When a drunk driver shatters your life in an instant, the physical injuries are only part of the devastation. The emotional trauma, financial burden and sense of injustice can be overwhelming. At DJ Law Corp, we stand with DUI accident victims throughout Los Angeles County, fighting to hold intoxicated drivers accountable and secure the maximum compensation you deserve.
Drunk driving accidents are entirely preventable tragedies that occur with alarming frequency across our communities. Whether you were injured on the 5 Freeway, struck while crossing the street in La Mirada, or hit by an impaired driver in Whittier, Norwalk, Downey or surrounding cities, you have legal rights and we’re here to protect them.
DUI or DWI? What the Terms Mean in California
Many people search for a “DWI accident lawyer.” In California, there is no legal distinction between DWI (driving while intoxicated) and DUI (driving under the influence). The terms are used interchangeably to describe operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or both.
California primarily uses the term DUI. Some states use the two abbreviations for different crimes, but California does not: Vehicle Code §23152 makes it illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and California courts refer to these charges as DUI. Whatever it is called, a driver who operates a vehicle while impaired and injures you can be held liable.
🚨 The Drunk Driving Problem
Drunk driving remains one of the deadliest and most preventable dangers on the road:
- National toll: According to NHTSA, 11,904 people died in alcohol-impaired driving crashes nationwide in 2024, about one every 44 minutes. Even drivers below the 0.08 limit can be dangerous: in 2024, 2,028 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes where a driver had a BAC of .01 to .07 g/dL.
- How Los Angeles County compares: The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) crash rankings, built from SWITRS data, rank Los Angeles County and its cities for alcohol-involved injury crashes.
- Real people, real harm: These aren’t just statistics; they’re real people whose lives were changed by someone’s reckless decision to drive impaired.
🚦 California Laws Protecting DUI Accident Victims
California law provides strong protections for victims injured by drunk drivers, with clear pathways to compensation and justice:
- Criminal vs. civil cases: While drunk drivers face criminal prosecution, your right to compensation exists independently in civil court. You can pursue damages whether or not the drunk driver is arrested, charged or convicted.
- Negligence per se: Driving under the influence violates Vehicle Code §23152. Under California’s negligence per se rule (Evidence Code §669), violating a safety law that causes the kind of injury it was meant to prevent creates a presumption of negligence.
- Vehicle Code §§23152 and 23153: California prohibits driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, with enhanced penalties when DUI causes injury. The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08% for adult drivers, 0.04% for commercial drivers and 0.01% for drivers under 21, but any impairment can support liability.
- Drug-impaired driving: California’s DUI law covers alcohol, drugs, or a combination of the two (Vehicle Code §23152(a), (f), (g)). Prescription medications, marijuana, methamphetamine and other substances that impair driving create the same liability as alcohol.
- Owner liability statute: California law makes vehicle owners liable for injuries caused by anyone operating their vehicle with permission. Victims can sue not just the drunk driver but the vehicle owner as well, potentially reaching additional insurance coverage.
- Punitive damages: If the drunk driver acted with malice, which California courts have found can include knowingly driving while intoxicated, victims may seek punitive damages under Civil Code §3294, which requires clear and convincing evidence. These damages punish the drunk driver financially and can significantly increase compensation beyond actual losses.
- Comparative negligence: California’s pure comparative negligence rule allows victims to recover even if partially at fault, with damages reduced by their percentage of responsibility.
- Limited dram shop liability: Under Civil Code §1714(b)–(c) and Business and Professions Code §25602(b), bars and restaurants generally cannot be held liable for injuries caused by an adult they served, even if that person was obviously intoxicated. Exceptions exist: adults who knowingly provide alcohol to minors under 21, and establishments that serve obviously intoxicated minors under 18, can face liability for resulting injuries.
Why DUI Accident Victims Need Experienced Legal Representation
DUI accident cases present unique opportunities and challenges that demand specialized legal experience:
- Stronger liability cases: Drunk driving provides powerful evidence of negligence and recklessness. Your attorney can use the driver’s intoxication, BAC results, criminal charges and traffic violations to build an overwhelming liability case.
- Multiple sources of compensation: Beyond the drunk driver’s insurance, we identify all potential sources, including the vehicle owner’s liability coverage, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage on your policy, third-party liability (employers if the driver was working, establishments under dram shop exceptions), and the drunk driver’s personal assets.
- Punitive damages potential: Unlike typical car accidents, DUI cases often qualify for punitive damages designed to punish egregious conduct.
- Insurance company tactics: Even with strong liability, insurers try to minimize payouts by disputing injury severity, claiming pre-existing conditions, or offering quick, inadequate settlements. We counter these tactics aggressively.
