California Drunk Driving Laws and Military DUI Consequences

Getting hit by a drunk driver is devastating for anyone. For active-duty military personnel, the consequences often reach far beyond the crash. Serious injuries, career interruptions, and long-term medical needs can all result from one reckless decision by another driver.

If you’re stationed in Orange County and were injured by a drunk driver, you need to know your rights. California DUI laws are strict, and military rules add another layer. An experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer at the Law Offices of William W. Bruzzo can help you protect your future and take the right next steps.

What California Law Says About Drunk Driving

Under California Vehicle Code § 23152, it is illegal for anyone to operate a vehicle:

• With a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher (or 0.04% for commercial drivers)
• While under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or both, even with a BAC below 0.08%
• If they are under 21 and have consumed any measurable amount of alcohol

These laws are enforced both on and off base. Civilian law enforcement typically handles off-base incidents. However, the military may also pursue disciplinary actions when a service member is involved, whether they were the driver or the injured victim.

What Happens When a Service Member Is Hit by a Drunk Driver?

If you’re in the military and were injured in a DUI crash, your recovery may involve more than healing physically. Your ability to fulfill your duties, deploy, or pass a physical fitness test could be compromised, even temporarily. That can affect your chain of command, your reputation, and your career trajectory. Here’s what’s often at stake:

• Medical treatment and rehabilitation: Injuries like TBI, spinal trauma, or broken bones can require long-term care. These costs can be significant, and not all may be covered by military healthcare alone.
• Lost pay or leave time: Recovery can interfere with your duties, potentially costing you leave, promotions, or special assignments.
• Security clearance risks: If your injuries lead to ongoing physical or psychological treatment, you may face reevaluation of your clearance, even as the victim.
• Disrupted PCS or deployment schedules: Serious injuries can delay or cancel deployments, affecting your service record.

A knowledgeable Orange County personal injury attorney can help you pursue the compensation you need to cover these losses and protect your future.

Understanding Military Consequences After a DUI Crash Injury

As a service member, you’re held to a different standard and your injuries can carry more than just physical consequences. Civilian courts don’t always understand how your job functions, and the insurance company may try to downplay your career-related losses. That’s why you need a lawyer who not only knows California personal injury law, but also respects the military structure and understands how injuries impact service members differently.

In some cases, drunk drivers who hit military personnel may also face harsher penalties, particularly if the victim was on duty or driving a government vehicle. Your Orange County personal injury attorney can help ensure that this aggravating factor is fully presented during your civil claim.

How Much Is a Military DUI Injury Case Worth in Orange County?

Being injured by a drunk driver can turn your life upside down, especially if you’re serving in the military. While every case is unique, here are some of the most common types of compensation you may be able to recover:

• Medical Expenses: This includes emergency care, surgery, hospital stays, physical therapy, and any ongoing treatment you may need now or in the future.
• Lost Wages and Military Pay: If your injuries keep you from working or fulfilling your duties, you could recover lost income, including special duty pay or allowances tied to your service.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation isn’t just for physical injuries. You may also be entitled to damages for the emotional toll, trauma, and lifestyle changes caused by the crash.
• Rehabilitation and Accommodations: Whether you need counseling, adaptive equipment, or long-term care, these costs can add up quickly. A claim can help cover them.
• Punitive Damages: In some cases, courts award extra damages to punish the drunk driver, especially if they were outrageously reckless or had prior DUI convictions.

If you’re not sure what your case might be worth, an experienced Orange County personal injury attorney can walk you through your options and help you fight for what you deserve.

Military DUI Injury Claims in California Are Time-Sensitive

In California, you usually have two years to file a personal injury claim. But for military members, deployments or base transfers can complicate that timeline. If you were hurt by a drunk driver in Orange County, speak with an Orange County personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Waiting could hurt your chances of getting full compensation.

How an Orange County Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help

Getting hit by a drunk driver is overwhelming enough but when you’re in the military, the stress can multiply fast. You don’t have to face it all alone. An experienced Orange County personal injury attorney can take a lot off your plate. They’ll dig into the crash details, deal with the insurance companies, and make sure your medical needs and career impact are fully accounted for.

If needed, they can also coordinate with your command to help protect your position. Most importantly, they’ll understand what your service means and how these injuries could affect your future, both in and out of uniform.

Talk to an Orange County Personal Injury Lawyer Who Respects Your Service

At the Law Offices of William W. Bruzzo, we understand how serious a DUI injury can be for active-duty military members. We know you didn’t ask for this situation, but you still have to deal with it. Let us help.

We’ve stood beside service members throughout Orange County and know how to fight for your rights in both civilian and military-related injury claims.  Call us at 760-307-4233 or reach out online to schedule a free, confidential consultation with an Orange County personal injury lawyer who truly understands what you’re going through and how to help you move forward.