A Drunk Driver Accident in Fresno. Here's what California law says about your rights.

Drunk Driver Accident Accidents in Fresno

Fresno accounts for a significant share of California's annual drunk driver accident crashes. Local road conditions, traffic patterns, and the courts that handle these cases all shape how a drunk driver accident claim proceeds in Fresno.

Drunk Driver Accident accidents in Fresno occur across the city's freeway network and surface street grid. California's fault-based personal injury system provides injured victims with a legal framework grounded in negligence — the at-fault driver's failure to exercise the care expected of a reasonably prudent driver under the same circumstances.

California Evidence Code § 669 provides that violation of a traffic safety statute is presumptive evidence of negligence (negligence per se) when the violation was a proximate cause of the injury. Applicable statutes for drunk driver accident cases may include Vehicle Code provisions governing speed, following distance, signals, and driver impairment, depending on the specific facts.

California's pure comparative fault rule (Civil Code § 1714) requires apportioning fault among all parties. Even if you contributed to the accident, you may recover — with damages reduced proportionally by your percentage of fault. There is no minimum fault threshold that bars recovery in California.

Damages in California personal injury cases include economic damages (past and future medical expenses, lost wages, property damage) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life). California imposes no cap on compensatory damages in automobile accident cases.

California Law That Applies to Your Case

California applies pure comparative fault under Civil Code § 1714 — you may recover damages even if you were partially at fault. Your damages are reduced by your percentage of fault. There is no fault threshold that bars recovery.

The statute of limitations for personal injury in California is two years from the date of the accident under Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. Claims against government entities require a government tort claim within six months of the incident.

California requires minimum liability coverage of $30,000 per person / $60,000 per occurrence effective January 1, 2025 (SB 1107). Uninsured motorist coverage (Insurance Code § 11580.2) is required to be offered to all policyholders and is especially important given California's 16.5% uninsured driver rate.

Courts and Procedures in Fresno

Drunk Driver Accident cases arising in Fresno are heard in the B.F. Sisk Courthouse — Fresno County Superior Court at 1130 O Street, Fresno, CA 93721. Unlimited civil cases — those where damages exceed $35,000 — are filed in the Superior Court's civil division. Filing fees for unlimited civil complaints are $435–$465. A summons must be served on the defendant within 60 days of filing.

The statute of limitations clock stops (is tolled) when the complaint is filed. Service of process must be completed within three years of filing under Code of Civil Procedure § 583.210. Many personal injury cases in California resolve through negotiated settlement or at a mandatory settlement conference before trial.

What to Do After a Drunk Driver Accident in Fresno

1. Call 911 immediately. Law enforcement will document the crash. A police report is essential evidence for your claim.
2. Seek medical attention within 24 hours. Many serious injuries have delayed symptom onset. A medical record links your injuries to the crash.
3. Photograph all vehicles, damage, and road conditions before the scene is cleared.
4. Exchange information — name, license, insurance carrier, policy number, and vehicle registration.
5. Notify your own insurer promptly. Your policy requires timely notice. Provide factual information only.
6. File a DMV accident report within 10 days if the accident involved injury or damage over $1,000 (CVC § 16000).
7. Preserve all evidence — medical records, bills, pay stubs, repair estimates, and insurer correspondence.