- Complex evidence requirements: Maximizing compensation requires police reports and DUI arrest records, BAC and chemical test documentation, field sobriety test videos and dash cam or body camera footage, witness statements about the driver’s intoxication, bar receipts or surveillance footage if applicable, medical records linking injuries to the accident, and expert testimony on accident reconstruction and injury causation.
- Dual-track strategy: While criminal prosecution proceeds separately, we coordinate with prosecutors when beneficial, use criminal case evidence in civil litigation, and pursue civil damages regardless of the criminal outcome.
How DJ Law Corp Helps DUI Accident Victims
Our approach is built to secure maximum compensation while you focus on recovery:
- Free case review: A thorough, confidential consultation to understand your accident, assess your injuries and their impact on your life, evaluate all sources of liability and compensation, explain your options clearly, and answer your questions without pressure or obligation.
- Immediate investigation: Time is critical after a DUI accident. We secure police reports and arrest records, obtain BAC and chemical test results, interview witnesses who observed the driver’s behavior, gather surveillance footage from businesses or traffic cameras, document the scene, consult accident reconstruction experts, and identify all potentially liable parties and insurance policies.
- Medical care coordination: Your health comes first. We connect you with medical specialists throughout LA County, arrange treatment on a lien basis when needed to avoid upfront costs, and make sure all injuries are properly documented for your claim.
- Comprehensive damages calculation: We account for current and future medical expenses, lost wages and diminished earning capacity, property damage and vehicle replacement, pain and suffering, emotional distress and psychological trauma, permanent disability or disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of consortium, and punitive damages.
- Aggressive negotiation: We handle all communications with insurance companies, use DUI arrest records and BAC results to strengthen your claim, demand full compensation including punitive damages, and refuse offers that don’t cover your actual needs.
- Trial-ready representation: Insurance companies offer fair settlements when they know we’re prepared for trial. We prepare every case for court, depose witnesses and experts, retain accident reconstruction and medical experts, and present powerful jury arguments when necessary.
- Support throughout recovery: We keep you informed at every stage and advocate for your needs while you focus on healing.
The Benefits of Choosing DJ Law Corp
- Contingency fees: We work on contingency: no attorney fee unless there is a recovery. The written fee agreement explains the percentage and how case expenses are handled.
- Punitive damages considered: Where the evidence supports it, we evaluate a punitive damages claim under Civil Code §3294.
- Personalized attention: We limit our caseload so your case receives the focus it deserves.
- Local knowledge: As Los Angeles County attorneys, we understand local courts, judges, prosecutors and procedures.
- Compassionate advocacy: We understand the trauma of being hurt by a drunk driver and provide empathetic support while aggressively pursuing justice.
Understanding DUI Impairment and Injuries
Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, slow reaction time, blur vision, reduce concentration, and make it harder to judge distance and stay aware of the road, creating deadly conditions.
Common DUI accident injuries:
- Traumatic brain injuries: head trauma can cause concussions, contusions, skull fractures and diffuse axonal injury with permanent cognitive impairment.
- Spinal cord injuries: back and neck trauma may result in herniated discs, paralysis or permanent disability requiring lifelong care.
- Broken bones and fractures: high-impact collisions often cause multiple fractures requiring surgery, hardware and extended rehabilitation.
- Internal injuries: blunt force trauma can damage organs, cause internal bleeding and require emergency surgery.
- Soft tissue injuries: whiplash, muscle tears and ligament damage can cause chronic pain and long-term complications.
- Lacerations and scarring: glass and metal can cause severe cuts, permanent scarring and disfigurement requiring plastic surgery.
- Psychological trauma: many crash victims deal with anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress long after their physical injuries heal.
- Fatal injuries: when a drunk driver causes a death, eligible family members may have a wrongful death claim, and the estate may have a separate survival claim. California law limits who may bring a wrongful death claim (Code of Civil Procedure §377.60) and which losses are recoverable, so those questions should be reviewed for each family.
Compensation Available to DUI Accident Victims
The physical, emotional and financial toll of drunk driving accidents can be immense. Victims deserve compensation covering all losses:
Economic damages:
- Emergency medical treatment and hospitalization
- Surgeries and ongoing medical care
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Prescription medications and medical equipment
- Home healthcare and nursing services
- Lost wages and income during recovery
- Lost earning capacity if you cannot return to your previous work
- Property damage and vehicle replacement
- Home and vehicle modifications for disabilities
Non-economic damages:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Loss of consortium (impact on spousal relationship)
- Psychological trauma and PTSD
Punitive damages are meant to punish especially reckless conduct and can add to a victim’s recovery when the legal standard is met (Cal. Civil Code §3294).
