When a person decides to drive under the influence, the consequences can permanently alter the lives of others. The victims and their families may go through an untold physical, emotional, and financial toll, especially when the injuries are life-altering. Fortunately, the law allows victims of negligence to seek justice through legal action.
At Walton Law, APC, we have experience in fighting for the rights of those who suffered an injury in diverse types of traffic collisions, including drunk driving cases. Our legal team of San Diego drunk driving accident lawyers understand the complex process of holding intoxicated drivers accountable.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to another person’s reckless conduct behind the wheel, we are prepared to pursue full financial recovery for you through an insurance claim or lawsuit.
Why Choose Walton Law, APC
At Walton Law, APC, our commitment to injured individuals in San Diego goes beyond legal representation. We see every case as an opportunity to restore stability and dignity to someone’s life following an avoidable, life-altering event. What sets us apart is our legal acumen and the values guiding how we serve our clients and our community.
Our San Diego office is conveniently located on High Bluff Drive, Suite 333, just minutes from Del Mar Heights and the I-5 freeway. Whether you're visiting us in person or prefer to speak virtually, we make it easy to connect in a way that works best for your situation. We can also come to you if you cannot travel due to injury.
We approach every drunk driving accident case with determination and care. Our firm operates on a contingency-fee-basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover your compensation. Backed by the resources to carry cases through litigation and trial, we never pressure clients into early or unfair settlements.
Equally important is our dedication to giving back. We donate a portion of every attorney fee to nonprofit organizations that matter deeply to our team and clients. This practice reflects the heart of our work, advocating for meaningful change and supporting people when they need it most. When you hire us, you will work with advocates who are fully committed to your recovery inside and outside the courtroom.
How Much Is My Case Worth?
After an impaired driving accident in San Diego, one of the most pressing issues is the financial impact and the emotional toll of what you've endured. However, no two injury cases are valued the same. These claims aim to compensate you for measurable financial losses and the injury’s impact on your life. Mostly, recoverable damages in your case will entail the following:
- Healthcare Costs: This includes hospital bills, surgeries, diagnostic tests, rehabilitation, medications, and anticipated future medical needs related to the injury.
- Loss of Earnings: If you can no longer work or miss your job due to injuries, compensation can cover past income and diminished future earning ability.
- Pain and Suffering: The pain you experienced emotionally and physically after a severe accident may justify a significant non-economic damages award.
- Property Damage: This covers the costs to fix or replace your vehicle and any personal items lost in the accident.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: When an injury or disability is permanent, damages may cover the disruption to your ability to participate in activities you once enjoyed.
- Punitive Damages: When the at-fault driver’s behavior shows a conscious disregard for the safety of others, such as operating a vehicle while intoxicated, you may secure an award for punitive damages to bar similar conduct.
As such, your total payout will factor in these damages. We evaluate each case individually, taking its unique circumstances into account. The amount you may ultimately receive depends on factors that influence your damages, including:
- Severity of Injuries: More severe or permanent injuries generally result in higher compensation due to increased medical costs, pain, and long-term impact.
- Available Insurance Coverage: The value of your claim may be affected by the liability limits of the at-fault driver’s insurance and any additional coverage options, including uninsured/underinsured motorist policies.
- Proof of Fault and Liability: Clear evidence that the driver was impaired, such as a BAC test or police report, can increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome and strengthen your right to punitive damages.
- Impact on Daily Life: The scope to which the accident disrupts your routine, relationships, or mental health may also shape the settlement value.
While your lawyer cannot guarantee a specific dollar amount, our firm works to ensure your compensation reflects the full impact of an accident on your life and family. A San Diego drunk driving accident attorney can thoroughly evaluate and advocate for all applicable damages. We also engage medical professionals and economists to ensure your claim reflects the full extent of your loss.
Where Do Drunk Driving Accidents Occur in San Diego?
San Diego County experiences a persistently high rate of alcohol- and drug-related collisions. In recent years, injuries due to drunk driving crashes have reportedly risen by 14 percent. Across the county, younger drivers—especially those aged 18 to 26—make up a disproportionate share of DUI-related fatalities. More than half of DUI homicide charges involve this age group.
Geographically, problem hotspots emerge both in suburban corridors and in Southeastern neighborhoods. For instance, in Lakeside, a DUI collision on Mapleview Street and State Route 67 in August 2022 led to minor-to-moderate injuries and one critical hospitalization. Meanwhile, urban communities such as Lincoln Park and Skyline, along Imperial Avenue and Euclid Avenue, face higher accident and crime rates linked to both substance abuse and traffic risk.
Major traffic arteries, including Interstate 805, I‑5, SR‑94, and SR‑67, are commonly implicated in impaired driving enforcement operations. These areas are prone to drunk driving crashes, especially during holidays and weekends.
The District Attorney’s office receives ongoing funding, such as a $899,425 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, to support DUI and drugged-driving prosecutions across San Diego County. This investment enhances investigations and aims to reduce these preventable tragedies.
