Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Camarillo, CA
Being injured by a drunk driver is one of the most devastating and preventable types of accidents. In California, driving under the influence is not just illegal; it is a form of reckless conduct that can open the door to punitive damages on top of your standard injury compensation. If a drunk driver hurt you or killed a loved one near Camarillo, our attorneys want to help you pursue the full measure of justice available under California law.
Drunk Driving Accidents in the Camarillo Area
Drunk driving accidents in Camarillo and surrounding Ventura County occur on highways, local roads, and even in parking lots. The hours around bar closing time and major holidays see elevated DUI activity. Common locations include:
- US-101 late at night heading into or out of Camarillo
- Las Posas Road and Daily Drive after events at local restaurants and bars
- Surface streets near Old Town Camarillo during weekend evenings
- Parking lots and access roads near entertainment venues
The Camarillo Police Department and California Highway Patrol (CHP) aggressively patrol for impaired drivers, but not every drunk driver is caught before causing harm.
California Law and Drunk Driving Liability
In a civil injury case, you do not need to prove the driver was criminally convicted of DUI to win. You need to show by a preponderance of the evidence (more likely than not) that the driver was impaired and that their impairment caused your injuries. A criminal DUI conviction, if obtained, is powerful evidence in your civil case, but it is not required.
California also recognizes the Dram Shop doctrine under certain circumstances. If a bar, restaurant, or other licensed alcohol provider served alcohol to an obviously intoxicated person who then caused an accident, that establishment may also bear some liability. Attorney Curt Brown investigates all potential sources of liability to maximize your recovery.
Punitive Damages in Drunk Driving Cases
One of the unique aspects of drunk driving accident cases in California is the potential for punitive damages. Regular compensatory damages cover your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Punitive damages go further: they are designed to punish the drunk driver for their reckless conduct and deter others from doing the same.
To win punitive damages, we need to show that the driver acted with malice, oppression, or fraud. Drunk driving, particularly when the driver had a very high blood alcohol content, had prior DUI convictions, or chose to drive despite knowing they were impaired, typically meets this standard.
What to Do After a DUI Crash
- Call 911 immediately. Police will conduct a DUI investigation, and the resulting report is essential evidence.
- Seek medical attention. Paramedics will respond, and you may need treatment at St. John's Pleasant Valley Hospital at 2309 Antonio Ave in Camarillo.
- Do not confront the impaired driver. Wait for law enforcement to arrive.
- Photograph the scene, vehicle positions, and any open containers or other evidence if it is safe to do so.
- Get witness contact information.
- Contact our Camarillo personal injury team before speaking with insurance companies.
Compensation You Can Pursue
- All medical bills, current and future
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and PTSD
- Punitive damages
- Wrongful death damages if a loved one was killed
Our firm also serves drunk driving accident victims in the broader region. See our Woodland Hills car accident attorney page for additional information.
Contact Us Today
Drunk drivers should face real consequences for the havoc they cause. Let our attorneys fight for justice on your behalf. Call LF Brown Law for a free consultation. We work on contingency.
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