Restitution through the criminal case: Drunk drivers convicted criminally may be ordered to pay restitution directly to victims as part of their sentence, an additional recovery avenue beyond civil damages.
Client Testimonials
Researching for the best lawyer for my injury was one of the most difficult things I have ever done. I did the work for you, look no further. Arthur and Jacqui will work hard and advocate for you all the way to get you the maximum settlement. I was even more confident if my case would have went to trial.
I was in a car wreck when a cement truck decided to run a red light causing me to swerve into oncoming traffic. I reached out to different firms but many either didn’t respond back or didn’t want to take the case. Arthur took me on as a client without hesitation and was nothing but respectful and communicated with me every step of the way. I am appreciative of him and his team and I highly recommend him if you’re looking for someone to help you with a personal injury!
this guy helped me battle and win a case after an accident i’d been involved in.
I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Arthur for a year, and in that time, I’ve been continually impressed by his professionalism and dedication. As an attorney, he brings not only a deep understanding of the law but also a genuine commitment to his clients’ best interests. Arthur’s sharp legal mind, clear communication, and integrity make him an outstanding advocate. I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending him to those in need of a great attorney!
I was in a car accident about a year ago, and I’m so grateful I hired Arthur to represent me. He helped me get the maximum settlement possible, and I couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome. From the start, he was kind, knowledgeable, and incredibly patient. He always made time to answer my questions and walked me through the process step by step.
When I was rear ended, my car was messed up and so was I. If you need someone to represent you that is professional, caring and will really fight for you, call Arthur Djougourian. He now my go to Lawyer. Thank you so much for helping me settle my case
Arthur Djougourian and his paralegal made everything so easy. They are genuinely friendly and personable, and, I feel confident they got every penny they could for me! Thank you, Arthur Djougourian!
My personal injury lawyer was Arthur Djougourian, accompanied with his paralegal team the helped me with my Uber lawsuit. They were very patient, communicative with walking me through the steps I can take to win a settlement. I honestly am so grateful and appreciative and really can’t thank them enough. If there is a injury attorney I could recommend, it would be Arthur Djougourian
Arthur is an exceptional lawyer. As my attorney, he ensured that all my medical needs were met and that I was properly compensated for my losses. He is very professional and goes above and beyond for his clients. If you find yourself in need of legal representation, Arthur is the attorney to turn to.
I had an excellent experience with Arthur Djougourian and his team after my accident. From the very beginning, they were attentive, professional, and genuinely cared about my well-being. They guided me through every step of the process, ensuring I understood my options and felt supported.
I had a great experience with Djougourian Law Corp. I was worried I would not win anything from the settlement I had also never hired a lawyer before so I was very worried about the logistics and Arthur was very good about explaining everything and expedited the process!
If they had more stars i would give him the max. My case was very difficult and had a lot of moving parts and quite honestly other attorney’s passed on but not Arthur from the beginning he put me at ease and actually took the time to get to know me. Arthur’s legal knowledge is beyond approach and opposing counsel knows up front Arthur is not playing and you can dispense with the nonsense and let’s get to business. If Arthur is on your side rest assured you have the best and just watch him work you will not be disappointed
I want to express my gratitude to Lawyer Arthur Djougourian, for helping us in an accident case, he really helped us, the negotiation was a very pleasant experience, his mastery in this art contributed to us receiving what was appropriate, always attentive, responding to our calls and our questions, I loved it because his service is a gentleman, if you need a Lawyer, I fully recommend him, thank you Arthur for such good attention.
Arthur and his paralegal helped me through my injury case. It was a real pleasure having their legal advice available to me in a time when I couldn’t think straight or even figure out what to do after my accident injury.
I couldn’t be happier with the results at the end of the case. It did take some time, but as did my medical treatments after my injury. My faith was well placed.
Thank you Arthur for taking the time to help me through one of the toughest situations in my life. You guys are incredible!
Frequently Asked Questions About DUI Accident Cases
Is there a difference between a DUI and a DWI accident claim?
No. In California there is no legal distinction: the terms are used interchangeably, and both refer to driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs. Your rights as an injured victim are the same.
How common are drunk driving deaths?
According to NHTSA, 11,904 people died in alcohol-impaired driving crashes nationwide in 2024, about one every 44 minutes. The OTS crash rankings show how Los Angeles County and its cities compare for alcohol-involved crashes.
Can I recover compensation even if the drunk driver isn’t convicted?
