The State of California can hold drunk drivers criminally responsible for the actions, but can victims or their surviving family members be compensated in civil court because of the accident? The answer is a resounding yes.
Drunk driving is a crime that can result in the driver facing monetary penalties, counseling, imprisonment, and the loss of a driver’s license. While these consequences will hopefully stop the driver from reoffending, it doesn’t help the family who suffered. Victims of drunk driving accidents in Woodland Hills need to know that when a driver is arrested or convicted of a DUI or DWI, they have the right to file a civil suit against the drunk driver. The purpose of the civil lawsuit is to help the victim or the surviving family with medical bills, property damage, funeral and burial expenses, expenses for physical rehabilitation, future medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Filing with Insurance Isn’t Enough
Often, victims who are injured in a drunk driving accident think that they can just file with the insurance company and be done with it. However, the drunk driver may not have insurance.
Filing an insurance claim after an accident simply isn’t enough. Insurance companies are businesses with an eye on their bottom life and the insurance companies that are involved may not want to pay the victim what their claim is worth. They may try to force the victim into settling for an amount that won’t pay all the bills and the settlement may take away the victim’s right to sue in the future.
Therefore, in addition to filing with insurance, victims or their surviving family members in a wrongful death action should reach out an experienced and compassionate lawyer who has a track record of helping victims get the compensation that they deserve.
Know and Protect Your Legal Rights
If you were injured in a drunk driving accident that was not your fault, you should know that California law is on your side. To learn about your legal rights and how to protect them, contact Woodland Hills accident attorney Barry P. Goldberg today for a free, no obligation consultation.
