A car crash is devastating enough—being struck by a drunk driver adds an extra layer of avoidable tragedy. In Los Angeles County, drunk driving remains a persistent threat on the roads. This guide provides up-to-date facts, legal insights, and practical steps to protect your rights after a drunk-driving accident.
The Scope of the Problem: Drunk Driving in California and L.A. County
- In 2022, 1,479 people died in California due to alcohol-impaired crashes—marking a 1.8% increase over 2021.
- Nationwide in 2022, 13,524 people were killed in alcohol-impaired crashes.
- In California, drunk driving contributed to 32% of all traffic-related deaths in 2021.
- Within Los Angeles County, 6,291 people were killed or injured in alcohol-related collisions in 2022, and 18,026 DUI arrests were recorded that year.
- Beloved organizations like MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) continue to drive awareness and policy changes aimed at reducing these preventable tragedies.
Why DUI Crashes Often Cause the Most Devastating Injuries
Alcohol severely impairs judgment, reaction time, and motor coordination—even at blood alcohol levels well below the legal limit. These impairments significantly increase the risk of deadly crashes.(turn0search23)
What You Need to Do After a Drunk Driving Collision
| Step | Action |
| 1. Call 911 immediately | Ensure your safety, document the crash, and preserve evidence. |
| 2. Seek urgent medical care | Even minor injuries should be examined and documented. |
| 3. Document the scene | Record license plates, take photos, and collect witness information. |
| 4. Alert your insurer | Prompt action helps avoid claim denial or delay.(turn0search9) |
| 5. Consult a DUI injury attorney | They navigate claims, evidence, and fight for full compensation. |
| 6. Gather evidence of intoxication | Police reports, BAC results, witness accounts—all strengthen your case.(turn0search3) |
| 7. Use available insurance coverage | File claims with the drunk driver’s insurer—or your own UM/UIM policy if they’re uninsured.(turn0search9) |
| 8. Don’t settle too early | Early offers often undervalue your full recovery needs. |
What You Can Recover—and More
Drunk driving accidents leave survivors facing mounting bills—medical care, lost wages, emotional trauma, and long-term disability. In California, victims may recover:
- Economic damages: Medical expenses, wage loss, rehabilitation
- Non-economic damages: Pain & suffering, mental anguish
- Punitive damages: If the driver’s behavior was especially reckless (e.g., gross intoxication—clear and convincing evidence required).(turn0search7)
- Wrongful death claims: When fatalities occur, families can seek compensation for loss of financial support, funeral costs, and more.(turn0search17)
California’s comparative negligence law allows you to recover damages even if you share partial fault.(turn0search7)
Why Choose Drinking Driving Attorneys Like DJLAWCORP.COM?
At Djougourian Law Corporation, we advocate aggressively for clients injured by drunk drivers across Los Angeles County, including:
- Los Angeles (City)
- Long Beach
- Glendale
- Pasadena
- Burbank
- Santa Clarita
- Torrance
- Ontario
- El Monte
- Downey
We provide:
- Rapid investigation and evidence collection
- Expertise navigating insurance claims and filing UM/UIM if needed
- World-class negotiation and litigation strategy
- Compassionate support throughout your physical and legal recovery
FAQ – Your DUI Accident Questions Answered
Do I need a DUI conviction to file a civil case?
No. You can sue for damages even if the driver is not criminally convicted.
How long do I have to file a claim?
California gives two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. Delays may jeopardize your case.
Can I sue the bar or restaurant?
Yes—under California’s Dram Shop laws, establishments that served visibly intoxicated individuals may be liable.
What if the driver lacks insurance?
Your Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage can compensate you if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.
Can I settle without a lawyer?
Technically yes—but insurers often lowball early offers. A lawyer ensures all future costs (medical, rehab, disability) are fully accounted for before settling.
What evidence strengthens a DUI accident claim?
Critical evidence includes police reports, BAC results, surveillance/video footage, and eyewitness statements. These help prove negligence per se—drunk driving is illegal.
Quick Fast Facts: California Drunk Driving
- Alcohol involved in 32% of all traffic fatalities in California (2021).
- 6,291 people killed or injured in DUI crashes in L.A. County (2022).
- California DUI fatalities rose slightly in 2022 to 1,479, even as national rates dipped.
- 926 Americans are injured daily in DUI crashes.
In Conclusion: Don’t Wait to Seek Justice
If you’ve been involved in a drunk driving accident in Los Angeles County, you deserve full recovery—medical, financial, emotional, and legal. With Djougourian Law Corporation, you gain compassionate, relentless advocacy aimed at securing maximum compensation.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation:Djougourian Law Corporation
Proudly representing clients across L.A. County—including Los Angeles, Long Beach, Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Santa Clarita, Torrance, Ontario, El Monte, and Downey
Phone: (818) 530-0000
Website: https://djlawcorp.com/
Office: Burbank, CA (serving all of Los Angeles County)
Don’t delay—timely legal action protects your rights and your future.