Yes. Your civil claim is separate from criminal prosecution. You can pursue a civil claim against a drunk driver even if the driver is never arrested, charged or convicted, because civil cases use a lower burden of proof (preponderance of the evidence, Cal. Evidence Code §115). A DUI conviction does strengthen your case significantly.
What is negligence per se and how does it help my case?
Under California law, a DUI violation is a strong basis for establishing liability through negligence per se (Cal. Evidence Code §669). The driver’s violation of the law establishes a presumption that they breached their duty of care, so the focus shifts to showing that the violation caused your injuries.
Can I sue the bar or restaurant that overserved the drunk driver?
California severely limits dram shop liability. Under Civil Code §1714(b)–(c) and Business and Professions Code §25602(b), bars and restaurants generally cannot be held liable for injuries caused by an adult they served, even if that person was obviously intoxicated. Two exceptions exist: adults who knowingly provide alcohol to minors under 21, and establishments that serve obviously intoxicated minors under 18.
What are punitive damages and am I eligible?
If the drunk driver acted with malice, which California courts have found can include knowingly driving while intoxicated, victims may seek punitive damages under Civil Code §3294, which requires clear and convincing evidence. Unlike compensatory damages that cover your actual losses, punitive damages are designed to punish the drunk driver and deter similar conduct.
Can I sue the vehicle owner if they weren’t driving?
Yes. California’s owner liability statute allows victims to sue the vehicle owner if the drunk driver was operating the vehicle with permission. This provides access to the owner’s insurance coverage in addition to the driver’s policy.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a DUI accident?
Many personal injury lawsuits, including DUI accident claims, must be filed within two years of the injury (Code of Civil Procedure §335.1), but exceptions can change that deadline, and claims involving a public agency require a written claim generally within six months. Prompt action matters. Evidence disappears, witness memories fade, and insurance companies use delay tactics. Contact an attorney promptly to protect your rights.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
California’s pure comparative negligence rule lets victims recover even if they were partly at fault, with damages reduced by their share of fault. When the other driver was drunk, you may have a strong case that fault lies with them.
How much is my DUI accident case worth?
Case value depends on injury severity, extent of medical treatment, permanent impairment or disability, lost wages and earning capacity, pain and suffering, impact on quality of life, strength of liability evidence, and availability of punitive damages. We work with medical experts and economists to make sure every category of damages is accounted for. A result obtained in another matter is not a prediction or guarantee for yours.
What should I do immediately after being hit by a drunk driver?
Seek immediate medical attention, even if injuries seem minor. Call police so an official report documents the driver’s intoxication. Gather photographs, witness contact information and the driver’s details. Preserve evidence like damaged clothing or property. Don’t give recorded statements to insurance companies without legal representation, and contact an experienced DUI accident attorney as soon as possible.
Does the drunk driver’s insurance have to pay for my injuries?
California requires all drivers to carry liability insurance, but drunk drivers frequently have inadequate coverage for serious injuries. We identify all available coverage, including the drunk driver’s policy, the vehicle owner’s coverage, your uninsured/underinsured motorist protection, and third-party liability coverage when applicable.
Will I have to go to court?
Many DUI accident cases settle before trial. Insurance companies offer fair settlements when they know we’re prepared for trial, so we prepare every case for court while negotiating aggressively. If trial becomes necessary, we’re ready to present your case to a jury.
Take Action Now: DUI Accident Victims Deserve Justice
If a drunk driver has injured you or killed your loved one, you’re facing physical pain, emotional trauma and financial hardship through no fault of your own. The drunk driver made a conscious choice to get behind the wheel impaired, and now they must be held accountable.
Don’t face this alone, and don’t let insurance companies minimize your claim with lowball offers. At DJ Law Corp, we’ve seen the devastation drunk drivers inflict on victims and families throughout Los Angeles County, and we’re ready to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve, including punitive damages where the law allows. If a drunk driver also damaged your vehicle or injured others in your car, our Los Angeles County car accident team can help with those claims too.
Contact DJ Law Corp today for your free, confidential case evaluation. We’ll review your accident, assess your injuries, explain your legal options and answer your questions, at no cost and with no obligation.
We serve DUI accident victims throughout Los Angeles County, including La Mirada, Whittier, Norwalk, Downey, Santa Fe Springs, Pico Rivera, Cerritos, Buena Park, Fullerton and surrounding communities.
📧 arthur@djlawcorp.com 🌐 djlawcorp.com 📞 818-530-0000 📍 300 E Magnolia Blvd, Suite 506, Burbank, CA 91502
Your recovery is our priority. Your justice is our mission. Contact us today: time is critical, and we’re ready to help.
