Orange County Impaired Driving Accident Lawyer
Orange County Impaired Driving Accident Attorney
Impaired driving causes many serious accidents in California each year. Driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs puts both the driver and other people at serious risk of danger or death. Hiring an efficient and knowledgeable Orange County impaired driving accident lawyer is essential if you or a loved one has been hurt in an accident brought on by an intoxicated driver.
Our attorneys at Easton & Easton, LLP, are here to help you at every turn. We can guide you through the legal system and pursue the compensation you are entitled to.
What Is Impaired Driving?
When a driver operates a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other substances that impair their ability to drive safely, impaired driving accidents occur. These mishaps have the potential to cause serious harm or even death, which affects the victims’ relatives as well. Common causes of impaired driving accidents include:
- Drunk Driving: Operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is legally considered drunk driving.
- Drugged Driving: Driving under the influence of illegal drugs, prescription medications, or over-the-counter medications can impair one’s driving ability.
- Combined Influence: Using a combination of alcohol and drugs can exponentially increase impairment levels.
The Consequences of Driving While Impaired
Accidents involving drunk drivers can have terrible consequences. As a result of someone else’s selfishness and poor decision-making, victims’ lives can be changed forever. A few examples of these consequences include:
- Severe Injuries: These include internal injuries, spinal cord damage, head trauma, and shattered bones.
- Emotional Trauma: This includes depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Financial Burdens: Heavy expenses are usually incurred as a result of medical bills, missed income, and rehabilitation charges.
- Death: Tragically, incidents involving drunk drivers can be lethal, forcing families to deal with the loss of a loved one.
The Legal Process After an Impaired Driving Accident
The legal procedures immediately following an impaired driving accident are complex. It is helpful to have experienced attorneys on your side throughout the process. They can guide you through the initial investigation, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, pursue a case in front of a judge and jury.
Since proving fault in a DUI case depends on establishing negligence—proving that the driver who caused the accident acted with disregard—that driver’s attorney may fight to establish that an accident happened not because of impairment but due to unavoidable circumstances. At Easton & Easton, LLP, our attorneys can gather the police reports, witness testimonies, and expert opinions that are needed to build your strongest case.
Why Choose Easton & Easton, LLP?
Choosing the right attorney can make all the difference in the outcome of your impaired driving accident case. Easton & Easton, LLP, offers a combination of extensive experience, personalized attention, and a proven success record that allows clients to obtain the optimal amount of compensation for their losses.
With over 100 years of combined legal experience, our attorneys have a deep understanding of California’s impaired driving laws and personal injury claim processes. This experience allows us to effectively navigate the complexities of each case, ensuring that clients can receive adequate representation.
At Easton & Easton, LLP, every client is treated with care and concern. Knowing that these cases are highly individualized and emotional, we work with each client to find the right approach for their concerns. We can detail an action plan and outline a strategy that can address every aspect of a case, from medical costs and lost wages to pain and suffering and long-term rehabilitation needs.
Our long history of achievement includes numerous substantial settlements and verdicts for our clients, which reflects our commitment to success and our clients’ ability to fully recover their injuries and losses. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning that clients do not pay any legal fees unless the firm successfully recovers compensation on their behalf.
From the initial consultation to the final resolution of the case, Easton & Easton, LLP, is here to provide comprehensive legal support. By handling all aspects of the claim, clients can focus on healing and resting.
FAQs
Q: What Is the Average Settlement for a Drunk Driving Accident in California?
A: In California, the circumstances surrounding a drunk driving accident can significantly affect the average settlement amount. These factors include the extent of the victim’s injuries, the effect the event had on their life, and the level of negligence displayed. A knowledgeable lawyer can tell you a more precise estimate based on your unique situation.
Q: Can You Sue a Drunk Driver in California?
A: Yes, in California, you are able to sue a drunk driver. If an intoxicated driver causes an accident that results in injuries, you are entitled to compensation for your lost income, medical costs, pain and suffering, and other damages. You can protect your interests in court and file a personal injury case with the assistance of an experienced impaired driving accident lawyer.
Q: How Much Do Car Accident Lawyers Charge in California?
A: Most auto accident attorneys take cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that they only get paid if they successfully obtain compensation for you. This way, everyone is able to obtain legal counsel, no matter their financial status. It is important to double-check your attorney’s fees prior to letting them move forward with your case.
Q: What Happens If You Get in an Accident While Drunk in California?
A: If you get in an accident while drunk in Orange County and throughout California, you can face severe legal consequences. These may include criminal charges, such as DUI (Driving Under the Influence), fines, jail time, and the suspension of your driver’s license. Additionally, you can be held liable for any injuries or damages caused by the accident, resulting in a personal injury claim against you. The legal repercussions can be life-altering, emphasizing the importance of responsible driving.
Contact an Orange County Impaired Driving Accident Lawyer
Impaired driving poses a significant threat to everyone on the road. When accidents happen, victims need a strong advocate to ensure that their rights are protected and they receive the compensation they need to recover. At Easton & Easton, LLP, we are dedicated to fighting for justice on behalf of our clients.
