If you or someone you love has been hit by a drunk driver, you’re facing a kind of trauma that changes everything. These aren’t just car accidents—they’re violent, reckless acts that leave lives torn apart. You may be dealing with serious injuries, hospital bills, lost wages, or even the grief of losing a loved one. In times like this, you need more than legal advice—you need strong, experienced attorneys who aren’t afraid to dig in and fight. The attorneys at Siegal & Richardson, LLP have been standing up for people like you for decades. We take drunk driving accident cases seriously because the damage they cause is so personal, and the behavior behind them is so preventable. Below, our team at Siegal & Richardson, LLP explains how drunk driving accidents happen, who might be held responsible, what your legal options are, what kind of financial recovery may be available, and how a Berkeley drunk driving accident lawyer can fight to get you the justice and compensation you deserve.
Different Types of Drunk Driving Accidents in Berkeley
Head-On Collisions — These accidents usually happen when a drunk driver veers into the wrong lane. In places with narrow, two-way streets like those near the Berkeley Hills or winding roads near Grizzly Peak, it’s easy for someone under the influence to misjudge their position or direction. When two vehicles collide front-to-front, the impact is intense. Cars are often totaled, and the force can push engines back into the cabin. These crashes are especially dangerous at night when visibility is low and speeds are higher.
Rear-End Crashes — You’ll often see these on busy roads like Shattuck Avenue or Ashby Avenue during stop-and-go traffic. A drunk driver might not slow down in time when the car in front stops for a red light or a pedestrian. Sometimes they accelerate instead of braking. The car in back crumples the one in front, and the jolt can push multiple vehicles together. Rear-end crashes might look simple, but the sudden jolt can throw people forward hard, even at low speeds.
Pedestrian Accidents — These happen when someone on foot is hit while crossing a street or walking near traffic. In high-foot-traffic areas like Telegraph Avenue or near BART stations, pedestrians are especially at risk when drivers aren’t alert. Drunk drivers may not notice people stepping off the curb or might drive onto sidewalks entirely. These crashes are often violent, throwing pedestrians several feet or pinning them against walls, parked cars, or light poles.
Wrong-Way Accidents — On one-way streets or freeway off-ramps, a drunk driver might head in the opposite direction of traffic. This can lead to terrifying, high-speed collisions, especially on the I-80 and I-580 corridors or near the University Avenue interchange. Drivers coming the other way often have no time to react. The sight of headlights coming toward you in your lane is one of the scariest parts of this type of crash, and the head-on nature of the impact often causes extreme damage.
Hit and Run Incidents — In these accidents, the driver hits someone or something and then takes off without stopping. The vehicle may speed away quickly, leaving victims behind in a damaged car or lying in the street. These types of crashes can happen late at night near bars, house parties, or campus events, where intoxicated drivers are trying to avoid being caught. The damage is often severe, and since there’s no one at the scene to explain what happened, emergency response is often delayed.
Multiple Vehicle Pile-Ups — When a drunk driver loses control in traffic, especially on fast-moving roads like San Pablo Avenue or Highway 13, one bad decision can involve several vehicles. A single swerve, sudden stop, or wrong-way entry can create a domino effect. You’ll see cars pushed into each other, sometimes spun around or even flipped. These pile-ups create chaos, and the debris field can stretch across multiple lanes, blocking traffic in all directions.
Motorcycle and Bicycle Accidents — Drunk drivers often fail to see motorcyclists or cyclists until it’s too late. In a city like Berkeley, where bike lanes are common and motorcycles share narrow roads, impaired drivers drift across boundaries without warning. A slight swerve can knock a cyclist to the ground or sideswipe a motorcycle. These crashes are especially brutal because there’s no metal frame to protect the rider, and they’re often thrown long distances or pinned between vehicles.
Common Injuries Caused by Drunk Driving Accidents
Traumatic Brain Injuries — Hitting your head on a steering wheel, window, or pavement can lead to brain trauma. You might lose consciousness, feel confused, or suffer memory loss. In more serious cases, brain swelling or bleeding requires emergency care.
