Sacramento Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
Recovering from a crash caused by an impaired driver requires experienced legal guidance. At the Law Offices of J.G. Winter, our Sacramento drunk driving accident lawyers represent victims injured by motorist negligence and DUI violations (including CVC 23152). We handle the complexities of your personal injury claim, from establishing negligence per se to maximizing compensation for medical expenses and lost wages. Whether you were involved in a multi-vehicle collision or a pedestrian accident, our team fights to hold responsible parties accountable. Contact us today for a free consultation to review your legal options under California law.
Law Offices of J.G. Winter provides experienced legal representation to injured victims and families throughout Sacramento, California, and nearby communities.
Our drunk driving accident services include investigating DUI-related crashes, identifying responsible parties, handling insurance claims, evaluating injury-related damages, and pursuing personal injury claims under California law.
Our Sacramento drunk driving accident lawyer represents Sacramentans injured by drunk or impaired drivers, including vehicle collisions, pedestrian and bicycle accidents, multi-vehicle crashes, and cases involving serious or fatal DUI incidents.
If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies as a valid injury claim, our car accident attorneys can review what happened and explain your legal options. You can call (844) 734-2626 or request a no-cost consultation when you are ready.
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Table of Contents
Who may be held responsible after a drunk driving accident
Our auto-accident attorneys examine how the crash occurred, who was involved, and whether any third parties share legal responsibility under California law.
Depending on the circumstances, potentially responsible parties may include:
- The drunk or impaired driver, for operating a vehicle while intoxicated.
- An employer, when the driver was performing work-related duties at the time of the crash.
- A vehicle owner, if a car was knowingly entrusted to an impaired or unsafe driver.
- Other negligent drivers, when multiple vehicles or driving behaviors contributed to the collision.
California generally does not allow injury claims against bars, restaurants, or alcohol providers for serving adult patrons. However, third-party liability issues may arise in limited situations, such as cases involving minors or other legally recognized exceptions. Identifying whether any third-party responsibility applies requires a careful review of the facts and applicable law.
DUI laws that apply to impaired driving injury cases in California
When a driver violates California DUI laws, those violations may be used to help establish liability in a related injury claim. Our car crash lawyers apply the following legal standards when evaluating drunk driving accident cases:
- California Vehicle Code 23152: Prohibits operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs and serves as the primary legal basis for DUI-related injury claims.
Negligence per se: A DUI violation may be treated as evidence that the driver failed to exercise reasonable care under California law. - Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) standards:
- 0.08% or higher for most adult drivers
- 0.01% or higher for drivers under 21 (zero-tolerance law)
- 0.04% or higher for commercial drivers
When evaluating fault, our injury attorneys also account for California’s comparative negligence rules:
- Pure comparative negligence: Allows an injured person to seek damages even when more than one party contributed to the collision.
- Shared liability analysis: We assess how fault may be allocated and work to limit unsupported liability arguments raised by insurers.
Strict deadlines apply to drunk driving injury claims:
- Statute of limitations: Most California personal injury claims must be filed within two years from the date of the accident.
- Claim tracking and compliance: We monitor filing deadlines and procedural requirements to help preserve your right to pursue compensation.
Alcohol-impaired driving remains a significant factor in traffic fatalities nationwide. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that approximately 34 people die each day in the United States in crashes involving drunk drivers, which equates to roughly one fatality every 42 minutes. In 2023, alcohol-impaired driving was associated with 12,429 traffic deaths across the country.
In California, including the Sacramento area, crashes involving impaired drivers continue to result in serious injuries and loss of life, affecting motorists, passengers, pedestrians, and families throughout the region.
How our attorneys handle impaired driving accident claims
Drunk driving accident claims often begin while a criminal DUI investigation is still ongoing. Our car collision attorneys focus on reviewing evidence, managing the claim process, and addressing liability and insurance issues as the case progresses.
As part of handling an impaired driving injury claim, we:
- Gather evidence: Review police and CHP reports, officer observations, and preliminary alcohol screening results.
- Preserve DUI-related proof: Examine body-camera footage, dash-camera video, witness statements, and 911 call recordings.
- Monitor toxicology results: Track blood alcohol and other testing documentation as it becomes available.
- Analyze crash details: Review crash-scene photographs, vehicle damage patterns, and event data recorder information when accessible.
- Document injuries and losses: Collect medical records, medical bills, and income or employment documentation.
- Handle insurance communications: Manage contact with insurance companies and evaluate available coverage, including UM/UIM benefits when applicable.
- Prepare the injury claim: Develop a negligence-based personal injury claim supported by factual and expert analysis.
- Pursue resolution: Engage in settlement discussions or pursue litigation when necessary to move the claim forward.
Types of accidents involving drunk driving
Drunk driving can impair judgment, reaction time, and coordination, which increases the risk of several types of serious roadway collisions. Depending on how impairment affects driving behavior, DUI-related accidents may involve:
- Rear-End Collisions: Often caused by delayed reaction times, poor braking judgment, or inattention.
