Drunk Driving Accidents

San Francisco Drunk Driving Accident Attorney

Compassionate Legal Representation in San Francisco for Victims of Drunk Driving Accidents

A drunk driving accident can devastate lives in the blink of an eye, leaving victims with severe injuries, emotional trauma, and mounting financial burdens. Despite the strict laws against driving under the influence in California, reckless decisions by intoxicated drivers continue to claim lives and cause significant harm. If you or a loved one has suffered due to a drunk driving accident, Peterson Injury Law is here to help.

With more than 30 years of experience, founding attorney Erik L. Peterson leads our compassionate legal team in fighting for justice and fair compensation for victims of drunk driving accidents. We understand the challenges you face and are committed to holding negligent drivers accountable for their actions.

Call (415) 630-2913 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation today.

The Dangers of Drunk Driving

Driving under the influence of alcohol is not only illegal but also deadly. Alcohol impairs a driver’s ability to make split-second decisions, react to sudden changes, and maintain control of their vehicle. This reckless behavior puts everyone on the road at risk.

California law treats driving under the influence as a criminal offense, but the criminal case focuses on punishment, not on making victims whole. That is why it is important for injured people to understand that they may have a separate civil claim to pursue medical bills, lost income, and other losses. When we evaluate a potential case, we look carefully at how alcohol use affected the driver’s behavior, whether there is evidence of excessive speed or prior DUI history, and how those factors may support a strong civil claim for our clients.

Key Facts About Drunk Driving Accidents:

Serious Risk: Alcohol-related accidents result in thousands of fatalities and injuries annually in California.
Delayed Reactions: Even small amounts of alcohol can slow reflexes and impair decision-making.
Catastrophic Collisions: DUIs often result in high-speed crashes, increasing the likelihood of severe injuries or death.

At Peterson Injury Law, we are dedicated to holding drunk drivers accountable for the consequences of their reckless actions.

Common Injuries in Drunk Driving Accidents

The violent nature of drunk driving accidents often leaves victims with catastrophic injuries that require extensive medical care and rehabilitation, sometimes for a lifetime.

Common Injuries Include:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Lifelong cognitive challenges and physical impairments often result from head trauma.
Spinal Cord Injuries: These may lead to partial or complete paralysis, requiring specialized care and equipment.
Fractures: Broken bones can result in chronic pain or decreased mobility.
Internal Injuries: Organ damage and internal bleeding are common in high-speed collisions.
Burns and Scarring: Victims frequently suffer severe burns or permanent disfigurement in fiery crashes.

These injuries come with substantial physical, emotional, and financial challenges. With Peterson Injury Law by your side, you can focus on healing while we pursue compensation for your losses.

Why Choose Peterson Injury Law?

Drunk driving cases are deeply personal. At Peterson Injury Law, we provide legal representation that combines decades of experience with genuine care and compassion.

What Sets Us Apart:

Proven Track Record: Attorney Erik Peterson has secured numerous high-value settlements and verdicts, including multimillion-dollar results for clients.
Decades of Experience: With over 30 years of legal practice, our team has the knowledge to handle even the most complex cases.
Compassionate Advocacy: We take the time to understand your story and treat you with empathy and respect.
Aggressive Representation: Whether negotiating with insurance companies or taking your case to trial, we fight tirelessly to seek maximum compensation.
Trusted Legal Background: Erik Peterson is a National Trial Lawyers Top 100 member and has been recognized by Super Lawyers® for two decades.

When you choose us, you gain a team devoted to your case and determined to achieve results.

Compensation for Drunk Driving Accident Victims

Drunk driving accidents often leave victims facing significant financial and emotional challenges. At Peterson Injury Law, we work to ensure your compensation reflects the full extent of your losses.

You May Be Entitled To Compensation For:

Medical Expenses: Including the cost of hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term care needs.
Lost Income: Covers wages lost during recovery and diminished earning capacity if you are permanently unable to return to work.
Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and the impact on your quality of life.
Property Damage: Includes costs for vehicle repairs or replacement.
Wrongful Death Damages: If you have lost a loved one, we pursue compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and emotional suffering.

Every case is unique, which is why our team custom-tailors legal strategies to achieve the best possible outcome for you.

