Top Rated Phillips Personal Injury: Chico Drunk Driver Injury Lawyers
AVVO Rated "10" Superb & "Clients' Choice" / Better Business Bureau A+ Rating
Lets be real, insurance companies are not on your side. The less money they hand you, the more money they make. If an adjuster betrays your trust, if they “low ball” a settlement offer to you, if they try and minimize your injury, they don't get reprimanded. They get rewarded…
No matter what the commercials say, and no matter how friendly the adjuster on the phone may appear, it is their job to shortchange you. I've never met an adjuster or insurance defense lawyer who wears a white apron and a name tag. There is no such device as a "name your price tool." Their real tools are weapons: databases, delay tactics, distortions & confusion.
Drunk driving is against the law and clearly dangerous. The drunk driver’s insurance company may offer to settle your claim quickly if it accepts that its policyholder was at fault for the accident. However, you should never accept a settlement without first consulting with an experienced Butte County drunk driving accident attorney. Insurance adjusters always have the insurance company’s best interests at heart. They will make a low-ball offer that does not cover all your losses to make your claim go away as cheaply as possible.
At the Phillips Personal Injury we’re on your side and we treat our clients like family, not claim numbers. We are experienced and knowledgeable in fighting for our clients injured in car crashes in helping them obtain full and fair compensation for their injury. We offer free consultations, so its costs you nothing to learn what your rights and options are. Call us today.
Do Not Rely on Insurance Companies To Do The Right Thing...
Unfortunately, oftentimes when victims are injured by drunk drivers it is difficult to obtain full and fair compensation for their injuries, both present and future. However, we have the experience it takes to navigate complex insurance issues in Butte County drunk driving accidents.
It is not uncommon that a drunk driver does not have any car insurance because of a suspended license and prior DUIs. In California, drivers are required to have a minimum amount of liability coverage. This includes $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident coverage. Even if the DUI driver even has liability insurance this minimal amount is insufficient. Hopefully, the DUI victim has uninsured or under-insured insurance coverage (UIM /UM coverage) However, just because you are covered by your own insurance does not mean your insurance company will be willing to pay you for the full extent of your damages. At Phillips Personal Injury, we can help with all your insurance coverage issues stemming from the DUI accident, so your are fully and fairly compensated for your injuries.
It is important to remember that insurance adjusters will contact the injured party as soon as possible after an accident. They will present themselves as a friend of the injured person or family. However, their ultimate goal is to settle the case for the least amount possible, before the injured party learns of their rights by speaking to a Butte County drunk driving accident lawyer. Unfortunately, for some insurance companies their approach is "low-ball” legitimate claims to maximize their profits. That is why it is always a good idea to speak with a Butte County drunk driving injury attorney before agreeing to be interviewed or providing any medical and private information. We do not charge for initial consultations and are happy to chat and answer any questions you may have.
Injured by a Chico DUI Driver: Damages and What You Need to Know
Nearly 1 out of every 3 traffic fatalities in the U.S. involve a driver under the influence of alcohol. However, increasingly, impaired driver accidents are not limited to alcohol. More drivers are getting behind the wheel under the influence of marijuana, prescription painkillers, illegal narcotics, or a combination of drugs and alcohol.
Drivers under the influence are more likely to be involved in an accident than sober drivers. Drugs and alcohol can slow down a driver’s reaction time, impair judgment, alter motor function, and impair the driver’s sense of depth perception. This can lead to speeding, driving the wrong way, crossing over the center median, failing to abide by traffic signals, and other forms of reckless driving.
A vehicle accident, caused by a Chico impaired driver is different than any other type of vehicle accident because drunk driving is against the law. So, there is almost always a criminal prosecution against the DUI driver. But many people don’t realize that the prosecutor represents the state and not the victim. The victim of a drunk driver needs to file a civil claim if they hope to obtain full and fair compensation for their injuries.
A civil suit for injury caused by a drunk driver is separate - and distinct from any criminal charges a drunk driver may face for the Chico DUI. Criminal charges, filed by the district attorney, are designed to punish the drunk driver for acting in a reckless manner and to protect the public at large. However, a civil claim or lawsuit based on the injury caused by the DUI driver is filed by the victim of a drunk driver, or in the case of a fatality, filed by the victim’s family, to recover personal damages. The injured person may recover the costs of past and future medical treatment, past and future lost wages, and cost of any damaged property. Civil suits also offer the opportunity to recover non-economic damages, (what is commonly called "pain and suffering") which cannot be recovered in a criminal prosecution.
Most often these two cases will proceed side-by-side, so unlike some injury lawyers, we help our clients navigate both the criminal prosecution and civil injury claim. Questions? Just give us a call, we are more than glad to answer any questions you may have about a Butte County drunk driving accident.
What Types of Damages Are Available to Drunk Driving Accident Victims in Chico?