- Head-On Crashes: May occur when an impaired driver crosses the center line or enters opposing traffic.
- Intersection Accidents: Involving failure to yield, running red lights, or misjudging traffic signals.
- Wrong-Way Accidents: Resulting from confusion, disorientation, or impaired navigation.
- Pedestrian Accidents: Occurring when an impaired driver fails to see or respond to people crossing or walking near roadways.
- Bicycle Accidents: Involving reduced awareness of cyclists sharing the road.
- Multi-Vehicle Crashes: Where impaired driving triggers chain-reaction collisions affecting multiple vehicles.
These accident types often involve complex liability and evidence issues, which makes early investigation and careful claim handling important.
Common injuries in DUI-related accidents
Crashes involving drunk or impaired drivers often result in serious physical harm due to high speeds, delayed reactions, or failure to brake or avoid impact. Injuries in DUI-related accidents can vary widely depending on the type of collision and the people involved. Common injuries may include:
Neck and Back Injuries
Such as whiplash, spinal disc injuries, or spinal cord damage.
Head and Brain Injuries
Including concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) caused by sudden impact or violent movement.
Fractures and Broken Bones
Fractures to the arms, legs, ribs, hips, or pelvis.
Internal Injuries
Damage to internal organs that may not be immediately visible after a crash.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Strains, sprains, and muscle or ligament damage.
Psychological Effects
Anxiety, sleep disruption, or emotional distress following a serious crash.
Some injuries may require ongoing medical care or rehabilitation, while others can worsen over time. Prompt medical evaluation and thorough documentation are important for both health and legal reasons.
Pursuing recoverable damages in Sacramento DUI injury cases
After a drunk driving accident, damages are intended to address the losses an injured person experiences as a result of the crash. Our attorneys review how an accident has affected your health, finances, and daily life to determine what types of compensation may be available under California law, based on the facts of the case.
Depending on the circumstances, recoverable damages may include:
- Medical Expenses: Emergency care, hospitalization, rehabilitation, follow-up treatment, and related medical needs
- Lost Income: Wages missed during recovery and reduced earning ability when injuries limit future work
- Physical Impact: Long-term limitations, reduced mobility, or loss of function supported by medical records
- Property Damage: Vehicle repair or replacement and other property losses caused by the collision
- Non-Economic Damages: Compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other documented effects on daily life that are not tied to a specific financial cost
In limited situations involving particularly reckless conduct, California law may also allow the court to consider punitive damages. Whether punitive damages apply depends on the specific facts and evidence involved, and our attorneys can explain when this issue may be relevant.
What should you do immediately after a drunk driving accident
The steps taken immediately after a drunk driving accident can affect both your safety and any future injury claim. If you are involved in a crash with a suspected impaired driver, consider the following actions:
- Seek Medical Attention: Get medical care as soon as possible, even if injuries do not seem serious at first. Some conditions may not be immediately apparent.
- Report the Accident: Contact law enforcement so the crash is officially documented. Police reports and officer observations can later play an important role in understanding how the collision occurred.
- Preserve Evidence: If it is safe to do so, take photographs of the vehicles, the scene, and visible injuries, and collect contact information from witnesses.
- Limit Insurance Discussions: Insurance companies may reach out shortly after the accident. Providing basic information is appropriate, but detailed statements should be approached with care.
- Document What You Remember: Write down details about the crash while they are still fresh, including the time, location, and any signs of impairment you observed.
- Consult a Car Accident Lawyer: Speaking with a lawyer early can help you understand your rights, what information to preserve, and what steps may be appropriate based on your situation.
Taking these steps can help protect your health and ensure important information is available if questions arise later.
What happens after you contact our firm about a drunk driving accident
After you contact our firm, the initial focus is on determining whether the matter falls within our practice and understanding the basic facts of what occurred. This process is designed to be straightforward and informative, without pressure or obligation.
What typically happens next includes:
- Initial Case Evaluation: We review the basic details of the accident to determine whether the matter involves issues our firm handles, such as impaired driving, injury, and potential liability.
- Consultation and Discussion: If the matter falls within our scope, an attorney discusses how the accident occurred, the injuries involved, and any available documentation, such as police reports or medical records.
- Information Gathering: We may ask follow-up questions to clarify timelines, insurance coverage, and the nature of your injuries or losses.
- Legal Explanation: You receive an explanation of how California law may apply, including potential liability considerations and the types of claims that may be available.
- Next-Step Guidance: We outline possible next steps and what information may be helpful moving forward, allowing you to decide how you wish to proceed.
This process is intended to help you understand where your situation stands and what options may be available, without any obligation to move forward.
Why clients choose Law Offices of J.G. Winter for DUI cases
After a drunk driving accident, people often want clear answers, steady communication, and legal guidance they can trust. Our firm focuses on providing straightforward support throughout the legal process.