The Legal Process for Drunk Driving Accidents

At Peterson Injury Law, we handle every step of your case, from initial consultation to final resolution, so you can focus on your recovery.

How We Build Your Case:

Comprehensive Investigation: We gather all evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and video footage, to establish fault.
Consulting Experts: We work with accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals, and economists to quantify your losses.
Negotiating Effectively: Our team negotiates aggressively with insurance companies to secure a fair settlement.
Litigation When Necessary: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to trial.

Our thorough preparation and attention to detail help ensure that no aspect of your claim is overlooked.

Time Is of the Essence

California law sets strict deadlines for filing personal injury claims. Victims of drunk driving accidents generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, delays in gathering evidence or negotiating with insurers can affect your case.

By contacting Peterson Injury Law as soon as possible, you can safeguard your right to compensation and strengthen your legal claim.

Holding Drunk Drivers Accountable

Drunk driving is not just negligent; it is criminal. Unfortunately, criminal charges often do little to alleviate the pain and financial burdens placed on victims. Filing a civil claim allows you to pursue the justice and compensation you deserve, regardless of the outcome of criminal proceedings.

In many drunk driving cases, responsibility may extend beyond the impaired driver. Depending on the facts, there may be insurance coverage through multiple policies, such as the at-fault driver’s liability coverage, your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, or coverage for a vehicle owned by someone else. We look carefully at how the driver obtained the vehicle, whether they were in the course of employment, and what insurance policies may apply so that important sources of recovery are not overlooked.

Examples of additional accountability we may consider include:

Reviewing all available insurance: We examine every potentially applicable policy so that important coverage is not missed.
Evaluating employment relationships: We assess whether the impaired driver was working at the time of the crash and if an employer may share responsibility.
Identifying other negligent conduct: We look for facts suggesting that other parties contributed to the risk, such as negligent vehicle entrustment.
Coordinating with the criminal case: We monitor the DUI proceedings to obtain useful records and testimony for the civil claim.

We also explore additional avenues of compensation, such as uninsured motorist coverage or third-party liability claims, to help ensure all responsible parties are held accountable.

$3.75 Million Anesthesia Error
$6.25 Million Anoxic Brain Injury, Anesthesia Error
Record-Setting $17 Million Birth Injury Settlement

See More Wins

Erik and his team were incredibly helpful.
“Erik and his team were incredibly helpful. They consistently helped me through the unfamiliar and uncertain legal processes, which were all new to me. I trusted Erik always had my best interests in mind and was fighting on my behalf. I deeply appreciate all they did for me and my family.”

- Peter M.
I truly appreciate everything they did for us.
“Erik and his paralegal, Kate, were incredible throughout our case. Erik is an amazing attorney, he was open with us from the very beginning, attentive, and always made sure we understood every step of the process. His honesty and professionalism gave us so”

- Joyce D.
We cannot recommend Erik and his team highly enough.
“Working with Erik Peterson was an exceptional experience during one of the most difficult times in our lives. As we faced shock and a maze of medical decisions, Erik seamlessly took on our medical malpractice case with professionalism, compassion, and deep expertise. From our very first conversation, it was clear that Erik had both the knowledge and the sensitivity to guide us through the process with integrity. Erik ultimately secured a settlement that protected our financial future and gave us peace of mind to focus our energy on healing and recovery. We are profoundly grateful for his guidance and advocacy, and we cannot recommend Erik and his team highly enough.”

- Jennifer B.
I am so very grateful to my lawyer, Erik
“I am so very grateful to my lawyer, Erik and his team for his unwavering support, dedication and commitment. Thank you for all your hard work leading us to a victorious outcome in court!”

- Quia K.
He was always truthful and honest but also caring.
“My wife and I are forever grateful to Erik and his team for putting the effort and care for our son and his needs. We chose Erik over another lawyer because they took the time to FaceTime with us and speak to us on a personal level which made us feel safe and heard. Throughout the process Erik was very communicative and detailed in explaining how all the legal things worked and how long things took. He was always truthful and honest but also caring. At the end Erik and his team were able to help us and now our son will have his needs met and a more comfortable life. Thank you.”

