Ventura Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Protecting the Right to Fair Compensation in Drunk Driving Accident Claims

Drunk drivers are the cause of many serious or fatal accidents throughout the USA, with over 13,000 people dying in drunk driving accidents in a recent year, as reported by MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving). Unfortunately, Ventura is the location of many of these deadly collisions.

The restaurants, clubs, and bars in Ventura draw patrons from the local area, tourists, and visitors from the L.A. area, who often drink to excess—and then drive. Drunk drivers are a threat to drivers and their passengers on city streets and freeways, as they operate vehicles with poor judgment, make bad decisions, and operate vehicles with dangerous or reckless driving behavior. If you or a loved one was injured in a drunk driving accident in Ventura, get help from a personal injury attorney to help you pursue fair and full compensation.

Types of Drunk Driving Accidents in Ventura

The types of accidents caused by impaired driving include the following:

Head-On Collisions – One of the deadliest types of DUI accidents, head-on crashes often occur when an intoxicated driver drifts into oncoming traffic or enters a highway in the wrong direction. These accidents frequently result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities.
Rear-End Collisions – Alcohol impairs reaction time, making it difficult for intoxicated drivers to stop in time. Rear-end crashes often lead to whiplash, spinal injuries, and severe property damage.
T-Bone Accidents – Drunk drivers are more prone to run red lights or stop signs, leading to dangerous T-bone (side-impact) crashes at intersections. These accidents can be particularly devastating for passengers on the side of the vehicle that was hit.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents – Impaired drivers may fail to observe crosswalks or traffic signals or follow the rules regarding bike lanes, striking pedestrians and cyclists who have the right of way. These accidents often lead to severe or fatal injuries.
Wrong-Way Driving Accidents – A driver under the influence may enter a highway ramp or on a one-way street in Ventura, traveling in the wrong direction, causing collisions that result in catastrophic injuries or loss of life.
Hit-and-Run Accidents – Some intoxicated drivers flee the scene to avoid DUI charges. Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious offense that complicates legal claims, but our firm works tirelessly to track down responsible parties and seek justice for victims.
Rollover Accidents – Drunk drivers may lose control of their vehicles, leading to rollovers, especially when driving SUVs and trucks with a higher center of gravity. These accidents can cause severe head trauma, spinal injuries, and being ejected from a vehicle.
Multi-Vehicle Pile Ups – A drunk driver’s erratic behavior, such as swerving or sudden braking, can set off chain-reaction crashes involving multiple vehicles. Victims in these complex accidents often struggle to determine liability, making legal representation crucial.

If you or a loved one was injured in a DUI-related accident, our personal injury law firm can help you pursue compensation for all damages. We fight aggressively to hold negligent drivers accountable and pursue the full scope of compensation available under state law.

Injuries in Drunk Driving Accidents: From Catastrophic to Fatal

Drunk driving accidents often result in severe and life-altering injuries due to the reckless and unpredictable nature of impaired driving. At Skinner Law Corp, we have seen firsthand how devastating these injuries can be for victims and their families. Below are some of the most common injuries sustained in DUI-related crashes:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

A sudden impact caused by an impaired driver can leave a driver or passenger suffering brain trauma, including concussions, skull fractures, or brain damage. These injuries can leave an innocent, law-abiding driver facing the future with significant cognitive impairments, memory loss, mood changes, or permanent disabilities, whether physical or mental, or both.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Drunk driving accidents may lead to spinal cord damage caused by the impact and may leave a driver or their passengers living with paralysis (paraplegia or quadriplegia). Even less severe spinal injuries can result in chronic pain, nerve damage, and mobility issues.

Broken Bones

The force of a collision can break bones in the arms, legs, ribs, back, and pelvis. Some fractures require several surgeries and extensive physical therapy, and the individual may never again enjoy the quality of life they had before the collision.