Spinal Cord Injuries — A sudden blow to the spine can damage nerves or fracture vertebrae. You could experience severe pain, numbness, or even paralysis. These injuries often require long-term rehab and can change your mobility permanently.
Broken Bones — The impact of a crash can snap arms, legs, ribs, or hips. Fractures can be simple or complex, sometimes needing metal rods, screws, or surgery. Recovery can take months, with lasting pain or limited movement.
Burns and Scarring — Fires or hot metal can cause serious burns. You may face infection, skin grafts, or permanent disfigurement. Facial burns or visible scars often require specialized treatment and can deeply affect your confidence.
Emotional and Psychological Trauma — After a violent crash, it’s common to suffer from anxiety, nightmares, or PTSD. You might feel afraid to drive again or struggle with mood changes. These effects are very real and should not be ignored.
Drunk Driving Accidents Still Kill Hundreds Each Year in California
Drunk driving remains one of the deadliest problems on California roads. In 2023, more than 1,300 people lost their lives in crashes involving alcohol. While that’s a small drop from the year before, the bigger picture is alarming—deaths from drunk driving are up nearly 55% compared to 2014.
These accidents don’t just happen randomly. Most occur late at night, especially between 9 PM and 3 AM, when bars are closing and visibility is low. Motorcyclists, pedestrians, and other drivers are all at higher risk during these hours.
The state continues to invest in ways to reduce the danger. Police departments are using new tools like roadside breath tests and targeted DUI patrols. Schools and colleges are also part of the effort, teaching young people about the deadly impact of drunk driving.
Even with these steps, the numbers show that drunk driving is still a widespread threat. If you’ve been hit by someone who was under the influence, you’re far from alone—and there are legal ways to hold that driver accountable and protect your future.
Where Drunk Driving Accidents Happen Most Often in Berkeley
Busy Nightlife Areas — Places like Telegraph Avenue, Durant Avenue, and Shattuck Avenue draw crowds late into the night. Bars, music venues, and college parties are common here, and when people drive home impaired, crashes often follow.
High-Speed Roads and Freeway Ramps — Drunk driving accidents frequently happen near the I-80 and I-580 on- and off-ramps, especially where University Avenue meets the freeway. Speed, poor lighting, and sudden lane changes make these spots dangerous for impaired drivers.
Near UC Berkeley Campus — Streets around the university—like College Avenue, Bancroft Way, and Piedmont Avenue—see a lot of foot traffic. Students walking home at night are vulnerable, especially when alcohol is involved on either side of the wheel.
Downtown and BART Stations — The downtown area, especially around the Berkeley BART station, attracts late-night foot traffic and rideshare pickups. Impaired drivers often misjudge crosswalks or make unsafe turns in these tight, crowded areas.
Residential Streets and School Zones — Even in quieter parts of Berkeley, crashes happen near schools and parks. A drunk driver on a side street might run a stop sign or fail to slow down for kids playing outside.
Who Can Be Held Responsible Under California Drunk Driving Laws
The Drunk Driver — If someone drives under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they’re violating California Vehicle Code § 23152. Driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is illegal. When an accident happens, their actions can trigger both criminal charges and consequences under civil law. Even if the driver is not convicted, they could still be sued and found liable for negligence or other wrongful conduct in a personal injury case.
Bars and Restaurants (Dram Shop Law) — California’s dram shop law, California Civil Code § 1714, generally protects businesses unless they served alcohol to someone under 21. If an underage person is over-served and then causes a crash, the establishment can be held responsible.
Social Hosts Serving Minors — If a private host gives alcohol to someone under 21 who later causes a crash, they can face consequences under California Civil Code § 1714. This doesn’t apply when the guest is legally an adult, even if they were intoxicated.
Employers of the Driver — If a drunk driver was working at the time—like a delivery or rideshare driver—their employer might share responsibility. This depends on whether the employee was on duty and acting within the scope of their job under California case law.
Vehicle Owners — Letting someone you know is intoxicated borrow your car may lead to a claim under the rule of negligent entrustment. Under California Vehicle Code § 17150, the owner of a vehicle is also responsible if someone else drives it with permission and causes injury.