- Adrian B.
Erik, I'm incredibly grateful that [husband stroke victim] continues to improve - long after it was thought to be possible.
“He couldn't have managed independence to this extent, his current level of physical activity, or the complexity of his recent social interactions 6 months ago. None of it would have happened without ongoing therapeutic support - which has only been possible with the financial settlement.”

- Former Client
Thank you Erik for winning our case!
“Thank you Erik for winning our case! Erik and his team are superb. If you are in need of his attorney services, it is likely, like myself, that you are experiencing one of the most traumatic and painful times of your life. Of course you want an excellent lawyer - and he is it. The bonus: he is also a genuinely real and kind human being. I am so grateful to him and his team.”

- Margaret C.
Erik Peterson handled my case with care and compassion.
“His knowledge and attention to detail was stellar, making me feel secure during a difficult case. Unlike most people in life, he was always upfront with me and kept me updated every step of the way, which is truly not what I was expecting from a lawyer. Although it was determined my case could take several years, especially during a pandemic, due to his dedication it was over in only 2yrs and made the process as easy for me as possible. I would absolutely recommend this firm and use him again if I ever need to, although I hope I don't.”

- Kristy N.
This whole experience can be overwhelming but Erik kept me in the loop on everything.
“My husband passed due to medical malpractice and I didn't know what to do or who to call. All I knew was I needed to get him justice. I researched and found Erik Peterson on google and reviewed various reviews on various sites. He was very patient and fought for me and my late husband. Erik told me what to expect ahead of time so I could prepare myself mentally. All in all, I HIGHLY recommend them to anyone who may need legal assistance in personal injury, medical malpractice and wrongful death. They are excellent and I can't say enough good things about them.”

- Kiki A.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Difference Between a Criminal DUI Case and a Civil Injury Case?

A criminal DUI case and a civil injury case are separate, and one does not replace the other. The criminal case is handled by the prosecutor and focuses on penalties such as fines, probation, or jail. A civil claim is where an injured person can seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other losses, regardless of how the criminal case is resolved.

Can I Bring a Claim If I Was a Passenger in the Drunk Driver’s Car?

A passenger who is injured in a crash may have the right to pursue a claim, even if the driver of their own vehicle was impaired. The specific options depend on the available insurance coverage, how the collision occurred, and whether any other drivers were involved. Speaking with a lawyer can help clarify which policies might apply in your situation.

What Happens If the Drunk Driver Does Not Have Enough Insurance?

If the at-fault driver’s insurance is limited, an injured person may be able to turn to their own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, if it is available on their policy. In some cases, other sources of recovery may exist, such as coverage from a vehicle owner or an employer, depending on the facts. A careful review of the insurance landscape is often necessary to understand all potential avenues for recovery.

What To Do After a Drunk Driving Accident in San Francisco

The hours and days after a drunk driving collision can feel confusing and overwhelming. Knowing the basic steps to take can help you protect your health, preserve important evidence, and avoid mistakes that could weaken your legal options later. These steps apply whether the crash happens on a busy route like I-280 or on a smaller neighborhood street in San Francisco.

After you have called 911 and received medical attention, it is important to gather as much information as you safely can. This may include getting the other driver’s name, contact information, and license plate number, as well as the names and contact details of any witnesses who stopped at the scene. Photographs of the vehicles, skid marks, traffic signals, and surrounding area can provide valuable context about how the impact occurred, especially at complex intersections near downtown or along major corridors that lead to the Golden Gate Bridge.

In the days that follow, keeping a written record of your symptoms, medical appointments, and any time missed from work can be very helpful. You may also receive calls from insurance adjusters who want recorded statements or quick signatures on forms. Before giving a detailed statement or accepting an early settlement, it is wise to talk with a drunk driving accident attorney San Francisco residents can turn to for guidance on how those decisions might affect your ability to recover full compensation for your injuries and future needs.

WE'RE HERE FOR YOU

Contact Peterson Injury Law Today

Don’t wait to take action. Trust Peterson Injury Law to be your ally in this difficult time, fighting for the compensation and peace of mind you deserve. If you or someone you love has been injured in a drunk driving accident, we are here to help you rebuild your life. With compassionate support and aggressive advocacy, we work tirelessly to ensure justice is served and your future is secure.

Call (415) 630-2913 or contact us online for a free consultation.

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