The Drunk Driver that Caused My Car Accident in Ventura has Already been Charged under California Criminal Laws. Do I have Rights and Options to Compensation under California Civil Laws? The Intersection of California Criminal Laws and Civil Laws in Ventura Drunk Driving Car Accidents Explained

All drivers in Ventura know – or should know – that drunk driving is not only dangerous, unnecessary, and risky to life and limb, but that driving while intoxicated is also illegal under California criminal laws. Indeed, getting behind the wheel while drunk on alcohol or high on any other type of mind-altering drug or substance is not tolerated. However, the unfortunate truth of the matter is that drunk and intoxicated drivers get behind the wheel of their cars, SUVs, and trucks every day in Ventura, and serious and fatal drunk driving car accidents can and do happen all the time. But what rights and options do Ventura drunk driving car accident victims have if the drunk driver that injured them has already been criminally charged under California criminal laws? Can a drunk driver be both convicted under California criminal laws for a drunk driving car accident and also be found liable for a victim’s damages under California civil laws? We answer those questions here.

California Criminal Laws Prohibit Drunk Driving, California Civil Laws Provide Options for Compensation to Drunk Driving Car Accident Victims

It is clear that drunk driving is illegal in Ventura under California criminal laws. According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, “No matter what age you are, it is illegal to drive after: Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol in any form. This includes medications like cough syrup; Taking any drug that affects your ability to drive. This includes prescriptions or over-the-counter medications; Using any combination of alcohol or drugs that decreases your ability to drive safely.” Accordingly, if a driver gets behind the wheel while intoxicated on alcohol or drugs in Ventura, they may be charged with a crime under California criminal laws. In addition, California civil laws provide rights and options to the victims of drunk driving car accidents in Ventura, even if the drunk driver that caused their injuries has already been charged under California criminal laws. Indeed, a Ventura drunk driving car accident victim may bring a case in civil court to recover compensation from the drunk driver (and any other liable parties) for their injuries and losses. Importantly, there is a limited time to file a claim for compensation under California civil laws, so it is best to speak with an experienced Ventura car accident lawyer as soon as possible about your rights and options to compensation after a serious car accident occurs.

If you were injured in a drunk driving car accident in Ventura, contact the experienced Ventura car accident lawyers at Zavala Law, PC. Do not hesitate to speak to an experienced lawyer about your case today. Contact Zavala Law, PC and speak to a Ventura lawyer about your rights and options now.

Source:

dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/alcohol-and-drugs