Whiplash and Neck Injuries

Rear-end collisions, a common outcome of drunk driving, often result in severe whiplash. This soft tissue injury can cause severe neck and back pain, debilitating headaches, and chronic pain that makes working impossible.

Internal Organ Damage

Drunk driving crashes can cause damage to internal organs, including the liver, kidneys, or lungs. Internal bleeding can lead to the need for emergency surgery as a life-saving measure.

Lacerations and Disfigurement

Broken glass, debris, and impact on the interior of the vehicle can cause deep cuts or facial injuries, which can cause permanent scars or require advanced reconstructive facial surgery to attempt to restore a natural appearance and cause a long-term impact on quality of life.

Burn Injuries

If a crash results in a vehicle fire or explosion, other drivers impacted by a drunk driver could suffer severe burns, with excruciating treatments involving skin grafts, affecting mobility and leading to permanent, visible scars.

Amputations

In some drunk driving accidents in Ventura, a limb could be crushed or severed, requiring surgical amputation, as it cannot be repaired. This life-changing injury leads to permanent disabilities, the need for long-term rehabilitation, and a future altered forever.

Psychological Trauma and PTSD

Beyond the pain and suffering associated with physical injuries, DUI accidents can leave lasting emotional scars. Many victims have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and difficulty returning to daily activities.

If you or a loved one was injured in a drunk driving accident, Skinner Law Corp is here to help. We are dedicated to fighting to recover the maximum compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care.

What Damages Can Be Sought in a Drunk Driving Accident?

Every DUI injury accident is unique in the degree of the injuries. The types of compensation that must be pursued through an insurance claim or lawsuit include:

Victims of drunk driving accidents may be entitled to compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial hardships they endure. At Skinner Law Corp, we fight aggressively to ensure that victims receive the maximum damages available under the law. Below are the primary types of damages that could be awarded in a DUI accident claim:

Economic Damages

These damages compensate for the direct financial losses incurred as a result of the accident, which include:

Medical Expenses – Covers emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and all current and future necessary medical care.
Lost Wages – Reimburses the income lost due to the victim’s inability to work during recovery.
Reduced Earning Capacity – If the injuries lead to long-term or permanent disability, victims may receive compensation for future lost earnings.
Property Damage – Covers the repair or replacement of vehicles and other damaged personal property.
Rehabilitation Costs – Includes expenses for physical therapy, occupational therapy, and assistive devices such as wheelchairs or prosthetics.

Non-Economic Damages

These damages compensate for the physical and emotional suffering experienced by victims who have been injured by a drunk driver in Ventura and the surrounding communities.

Pain and Suffering – Covers the physical pain and emotional anguish resulting from the accident and injuries.
Emotional Trauma – Victims who suffer from PTSD, anxiety, depression, or emotional distress due to the crash may be compensated.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life – If the injuries prevent the victim from engaging in hobbies, activities, or a normal quality of life, they may receive compensation.
Loss of Consortium – If the accident affects the victim’s relationship with their spouse and children, compensation may be awarded for the loss of companionship, intimacy, or support.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are awarded in cases where the drunk driver’s actions were particularly reckless or egregious. These damages are awarded as a punishment and a deterrent. While not awarded in every case, punitive damages could be sought in drunk driving cases.

Wrongful Death Damages

If a loved one is killed in a drunk driving accident, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim to recover:

Funeral and burial costs
Loss of financial support
Loss of companionship and emotional support
Medical expenses incurred before the victim’s passing

Who is Liable? Building a Powerful Case

To build a strong case, we collect and analyze all evidence, including:

Police reports and DUI test results
Medical records and current and future estimated costs
Witness testimony
Traffic camera, dash cam, or surveillance footage if available

We also assess your economic and non-economic damages, including lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.

Negotiating a Settlement or File a Lawsuit?

Most DUI accident claims are settled out of court through negotiations. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, more pressure is applied on the insurance company by:

Filing a personal injury lawsuit
Representing you in court with a well-prepared and persuasive case
Pursuing punitive damages if the driver’s conduct warrants punishment

Your Compensation: Settlement or Jury Award?