In California, victims of drunk driving accidents may be entitled to various types of damages to compensate for their losses and injuries. The specific damages available can depend on the circumstances of the case and the extent of the harm suffered. Here are some common types of damages that may be pursued in drunk driving accident cases:
Medical Expenses: Victims can seek compensation for medical expenses related to their injuries, including hospital bills, doctor visits, surgery costs, medication expenses, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical treatments.
Lost Wages: If the victim is unable to work due to their injuries, they may be eligible to claim lost wages. This includes compensation for the income they would have earned during the recovery period or if their injuries have caused long-term or permanent disability affecting their ability to work.
Property Damage: If the victim's vehicle or other property was damaged in the drunk driving accident, they can seek compensation for the cost of repairs or the fair market value of the property if it was deemed a total loss.
Pain and Suffering: Victims can pursue compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish they have experienced as a result of the accident and their injuries. This can include both past and future pain and suffering.
Loss of Consortium: If the injuries from the accident have significantly affected the victim's relationship with their spouse or partner, the spouse or partner may be able to claim damages for the loss of companionship, affection, and support.
Punitive Damages: In some cases, victims may be awarded punitive damages. These are additional damages intended to punish the at-fault party for their particularly reckless or egregious conduct, such as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
It's important to note that each case is unique, and the availability and amount of damages can vary depending on factors such as the severity of the injuries, the level of negligence of the drunk driver, and other specific circumstances of the accident. Consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney experienced in drunk driving accident cases is advisable to assess your situation, understand your rights, and pursue the appropriate compensation for your damages. We invite you to call us and we would be glad to answer your questions.
Chico Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer FAQ’s
Phillips Personal Injury answers some of the most frequently-asked questions about injury accidents and claims. We hope this information will give you an idea as to how to move forward with your matter. The legal issues surrounding personal injury cases may at times seem overly complicated, and even overwhelming at times. There is no need to feel that way, we’re here to help. Explore the answers to the questions you may have or just give us a call. Since every case has unique facts and circumstances, we’d be glad to discuss the specific details of your case and any specific questions you have. We invite you to give us a call at 530-265-0186 for a no-charge consultation.
Common Injuries Sustained From Drunk Driving Collisions
Drunk driving collisions can result in a wide range of injuries, varying in severity depending on the circumstances of the accident. Here are some common injuries that can occur as a result of drunk driving collisions:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): These injuries occur when the head sustains a forceful impact or undergoes rapid acceleration and deceleration. TBIs can range from mild concussions to more severe injuries such as contusions, hematomas, or diffuse axonal injuries. Symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, confusion, memory loss, and cognitive difficulties.
Spinal Cord Injuries: The impact of a drunk driving collision can cause damage to the spinal cord, resulting in partial or complete paralysis. Spinal cord injuries can lead to long-term disabilities and loss of sensory and motor functions below the injury site.
Bone Fractures: Fractures commonly occur in the limbs, ribs, pelvis, or skull during drunk driving collisions. The severity can range from hairline fractures to compound fractures requiring surgery. Fractures may cause significant pain, swelling, and limited mobility.
Internal Organ Injuries: The force of impact in a drunk driving collision can cause damage to internal organs, such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, or lungs. These injuries may require immediate medical attention and surgical intervention.
Soft Tissue Injuries: Whiplash, which involves neck and upper back strain, is a common soft tissue injury resulting from rear-end drunk driving collisions. Additionally, injuries to muscles, tendons, and ligaments throughout the body can cause pain, swelling, and limited range of motion.
Facial Injuries: Drunk driving accidents can lead to facial injuries, including fractures of the facial bones, lacerations, dental injuries, and damage to the eyes or nose. These injuries can have long-lasting physical and psychological impacts.
Psychological Trauma: Survivors of drunk driving collisions may experience psychological trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, or emotional distress. These emotional injuries can require therapy and support to aid in recovery.
It is essential for victims of drunk driving collisions to seek immediate medical attention for a thorough evaluation and treatment of their injuries. Additionally, we can help victims understand their legal rights and pursue compensation for their injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional suffering caused by the drunk driver's negligence.
We’ve seen far too many victims of drunk driving collisions who are victimized once again by the actions of their own and the at-fault driver’s insurance company. We understand that insurance companies don’t always have your best interests in mind because they only want to pay the least amount possible. That’s why you can count on our experienced DUI accident lawyers to do everything possible to ensure that you receive every last cent that you’re entitled to.
Drunk drivers can cause serious damage. At Phillips Personal Injury Lawyers, we’re prepared to help you recover compensation for all of your crash-related injuries.
Some common drunk driving accident injuries include:
Broken bones
Sprains, strains, and contusions
Whiplash injuries
Concussions
Traumatic brain injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Head and neck injuries
Nerve damage
Airbag injuries
Organ damage
Burns
Traumatic amputation injuries
Paralysis
Seat-belt injuries
Catastrophic injuries
Wrongful death of a loved one