When people get behind the wheel when they’re under the influence of drugs or alcohol, innocent victims can be seriously hurt and even killed. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one-third of all traffic related deaths in the United States happened because of a drunk driver. Tragically, around 16% of the individuals who die are children.
Is there a recourse for the accident victims, or in the case of wrongful death, the victim’s family? The answer is a resounding YES.
Victims (or their surviving family) of drunk driving accidents that happen in West Covina may be eligible for financial compensation if they file a civil lawsuit against the drunk driver with the help of an experienced accident lawyer. The victim or the family has the right to file a civil claim if a drunk driver is arrested for or convicted of a DUI or DWI. To see if you are able to bring a wrongful death claim against a negligent driver, speak with a wrongful death lawyer.
There Could Be More Than One Defendant
While it’s obvious that the driver who got behind the wheel while intoxicated can be named as the defendant to a civil suit, there could be other defendants. If the drunk driver attended a party and drank too much, the host may be legally liable especially if it was clear that the driver had enough to drink and the host continued to give them access to alcohol. This is especially common around the holidays, when employers are hosting holiday parties, etc… A bar or restaurant owner or the staff may also be legally responsible for what happened. They have a legal responsibility to stop giving alcohol to 
someone that appears to be intoxicated. Discuss your specific case with a knowledgeable lawyer in West Covina.
Compensation for Victims of Drunk Driving
Victims of drunk driving accidents and their surviving families may be entitled to compensation. Compensation may include money for medical bills (past and future), funeral expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In certain cases, you may also be able to recover punitive damages against the wrongdoer.
If you or someone you love was hurt or killed by a drunk driver, contact the experienced drunk driving accident lawyers at Ghozland Law Firm today for a free, no obligation consultation.