Driving under the influence is a very reckless choice, and when it leads to a collision, the aftermath can change people’s lives forever. Home to busy freeways like the I-10, I-215, and State Route 210, DUI accidents are unfortunately a reality for many San Bernardino families.
It’s all too common for drivers to cut through the city, which increases the risk of DUI-related crashes. However, if you were hurt as a result of someone else’s decision to drive while intoxicated, hope is not lost—a car accident lawyer in San Bernardino can help.
At BANA LAW, we have more than 100 years of combined experience helping thousands of clients as their DUI accident lawyer in San Bernardino. When you put your trust in our office, we will give you 100%. It’s your injury, but it’s our fight on your behalf. We care.
The Scope of DUI Crashes in San Bernardino County
San Bernardino County covers a massive stretch of Southern California, with urban neighborhoods, desert highways, and mountain roads all within its borders. That wide range of driving conditions adds to the risk when impaired drivers take the wheel.
According to California’s Office of Traffic Safety, DUI crashes remain one of the leading causes of roadway injuries and deaths across the state. In San Bernardino specifically, thousands of drivers are arrested each year for driving under the influence.
DUI accidents here can range from late-night fender-benders downtown to devastating high-speed collisions on the 15 Freeway. When tragedy strikes, a San Bernardino injury lawyer
can help you pursue compensation and hold negligent drivers accountable.
California’s DUI Laws and Their Impact After a Crash
California takes DUI offenses seriously, and the laws reflect that. Under California Vehicle Code §23152, it’s illegal for a driver to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. Here’s what that looks like for other drivers:
- Commercial drivers: 0.04%
- Drivers under the age of 21 years old: Zero-tolerance policy
When a driver under the influence causes a crash, the legal consequences quickly escalate. In addition to criminal charges like DUI causing injury, the impaired driver can also be held financially responsible for the damage they caused:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
This dual-track system can be overwhelming, which is why victims often look for help from a DUI accident attorney in San Bernardino.
While the state prosecutes the driver, a San Bernardino drunk driving accident lawyer can help victims pursue their own claims.
"Even now, after our case is over, Ryan is still there for us whenever we need him. They're good people."
NO FEES UNLESS WE WIN GUARANTEE
NO FEES UNLESS WE WIN GUARANTEE
The Human Cost of DUI Accidents
Statistics only tell part of the story. Behind every DUI crash is a family whose life was upended in an instant. Survivors often face life-altering injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, and internal organ trauma.
Even when physical recovery is possible, the emotional scars can run deep. Many victims struggle with anxiety every time they get behind the wheel again. Others face long-term disabilities that affect their ability to work, care for children, or enjoy their daily lives.
For families who lose a loved one, the pain is immeasurable, and the sense of injustice is compounded by the knowledge that the loss was entirely preventable. In these moments, a San Bernardino drunk driving accident attorney can make all the difference.
"I felt very protected, especially the way Ryan answered any question I had. I was very happy with the results of my case."
NO FEES UNLESS WE WIN GUARANTEE
NO FEES UNLESS WE WIN GUARANTEE
Civil Liability: Holding Impaired Drivers Accountable
Beyond criminal charges, California law allows DUI crash victims to pursue financial compensation through civil claims. Unlike the criminal system, which focuses on punishment, civil claims are about accountability.
In these cases, the impaired driver’s insurance often comes into play, but California’s minimum insurance requirements are notoriously low:
- $15,000 for injury or death to one person
- $30,000 for injury or death to more than one person
- $5,000 for property damage
In a serious DUI crash, these limits barely scratch the surface of actual costs. Victims may need to pursue additional avenues, such as suing the driver personally or seeking restitution through other liable parties.
"Our goal is to remove the stress of the case from you, so you can focus on treating your injuries and begin your road to recovery."
NO FEES UNLESS WE WIN GUARANTEE
NO FEES UNLESS WE WIN GUARANTEE
Dram Shop Laws: When Alcohol Providers Share Responsibility
California generally does not hold bars or restaurants liable for serving alcohol to adults who later cause DUI crashes.
However, there is a narrow exception under the state’s dram shop laws: an establishment may face civil liability if it knowingly provides alcohol to a minor (under 21) who is also obviously intoxicated, and that individual then causes an injury.
In a college-heavy region like San Bernardino County, where underage drinking can intersect with driving, this specific law sometimes plays a critical role in determining liability after a crash.
Contact Our San Bernardino DUI Accident Attorneys Who Care
DUI accidents along California roads are heartbreaking, especially because these collisions are entirely preventable. All it takes is one person who decides to operate a vehicle while under the influence, and suddenly, so many people end up facing the consequences of their actions.
There are multiple ways to hold impaired drivers accountable, but as the victim of the crash, it can be hard to think about legal matters when you’re trying to heal and recover. Why not let the San Bernardino DUI accident lawyers of BANA LAW handle these issues on your behalf?
When you trust our DUI accident attorneys in San Bernardino, your injury becomes our fight. We’re caring, honest, and transparent with every client—but when it comes to protecting your rights, we don’t hold back. We give 100% to every case because we care.
"We use over 100 years of combined legal experience to help our clients get the maximum compensation available under the circumstances."
NO FEES UNLESS WE WIN GUARANTEE
NO FEES UNLESS WE WIN GUARANTEE
