In California personal injury cases, if the defendant was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the incident, it can significantly impact the case, particularly in motor vehicle accidents. Driving under the influence (DUI) is a clear violation of California law, and it is considered negligence per se in personal injury cases. If the defendant’s impairment due to alcohol or drugs was a contributing factor to the accident, their behavior may be seen as reckless or negligent, and they can be held liable for the injuries caused. The plaintiff may not need to prove the defendant’s negligence separately if the defendant’s impairment is established, as the DUI violation itself serves as strong evidence of fault.
Additionally, driving under the influence increases the likelihood of causing accidents, which can help establish proximate cause in the plaintiff’s injury. In California, if the defendant’s impaired state directly led to the accident and resulting harm, the defendant may be fully responsible for the plaintiff’s damages. The court will assess whether the defendant’s intoxication was a significant factor in the collision and whether the harm to the plaintiff was a foreseeable consequence of the defendant’s impaired driving. Evidence of alcohol or drug use, such as a DUI arrest, blood alcohol concentration (BAC) tests, or drug test results, can play a critical role in establishing liability and proving the connection between the defendant’s impairment and the plaintiff’s injuries.
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