These patterns and data reveal that driving under the influence is a serious problem in San Diego, affecting both coastal highways and city streets. These areas have a higher risk for accidents involving impaired drivers. Our team of drunk driving lawyers understands the typical patterns that emerge in these high-risk DUI zones. We have the resources to reconstruct accidents in these areas and can swiftly take legal steps to support your claim.
Types of Injuries Caused by Drunk Driving Crashes
Drunk driving collisions tend to involve higher speeds, delayed braking, and erratic maneuvers, all of which increase the likelihood of severe injury. The nature and extent of injuries depend on the point of impact, use of restraints, and the size or type of vehicles involved. Certain injuries commonly occur in alcohol-related crashes because of their violent and unpredictable nature.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Sudden head trauma from striking a windshield, dashboard, or steering wheel can result in concussions, brain swelling, or long-term cognitive impairment. Even minor TBIs are known to cause memory problems, mood changes, and difficulty concentrating.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: An injured spinal column can cause paralysis, depending on the location and severity. These injuries may require long-term medical support and can profoundly limit mobility and independence.
- Fractures and Orthopedic Damage: Broken bones in the arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis are common. In high-impact crashes, victims may suffer compound fractures requiring surgical repair, with a risk of long-term joint complications or chronic pain.
- Internal Injuries: Organs such as the liver, kidneys, or lungs can be punctured or compressed due to blunt force trauma. These injuries are not always immediately visible and may become life-threatening without prompt medical treatment.
- Facial and Dental Injuries: Impact with airbags, shattered glass, or structural damage can cause broken jaws, lost teeth, and permanent disfigurement. Reconstructive surgery may be necessary for both functional and cosmetic recovery.
- Psychological Trauma: Beyond physical harm, many victims suffer from anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress following a violent crash. These psychological injuries may persist long after physical wounds have healed.
Every injury sustained in a drunk driving accident has its own set of long-term financial, physical, and emotional consequences. The accidents often result in catastrophic injuries or death, not only for the impaired driver but also for other road users. A San Diego drunk driving accident lawyer can help document these effects clearly, which is central to building a strong claim for damages.
Fighting the Insurance Company
After a drunk driving accident, many victims assume the insurance company will provide fair compensation, especially when liability seems obvious. Unfortunately, insurers mainly focus on minimizing payouts. Even when their policyholder is clearly at fault, they may dispute the extent of your injuries, challenge your medical treatment, or attempt to assign partial blame to reduce your claim’s value.
Insurance adjusters are trained negotiators who work within systems designed to protect the insurer’s bottom line. They may pressure you into early settlements before the full impact of your injuries is known. Sometimes, they delay processing or deny valid claims, hoping financial strain will force you to accept less than you deserve.
In drunk driving cases, it is common to have punitive damages awarded, but insurers rarely acknowledge or include these in initial offers. They may downplay the driver's intoxication or question the relevance of certain facts to avoid additional financial exposure. Without legal representation, it’s easy to accept a settlement that falls far short of what the law allows.
Working with a lawyer can shift the balance. We can take up all correspondence with the insurer, gather medical records, preserve critical evidence, and calculate the full extent of your damages. A San Diego drunk driving accident lawyer will present a compelling, well-supported claim and either negotiate a fair resolution or prepare your case for trial if needed.
What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident in San Diego?
Following any traffic accident, you must take the necessary steps to protect your legal rights and strengthen your claim. The weeks or months after a drunk driving crash are key because what you do at this time can make or break your claim. This means you should take actions that positively influence the outcome of your case.
Start by following your prescribed treatment plan without interruption. Consistency in medical care creates a clear timeline that supports your claim and helps demonstrate the full scope of your injuries. Insurers can use missed appointments or inconsistent care to suggest that your condition has improved or was never serious.
You should also keep all receipts and records related to your recovery. This includes costs for prescription medications, assistive devices, transportation to and from appointments, and any home modifications necessary due to your injuries. These expenses qualify for compensation but require thorough documentation.
Maintain a journal detailing your symptoms, physical limitations, emotional struggles, and how the injuries affect your daily life. This written account can help substantiate claims for pain and suffering and can be especially valuable months later when memories have faded.
Additionally, get a copy of the police report and preserve any evidence you have, including photos of the scene, vehicle damage, or witness contact information. These materials may support your legal team’s investigation and strengthen the credibility of your claim.
Bring all of this documentation with you when you meet with your DUI/DWI accident attorney. The legal team at Walton Law, APC, will use these records to build a detailed case reflecting the impact of your injuries and losses.
A San Diego Drunk Driving Attorney Can Offer Legal Support
If a drunk driver has turned your life upside down, you don’t have to deal with a complex legal process alone. A drunk driving accident attorney in San Diego can take on your legal case to ensure you focus on improving.
At Walton Law, APC, we are ready to pursue a fair resolution for your claim. Our team will investigate your case, preserve evidence, and advocate for you at no upfront cost.
Call us today at (858) 384-3320 or message us to book your case evaluation.