Los Angeles Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
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DUI Accident Laws in California
California has some of the toughest DUI laws in the country. Driving under the influence is illegal and carries severe penalties, especially when it leads to an accident. In civil cases, proof of intoxication can help victims pursue compensation.
- BAC limits – 0.08% for most drivers, 0.04% for commercial drivers, and 0.01% for drivers under 21.
- First-time DUI penalties – Fines, license suspension, DUI education programs, and possible jail time.
- Repeat offender consequences – Increased fines, longer jail sentences, mandatory ignition interlock devices, and extended license suspensions.
- Felony DUI charges – If a DUI accident causes serious injury or death, the driver may face years in prison and significant fines.
Drunk driving convictions do not automatically guarantee compensation for accident victims. A civil claim is necessary to recover damages.
When to Call a Los Angeles Drunk Driving Accident Attorney
DUI accidents often leave victims with serious injuries and financial stress. Calling an attorney as soon as possible after the accident increases the chances of securing compensation. Insurance companies and defense lawyers work quickly to minimize payouts—waiting to act can weaken a case.
- Serious injuries or fatalities – Medical bills and lost wages can be overwhelming.
- Disputes over fault – The drunk driver may deny responsibility or shift blame.
- Insurance refusing to pay – Insurers often lowball victims or delay claims.
- Third-party liability claims – Bars, restaurants, or employers may share responsibility.
- Need for legal action beyond an insurance claim – You may need a lawsuit to receive full compensation.
Who Is at Fault in a Drunk Driving Accident? (Third-Party Liability)
In most DUI crashes, the intoxicated driver is responsible for the accident. However, in some cases, other parties may also be held legally accountable. Liability depends on the circumstances of the crash, including where the driver was drinking, whether they were on the job, or if someone knowingly allowed them to drive under the influence.
Bars, restaurants, and other establishments that serve alcohol can sometimes be held responsible if they provided alcohol to a minor. While California’s dram shop laws generally protect businesses from liability for serving alcohol to adults, there are exceptions when serving an underage person leads to an accident. Employers can also be liable if a drunk driver was on duty at the time of the crash, especially if the job involved driving or if the employer negligently allowed the driver to operate a vehicle while impaired. Additionally, vehicle owners who knowingly lend their car to an intoxicated person may be held responsible for damages caused in a crash.
Holding all responsible parties accountable can increase the compensation available to accident victims. A DUI accident attorney investigates all angles of the case to determine liability and fight for the maximum recovery possible.
Steps to Take Following a Drunk Driving Accident
Taking immediate action after a DUI crash can make a difference in both your health and your legal case. The moments after an accident are chaotic, but acting fast helps strengthen a claim and holds the responsible driver accountable.
- Call 911 – Law enforcement will document the accident and conduct sobriety tests. A police report confirming the driver was under the influence is key in legal claims.
- Get medical help – Some injuries take hours or even days to appear. A medical evaluation creates a record of any harm caused by the crash.
- Gather evidence – Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and visible injuries. If possible, get contact information from witnesses.
- Obtain a police report – Officers will note if the driver was intoxicated and may include breathalyzer or blood test results.
- Speak with a DUI accident lawyer – Legal guidance helps protect your rights and pursue the maximum compensation possible.
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- Get your car fixed.
- Get a rental.
- Get medical assistance
- We offer medical transportation.
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- we make the retainer process simple and swift. After completing a short application questionaire, we provide you with a full overview of your case and take over conversations with all insurance companies and other parties—so you can focus on your medical recovery
Will Insurance Cover an Accident from a DUI?
Insurance should cover a DUI accident, but getting paid isn’t always straightforward. Some insurers delay claims, deny coverage, or offer low settlements. If the drunk driver’s insurance is active, their liability policy should cover damages, but many drivers carry only minimal coverage.
When the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, victims may rely on Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage for compensation. Collision coverage can pay for vehicle repairs, while Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or MedPay helps cover medical bills upfront. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts in DUI cases. A lawyer can challenge delays and low offers to secure the full amount victims are owed.
Civil vs. Criminal Proceedings in DUI Cases
DUI accidents often lead to both criminal charges and civil lawsuits. Criminal proceedings punish the drunk driver, while civil cases focus on compensating victims.
| Case Type | Purpose | Outcome | Who Files the Case? |
| Criminal DUI Case | Punish the drunk driver | Fines, license suspension, jail | The State (Prosecutor) |
| Civil DUI Lawsuit | Compensate accident victims | Financial compensation | The injured victim |
A criminal conviction does NOT automatically result in compensation. Even if a driver is found guilty, victims must file a separate civil claim to recover damages for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Contact a Los Angeles Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Today
DUI accidents leave victims with serious injuries, financial stress, and unanswered questions. The longer a case sits, the harder it becomes to gather evidence and negotiate with insurers. Speaking with a lawyer early strengthens a case and increases the chances of obtaining full compensation.
The LA Law Firm has successfully handled DUI accident cases across Los Angeles, fighting for victims and their families.
- Free consultation – No upfront costs to discuss your case.
- No win, no fee – You don’t pay unless we win.
- Proven results – Our team has helped DUI accident victims recover significant compensation.
Call now to learn how The LA Law Firm can fight for you. Justice starts with a conversation.
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- we make the retainer process simple and swift. After completing a short application questionaire, we provide you with a full overview of your case and take over conversations with all insurance companies and other parties—so you can focus on your medical recovery
