Drinking and driving is not only against the law, but it is also one of the leading causes of auto accidents in the U.S. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) 2009 statistics, approximately 10,000 people were killed in alcohol-related traffic accidents. Also in 2009, in the state of California, 950 people were killed in alcohol-impaired auto accidents, reports the NHTSA. A staggering 72 percent of drunk driving accident fatalities in California involved drivers with a blood alcohol concentration level (BAC) of .15 percent or more – almost double the legal limit (.08 percent).

If you were injured in a drunk driving accident or lost a loved one in an alcohol-related accident, you may be able to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim. In a personal injury or wrongful death claim, damages may be sought from the at-fault party for causing the accident and resulting injury or death. At the law firm of Estey Bomberger, our California drunk driving accident lawyers’ job is to ensure the victims of preventable, senseless alcohol-related crashes are awarded fair and just financial compensation. The settlements we have won for our clients have enabled them to rebuild their lives after suffering from a devastating tragedy. Some of the types of damages recoverable in a personal injury and wrongful death claim, include:

Underage Drunk Drivers

Underage drinking is a growing problem in the United States. In 2008, according to statistics released by the NHTSA, an estimated 25 percent of 12-20 year olds in California had consumed alcohol in the past month and a shocking 17 percent had been binge drinking in the past month. Multiple studies have shown that in addition to getting behind the wheel of a car while intoxicated, underage drinkers are more likely to be involved in drugs, commit suicide, suffer from learning impairments and be sexually assaulted.

If your child was a passenger in a car driven by an underage drunk driver and was harmed in an underage drunk driving accident, seek the counsel of a California DUI accident lawyer. We will fight aggressively for those who have suffered a catastrophic injury as a result of someone else’s wrongful actions.

How to Spot a Drunk Driver

Drivers can help protect themselves and their families by looking for signs of intoxication among other motorists. If an intoxicated driver is spotted, maintain a safe distance from the vehicle and report the driver to authorities immediately. Some signs of intoxication, include:

• Speeding up or slowing down quickly
• Tailgating
• Straddling center lane or lane marker
• Weaving or zigzagging across road
• Drifting in and out of lanes
• Almost striking another vehicle or object
• Driving without headlights
• Erratic braking
• Inconsistent signaling
• Taking wide or abrupt turns
• Driving on the wrong side of the road
• Delayed response to traffic signals.

Why Choose Estey Bomberger

Estey Bomberger is a client-focused, results-oriented personal injury law firm with a team of highly experienced California drunk driving accident attorneys. We have gained the respect of our peers and those in the legal community for our success in challenging DUI accident cases. Our skilled California personal injury attorneys have been featured on national and local news outlets, including CNN, Fox News and The CBS Evening News. To speak with one of our trusted attorneys, call (800) 810-6113. It costs nothing to call and we can arrange a free consultation wherever it is most convenient for you.