Rideshare Companies — If the driver was working for a service like Uber or Lyft, liability could extend to the company. California Public Utilities Code § 5433 governs liability insurance for accidents involving transportation network companies. Coverage may depend on whether the driver was logged into the app and actively working.
Most Common Questions You Ask After a Drunk Driving Accident
What should I do after a drunk driving accident in Berkeley?
Call 911, get medical help, and take photos of the scene if you can. Don’t argue with the driver. Talk to a Berkeley drunk driving accident lawyer right away to protect your rights and gather key evidence.
How do I know if the driver was drunk in a drunk driving accident?
Police at the scene usually test the driver’s blood alcohol level. Look for signs like slurred speech, the smell of alcohol, or poor coordination. Your Berkeley DUI accident attorney can also request test results and witness statements.
Can I still get money if I was partly at fault in a drunk driving accident?
Your total damages will be reduced by your amount of fault. A drunk driving accident lawyer can help reduce your share of the blame.
Do I need a lawyer for a drunk driving accident claim?
You should hire one even though it is not legally required. These cases involve criminal conduct, complex evidence, and serious harm. A Berkeley drunk driving accident lawyer knows how to protect your rights, deal with insurers, and recover full compensation for both injury and property damage.
What can I get money for in a drunk driving accident case?
You can recover medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and property loss. In serious cases, you may also get punitive damages. A DUI injury attorney will make sure every damage is fully accounted for under California law.
How long do I have to sue after a drunk driving accident in California?
You usually have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit. But time limits vary in some situations. It’s smart to speak with a Berkeley drunk driving accident lawyer right away so you don’t miss your deadline.
What if the drunk driver ran away after the accident?
That’s a hit-and-run, which is a separate offense under California Vehicle Code § 20001. Police may still find the driver. You can also file an uninsured motorist claim. A DUI accident attorney can help you explore all legal options.
Can I sue the bar that served the drunk driver?
Maybe. If the bar served alcohol to someone under 21, you may have a case under California Business and Professions Code § 25602.1. Your drunk driving injury lawyer will investigate whether the bar broke California’s liquor liability laws.
Will the drunk driver go to jail for the accident?
Possibly. Jail time often follows drunk driving accidents causing injury or death under California Vehicle Code § 23153. But criminal charges are separate from civil claims. A Berkeley drunk driving accident lawyer helps you seek compensation through a lawsuit.
How much does it cost to hire a drunk driving crash lawyer?
Most lawyers charge nothing upfront. A Berkeley drunk driving accident attorney typically works on a contingency fee, meaning they get paid only if you win or settle. That gives you access to legal help without financial risk.
What makes a Berkeley drunk driving accident case different from a regular crash?
These cases involve criminal behavior, high-impact injuries, and emotional trauma. A DUI crash lawyer handles evidence like toxicology results and police reports and knows how to pursue both compensatory and punitive damages under California civil and criminal codes.
How does a drunk driving injury lawyer handle insurance companies?
They gather strong evidence, submit detailed claims, and push back when insurers lowball you. Berkeley DUI accident lawyers know how to prove fault and secure settlements that match the true value of your injuries and losses.
What damages can a wrongful death attorney recover if my loved one died?
In a fatal DUI crash, your lawyer may recover funeral costs, lost income, and the loss of companionship under California Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60. These cases are emotionally difficult, and a Berkeley drunk driving accident lawyer guides the process.
What steps does a drunk driving accident lawyer take right after the crash?
Your attorney gathers crash reports, medical records, and witness accounts quickly. They may also work with accident reconstruction experts. A Berkeley DUI accident attorney acts fast to preserve evidence before it’s lost or covered up by the other side.
Berkeley Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been hurt or lost someone in a crash caused by a drunk driver, you don’t have to face it alone. The experienced personal injury attorneys at Siegal & Richardson, LLP have spent decades helping people through the most difficult times of their lives. We know what’s at stake, and we don’t back down. These cases demand urgency, skill, and a firm that knows how to deal with serious injury and wrongful death claims caused by drunk drivers. Call (510) 271-6720 or contact us online to speak directly with a San Francisco Bay Area drunk driving accident lawyer for a free consultation.