Were you or someone you love injured in an accident where the other driver was under the influence? Have you been struck and hurt by someone who, at the time, was “DUI” (driving under the influence?) If so, then you very well may deserve compensation. Belal Hamideh, experienced DUI accident lawyer, can help you to recover everything you deserve for all that you’ve been through.
Driving under the influence is a crime, yes, but you, the victim, can bring a civil case against the drunk driver as well. That’s where we can help. During a free case evaluation, Belal can sit down with you and go over your case. There, he’ll draw upon his experience to let you know what your case is worth as well as how we can help.
What Kind of Compensation Can a DUI Accident Lawyer Help With?
If you’ve suffered injuries in an accident with a drunk driver, you may be eligible for both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages cover financial losses resulting from the accident, such as medical expenses, vehicle repairs, property damage, lost wages, and diminished earning capacity.
Non-economic damages encompass intangible losses like pain, suffering, emotional distress, disfigurement, and a reduction in your overall quality of life.
In certain cases, punitive damages may be awarded as a form of punishment for the reckless behavior of the drunk driver, especially if they displayed a blatant disregard for the safety of others.
How Does a DUI Accident Lawyer Prove Liability?
Establishing liability in a civil DUI case differs from doing so in a criminal case.
In a civil case, the burden of proof is lower, requiring evidence that the drunk driver’s actions directly led to your injury. So, to establish liability, it must be demonstrated that the drunk driver’s negligent or reckless actions directly caused your injuries. This could involve speeding, failure to signal, failure to yield, or other illegal acts influenced by intoxication.
Belal Hamideh and the team can help navigate this process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
What Should I Do Right After a DUI Accident?
In the aftermath of a collision with someone under the influence, it’s crucial to try to stay calm. If possible, take these steps to protect yourself as well as others:
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Ensure Safety: Move to a safe location and assess injuries for yourself and others involved.
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Call 911: Contact the authorities to report the incident and allow for a proper investigation, including drug/alcohol testing of the at-fault driver.
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Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, prompt medical attention is vital, as some injuries may manifest later.
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Collect Evidence: Safely capture photographs and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any environmental factors that may be relevant to your case. This documentation is crucial for your case.
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Contact Belal Hamideh: Reach out to Belal for a free case evaluation once you’ve done all of the above.
How Can Belal Hamideh Help My DUI Accident Case?
As soon as Belal takes your case, he and the rest of the team here start a thorough investigation into your case.
That means examining police reports, test results, eyewitness statements, and any available camera footage.
Operating on a contingency basis, you won’t be charged for our services unless we secure a favorable outcome for you. If necessary, we can connect you with medical professionals who, like us, also work on a contingency basis.
Most cases settle out of court. That said, Belal Hamideh is prepared to go to court if necessary. This is part of our commitment to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your losses.
When Should I Contact a DUI Accident Lawyer?
Time is of the essence. It’s natural to want to procrastinate, to put it off.
However, in California, you have a two-year window from the date of the drunk driving accident to file a civil claim. The sooner you reach out to Belal Hamideh, the quicker we can begin building a strong case on your behalf.
Can I Sue if I Was a Passenger in a DUI Accident?
You may. If you were a passenger in a vehicle struck by a drunk driver, you can pursue legal action for your injuries. A free case evaluation with Belal Hamideh can provide clarity on the potential worth of your claim as well as how we can help.
Can Someone Other Than the Other Driver Be Liable for My DUI Accident?
Yes. They may be partially liable.
Beyond the drunk driver, other parties may share liability. Parents of teenage drivers (who allowed the teens to drink), restaurants/servers/bartenders who served alcohol to someone who was clearly drunk, hosts of private parties, and others may be liable, even if only partially.
Belal Hamideh can conduct a comprehensive evaluation to determine who all is liable, as this approach can potentially increase the compensation you receive.
What Does “DUI” Really Mean?
In California, driving with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) over 0.08% for individuals over 21 is illegal. “Zero Tolerance” laws apply to those under 21, prohibiting any alcohol in their system while driving.
Intoxication, whether from alcohol or drugs, impairs reflexes, awareness, and judgment, making safe driving challenging.
If you believe there was any possibility you were injured in a DUI crash, it’s worth it to reach out to Belal for a free case evaluation.
Belal Hamideh: DUI Accident Lawyer with Experience
Suffering injuries due to the actions of an intoxicated driver can be a traumatic experience. Belal Hamideh and his team are committed to empowering you every step of the way.
You don’t have to worry about insurance companies once you’ve signed with us, as we can negotiate with them on your behalf.
In the aftermath of a drunk driving accident, seeking legal representation is not only your right but a crucial step towards securing the compensation you deserve.
We have helped so many to transform the aftermath of a personal injury into a personal victory. Now we can do the same for you. Take the first step towards justice by scheduling a free case evaluation through the website or a phone call.