When a case is settled, or the jury awards damages in court, you will receive compensation for your damages. Your attorney will ensure that all legal and medical costs are accounted for before finalizing your settlement. Our legal support is provided on a contingency fee—you owe no legal fees until we succeed.

Drunk Driving Accidents: FAQ

What if the drunk driver denies responsibility or challenges the claim?

Even if the drunk driver denies fault, a strong case can still be built using police reports, DUI test results, witness statements, and accident reconstruction experts. If the at-fault driver’s insurance company disputes liability, your attorney can present compelling evidence in negotiations or court to prove negligence. A conviction can strengthen your personal injury claim when criminal DUI charges are filed against the drunk driver.

Can I still recover compensation if the drunk driver was uninsured or underinsured?

Yes. If the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance, you may still be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage if included in your policy. Additionally, alternative legal options may involve suing the driver personally or exploring potential liability from third parties, such as bars or restaurants that overserved the driver under dram shop laws (“social host liability”).

How does a criminal DUI case impact my civil lawsuit?

A criminal DUI case is separate from your civil lawsuit. While a criminal case aims to punish the drunk driver with fines, license suspension, or jail time, a civil claim focuses on securing financial compensation for your injuries and losses. If the driver is convicted of DUI, there is strong evidence of negligence in your personal injury case, making it easier to prove fault and liability.

Can I file a claim even if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Yes. In many states, comparative negligence laws allow accident victims to recover compensation even if they were partially responsible for the crash. However, your compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault and your total damages are $100,000, you would receive $80,000. A skilled attorney can help protect your rights and minimize any unfair fault assignments.

What if I was injured as a passenger in a drunk driving accident?

As a passenger, you may have a valid claim against the drunk driver’s insurance (if they were the at-fault driver) or the other driver involved in the crash. If multiple parties are responsible, you may be able to file claims against both insurance policies. In some cases, passengers can also seek compensation through their own personal injury protection (PIP) or uninsured motorist coverage.

How long do I have to file a claim for a drunk driving accident?

The time limit to file a claim, known as the statute of limitations, allows for two years from the accident date to file a claim. Failing to file promptly can weaken your case, as evidence could be lost or destroyed, eyewitnesses can become hard to find, or their memories fade. It’s crucial to consult an attorney as soon as possible to meet all legal deadlines.

Why Choose Skinner Law Corp?

At Skinner Law Corp, we understand the devastating impact that a drunk driving accident can have on victims and their families. Our firm is dedicated to holding reckless drivers accountable and securing the compensation you deserve. Here’s why clients trust us to handle their DUI accident claims:

Unwavering Advocacy

At Skinner Law Corp, we don’t just handle cases—we fight for justice. Drunk driving is a preventable crime, and we work tirelessly to fight to achieve full compensation for injuries, losses, and suffering.

Proven Track Record of Success

Our firm has successfully recovered substantial settlements and verdicts for drunk driving accident victims. We know how to build strong cases, negotiate aggressively, and, if necessary, take cases to trial to achieve the best possible outcome.

Comprehensive Legal Strategies

A DUI accident claim is more than just proving fault—it requires a strategic approach to maximize compensation. We leverage police reports, toxicology results, witness statements, and accident reconstruction experts to build an airtight case on your behalf.

Skilled Negotiators and Trial Lawyers

Insurance companies will often attempt to minimize payouts, especially in DUI cases. Our attorneys are experienced negotiators who push for the highest possible settlements. If the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, we are prepared to take your case to court.

No Fees Unless We Win

We believe that victims should not have to worry about legal fees while recovering from a serious accident. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis—you don’t pay us unless we win your case.

Contact Skinner Law Corp at 310-356-0074 to speak with us about seeking compensation after being injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver—we are here to help you seek justice.