuries or vehicle damage, and documenting medical treatment can help clarify the scope of the claim later.

Dunnion Law has represented injury victims for over 50 years. Our firm handles litigation involving drunk driving car accidents in Monterey and can explain how state law applies to your situation. We can also outline the legal options available to you. If you are considering seeking legal guidance, speak with us today to better understand your rights and options after a crash.