It is important that you get legal assistance as soon as possible if you or a loved one has been hurt in an impaired driving collision. With a thorough examination of your case, an explanation of your legal choices, and assistance in pursuing the compensation you are entitled to, our skilled Orange County impaired driving accident lawyers can ease the burdens that you and your family are facing. Contact us for a consultation.
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The superior client service Easton & Easton provides has earned the firm an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
Easton & Easton is honored to have been chosen anew each year since 2014 by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers as one of the "Best Law Firms" for the Southern California Metro Area.
Easton & Easton is honored to have been chosen by the LA Times Reader's Choice Poll as "The Best Personal Injury Law Firm in Orange County" for 2018.
Doug and Brian Easton have been selected as Top 100 Trial Lawyers for California each year since 2014 — honors given to less than 1% of attorneys.
Doug and Matt Easton have each been chosen as one of The Best Lawyers in America for Plaintiff's Personal Injury Litigation. Best Lawyers lists attorneys who have earned selection through exemplary legal work that attracts the notice of their colleagues. Lawyers cannot buy their way onto this list.
Brian and Matt Easton were recently honored for their efforts in securing a $1,850,000 verdict for a client in 2016, which was selected as one of the Top 50 Personal Injury Verdicts in California by TopVerdict.com.
Doug and Brian have each been selected by Super Lawyers, an honor given to less than 5% of attorneys. Matt Easton has been selected among Super Lawyers' Up-and-Coming Top 25 in Orange County and Top 100 in Southern Califonia, an honor given to less than 1% of attorneys under 40 years old.
Easton & Easton is honored to have been chosen as one of the "10 Best Personal Injury Law Firms” in all of Southern California" each year Since 2015 based on client satisfaction — one of the highest honors we could ever hope to achieve.
Easton & Easton received the “People Love Us On Yelp” award in 2016 due to the exceptional client satisfaction reviews given by our clients over the years.
Doug and Matt Easton have each been featured as Premier 100 Trial Attorneys for California since 2015 — honors given to less than 1% of attorneys.
Brian and Matt Easton have each earned lifetime appointment to the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum — The Top Trial Lawyers in AmericaTM through the results achieved for their clients. This is an honor given to less than 1% of attorneys in the United States.
Doug Easton has held the “AV Preeminent” Rating for over 30 years and Matt Easton received this prestigious distinction in 2015. The "AV Preeminent" rating is the highest possible rating for both legal ability and ethical standards, and is based on the legal profession’s oldest peer review rating system, dating back to 1887.
Doug, Brian, and Matt Easton have all been chosen as one of the "10 Best" Personal Injury Attorneys in Southern California each year since 2015 based on client satisfaction, an honor given to less than 1% of personal injury attorneys - and Easton & Easton houses three of them.
Brian Easton was selected to the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) in 2015. ABOTA is one of the most premier associations of trial attorneys and judges, requiring a certain number of jury trials as lead counsel and approval by a majority vote of the ABOTA board.
Matt Easton has been selected each year since 2014 as one of the Top 40 Trial Lawyers Under 40 for California by The National Trial Lawyers — an honor given to less than 1% of attorneys.
Doug and Matt Easton have each been chosen as one of The Best Lawyers in America for Plaintiff's Personal Injury Litigation. Best Lawyers lists attorneys who have earned selection through exemplary legal work that attracts the notice of their colleagues. Lawyers cannot buy their way onto this list.
Both Doug and Matt Easton have been selected as Top Personal Injury Attorneys by Avvo with scores of 10 out of 10 based on their skill, experience, results, peer evaluations, and client reviews.
Matt Easton has been selected as one of the Top 10 Personal Injury Attorneys Under 40 in California for 2015 by the National Association of Personal Injury Attorneys — an honor given to less than 1% of personal injury attorneys under the age of 40.
Doug, Brian, and Matt Easton have all been selected by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel among the Nation's Top One Percent of Attorneys each year since 2017.
“We look for the human story behind every injury or wrongful death. We prepare our cases for trial; reaching out to the jury with the most compelling evidence possible for the best verdict possible. Insurance companies know this and come to the table prepared to negotiate in good faith. Call us to see how we can turn your story into fair compensation.”