What working with our firm typically looks like:
- Careful Evidence Review: We examine police reports, witness statements, medical records, and other materials to understand how the accident occurred and how injuries were caused.
- Clear Communication: We provide updates in the format you prefer, whether by phone, email, or text, and explain legal steps in plain language.
- Bilingual Support: Legal assistance is available in English and Spanish, helping ensure clear communication for clients and families who prefer either language.
- Responsive Support: Our team is available 24/7 to address questions and provide updates, so you are not left guessing about where things stand.
- Contingency Fee Structure: Attorney fees are only collected if compensation is recovered, allowing clients to pursue claims without upfront legal costs.
Our attorneys are prepared to litigate when necessary, while remaining focused on resolving cases efficiently and responsibly.
Representative Case Results
Our firm has handled a wide range of car accident cases. Past results include:
- $1.5 million recovered in a car accident case
- $1 million recovered in a rear-end collision case
These results reflect outcomes in individual cases based on their specific facts and circumstances. Past results do not guarantee or predict future outcomes.
Areas we serve throughout Sacramento County
We represent individuals and families across Sacramento County, including the following communities:
- Sacramento
- Elk Grove
- Citrus Heights
- Rancho Cordova
- Folsom
- Fair Oaks
- Carmichael
- North Highlands
If your drunk driving accident occurred anywhere in Sacramento County, our team can help you understand your legal options and the steps that may follow.
FAQs about drunk driving crashes in Sacramento
Do I still have a personal injury claim if the drunk driver wasn’t convicted?
Yes. You can still have a personal injury claim even if the drunk driver wasn’t convicted. A personal injury claim is separate from the criminal case and focuses on whether the driver’s impairment contributed to the crash.
How long does a DUI accident claim usually take to resolve?
It depends. Timelines depend on injury recovery, available evidence, insurance negotiations, and whether litigation is required. Some DUI accident claims resolve in months, while others take longer when injuries are ongoing or liability is disputed.
Can families pursue a wrongful death claim after a fatal drunk driving accident?
Yes. Families can pursue a wrongful death claim after a fatal drunk driving accident when an impaired driver caused the death. A wrongful death claim is separate from the DUI criminal case and addresses losses suffered by surviving family members under California law.
What happens if the drunk driver flees the scene?
You can still pursue a personal injury claim if the drunk driver flees the scene. In hit-and-run DUI cases, uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may apply through your own auto insurance when the at-fault driver cannot be identified or lacks coverage.
Is it worth hiring a DUI accident lawyer for a minor crash?
Yes. Hiring a DUI accident lawyer for a minor crash can be important because injuries may worsen over time, and liability disputes are common in drunk driving cases, even when property damage or initial injuries appear limited.
Discuss your drunk driving accident claim with our car accident attorneys
If you’re unsure what to do next after a crash with a possibly intoxicated driver, our office can talk through what happened. Our car accident attorney are available to answer questions and help you decide what steps to consider next.
You can reach out in the way that works best for you:
- Call us at (844) 734-2626
- Use the contact form to request a follow-up at your convenience
The initial consultation is offered at no cost, with no obligation to move forward and no pressure to make immediate decisions. The goal is simply to help you understand where things stand so you can decide what to do next with confidence.
Local Courthouse - Car Accident Lawyer Near Sacramento, CA
If you or your loved one have been involved in a car accident in Sacramento, California, we know you are going through a tough time. Hiring the right car accident lawyer can make a significant difference when dealing with such a difficult time. You will spend hours and hours at your local Sacramento Courthouse trying to figure out what to do on your own. If you don’t hire a lawyer, you might waste countless hours and likely receive less settlement than you could have gotten with professional help. That’s why hiring the right lawyer can help to resolve your case and settle it faster. Most importantly, you’re more likely to receive a larger settlement.
At J.G. Winter Law, we’re here to help, and it won’t cost you anything to consult with us. If you have any questions or want to know how much you might be owed, contact us for a free consultation. In California, you have up to 2 years to file a claim and sue for compensation. If you decide to go to the court by yourself, you can find Sacramento County Courthouse at 720 9th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814. But, if you want professional help, our car accident lawyer in Sacramento would gladly assist you.
- 102 Natoma St, Folsom, CA 95630
- 916-702-7870
- Mon – Fr: 9:00 – 18:00
- 1540 River Park Dr, Suite 114A, Sacramento, CA 95815
- 844-734-2626
- Mon – Sat: 9:00 – 18:00
- 304 W Harding Way, Stockton, CA 95204
- 209-502-2586
- Open 24 hours
- 5110 N 67th AVE Glendale, AZ 85301-6541
- (602) 782-5715
- Open 24 hours
Jeremy G. Winter is licensed in California. For matters outside California, representation depends on jurisdiction and applicable rules.