Partner W. Douglas Easton
What Our Clients Say
Coming out of my first auto accident as an adult, a very difficult and scary time to navigate and understand, I was so incredibly thankful to have been put in contact with Easton & Easton. I honestly was lost with how to handle paperwork, doctors, medical costs and what next steps were, and from the moment I spoke with Travis Easton and my case manager Katie, my mind was put at ease. They have made the entire process stress free for me as I recovered, and I am so grateful for them and their genuine care for my case. Communication from the start has been fantastic, especially making clear what my expectations for the entire process would look like, and I truly believe they have my best interest at heart. 100% I would recommend their firm for anyone that is needing representation! Read more…
My experience with Easton & Easton has been amazing! Gabriel Mendoza and my case manager Katie have been so helpful and taken so much stress off my plate. They’ve been super informative and honest and given me very clear expectations. They’ve taken such a terrible experience (my accident) and eased my mind about the outcome. I can’t thank them enough!! Read more…
Ive used them twice and never been disappointed. Read more…
The Easton & Easton Law Firm is amazing! The entire team is very helpful and caring. They were always there to answer all my questions. They directed me through the entire process and stayed with me every step of the way. This team is outstanding and were wonderful to work with. Because of the tremendous effort they put on my case they were able to win my difficult personal injury case. I couldn’t have asked for a better law firm to handle my case. They are the Best! Thank you for your patience, professionalism, & guidance! I definitely recommend this firm to handle your case. They go out of their way to fight for your rights. THANK YOU… Read more…
I could not be more pleased with the services provided by the Law Offices of W. Douglas Easton. The senior partner Mr. Easton took the time to meet with me and my wife while I was still in the hospital, where he gave my family hope that there was light at the end of a very long, and very dark tunnel. Matt Easton then worked my case, and because of his dedication, experience and expertise I received a settlement that was larger than I EVER thought possible. It was truly astounding! Matt and the entire team at Easton & Easton looked out for me throughout my recovery, and in the end they gave me my life back. Five stars is not enough. Thanks Matt! Thanks Easton & Easton! Read more…
Brian and everyone at Easton and Easton are simply the BEST at what they do. Brian is thorough, easy to talk to, and truly cares about his clients. If you want a family of attorneys with perseverance and determination to fight for you, give Easton and Easton a call. I am glad I did. Read more…
What an amazing law firm, talk about going above and beyond to make such a painful experience go so well. I have referred a co-worker and a family member to them as well and everyone had such a great experience as I had. Read more…
I can’t say enough amazing things about my experience with Travis Easton at Easton & Easton. Travis and his entire team (Katie, Amy, Dee, Michelle, & Araceli) are phenomenal. It provided me a lot of comfort to know I was being so well taken care of. I was especially impressed that every document for the case was perfectly written and specific to me. Nothing was generic, which shows the level of care and attention they put into each individual case. I had such a great experience and would highly recommend Travis Easton and his firm to anyone going through a personal injury. Travis took a bad situation and made the best of it for me. Thank you again, I’m forever grateful!!
-Allee
Retaining Easton and Easton was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made! From the initial consultation to our final meeting, they were nothing short of exceptional. I was forced to retain their services after firing my previous attorney for not handling the case properly. I dealt with Gabriel and Brian (partner) exclusively throughout the case. They did as promised and were great communicators throughout the entire process. I will recommend them to anyone I know going through a personal injury case. They were ultimately able to untangle the mess caused by my previous lawyer and get a result that I was extremely happy with. Their staff is exceptional as well and provided top notch customer service. Amera was also extremely helpful and easy to deal with as well.
I was in a pretty bad car accident and decided to have Easton & Easton represent me, Travis Easton to be specific. Travis Easton and his paralegal made the whole process effortless. They were so understanding and helpful! The entire thing was a gigantic mess, yet Travis managed to make it run like clockwork. I would HIGHLY recommend Easton & Easton! If you are ever in need of a personal defense attorney Easton & Easton is the firm to represent you!
They are the best law firm in Orange County period. Choosing them to represent me was the best decision of my life.
My life changed in a matter of seconds after a catastrophic spinal cord injury that left me disabled. Brian Easton and his team worked on my case non stop for 3 years and provided me the justice I deserved. I couldn’t have been more content.
I was treated with utmost respect and I felt like I was being represented by a close family member. The responses to my questions were quick and clear. What E & E has done for me is phenomenal.
My sincere thanks to Brian, Matt, Travis, Doug, Gabriel and Amera. They are what they are because of their dedication to provide high quality and professional service to their clients.
Brian Easton and his team, Gabe Mendoza and Amera Hajali, helped me during a very difficult time in my life. I had a significant injury from a car accident, and wound up seeking out Easton & Easton when I was having difficulties getting help from my doctors. The Easton team took a lot of stress off of me while acting as my advocates to help me get the care I needed, and saw my case all the way through to a healthy settlement.
They are the BEST!
I have nothing but good things to say about Easton and Easton. Brian handled my case professionally and communicated with me effectively throughout the process. He made sure that the process was effortless and as hands free as possible. This was super important for my busy schedule. I highly recommend Easton and Easton if you are ever found in a situation that you need an attorney.
I would highly recommend Easton & Easton.
I was rear ended on my home and pushed into a semi-truck. I was not sure how to go about even using an attorney.
Brian, Gab and Amera were so good about helping me thru the process and representing me.
I was able to concentrate on getting myself better knowing they had my back, taking care of the details and keeping me informed along the way
The best Law firm by far. I would highly recommend Easton & Easton, LLP and ask for Gabriel Mendoza and staff. He and his colleagues did and exceptional service. Thank you for everything. Job well done!