When a night out turns into a life-altering crash with a drunk or drugged driver, especially in North Hollywood, the physical, emotional and legal fallout can be overwhelming. This guide gives you sourced facts, practical steps to protect your future, and an overview of how Djougourian Law Corporation helps victims throughout Los Angeles County.
The DUI Problem in California and L.A. County
- According to NHTSA, 11,904 people died in alcohol-impaired driving crashes nationwide in 2024, about one every 44 minutes.
- Drivers below the 0.08 limit can still be dangerous: NHTSA reports that 2,028 people were killed in 2024 in alcohol-related crashes where a driver had a BAC of .01 to .07 g/dL.
- The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) crash rankings show how Los Angeles and other cities compare for alcohol-involved injury crashes.
DUI or DWI: What’s the Difference in California?
California uses the term DUI (driving under the influence) for driving while impaired by alcohol, drugs or both. You may also hear “DWI” (driving while intoxicated), which some other states use; for an injury victim in California, the two mean the same thing. Whatever it is called, a driver who operates a vehicle while impaired and injures you can be held liable.
Why DUI Crashes Are Especially Dangerous
Impairment from alcohol or drugs typically affects:
- Reaction time and coordination
- Judgment and decision-making under pressure
- Perception and lane control
In an area like North Hollywood, with heavy traffic, nightlife and pedestrian activity, these impairments raise the risk of severe or fatal crashes.
Critical Steps if You’ve Been in a DUI Accident in North Hollywood
- Call 911: get medical attention and make sure a police report is made.
- Seek immediate medical care: prompt documentation matters, even for injuries that seem minor.
- Document the scene: photos of vehicles, skid marks, lighting, license plates, traffic cameras and the other driver’s behavior, plus witness contact information.
- Preserve evidence of impairment: BAC readings, field sobriety tests and officer or witness observations can be key to proving liability.
- Report to your insurer: notify your insurance company promptly.
- Talk to a DUI-injury attorney: an attorney can identify every source of coverage, including uninsured motorist coverage.
- Be cautious with early settlement offers: they often do not account for long-term recovery.
What Compensation Is Available in DUI Cases
In California, DUI victims may recover:
- Economic damages: medical costs, ongoing care, rehabilitation and lost income
- Non-economic damages: pain, suffering and emotional distress
- Punitive damages: available under Civil Code §3294 only when malice, oppression or fraud is proven by clear and convincing evidence
California’s comparative negligence rule allows you to recover even if you share some blame for the accident; your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
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.
Why Djougourian Law Corporation Is Your Advocate
Djougourian Law Corporation handles DUI accident cases in North Hollywood and surrounding areas, including:
- North Hollywood
- Los Angeles (City)
- Burbank
- Glendale
- Pasadena
- Long Beach
- Santa Clarita
- Torrance
- El Monte
- Downey
Trial attorney Arthur Djougourian graduated from UC Berkeley and Pepperdine University School of Law, was admitted to the California Bar in 2018 and was selected to Super Lawyers Rising Stars in 2022.
What we provide:
- Evidence gathering and accident investigation
- Insurance negotiation, including claims against the drunk driver’s insurer and your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage
- Evaluation of punitive damages where the evidence supports them
- Litigation when a settlement falls short
- Support throughout your recovery
FAQ: DUI Accident Questions Answered
Do you need a DUI conviction to file a civil claim?
No. You can file a personal injury claim based on evidence of impairment, such as police reports or breath test results, even if there’s no criminal conviction.
What if the DUI driver was uninsured?
Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may cover your damages. There may also be claims against other responsible parties, such as the vehicle’s owner. Our page on car accidents in North Hollywood covers insurance claims after a crash.
Are punitive damages always granted?
No. They require clear and convincing evidence of malice, oppression or fraud, and are decided case by case.
If I was partly at fault, can I still recover?
Yes. Your compensation is reduced in proportion to your share of fault under California’s comparative negligence rule.
What is the deadline to file a claim?
Many California personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years of the accident (Code of Civil Procedure §335.1), but exceptions can change that deadline, and claims against a public agency generally require a written claim within six months. The California Courts deadline guide explains the general rules.
You Don’t Have to Face This Alone
If you’ve been injured in a DUI accident in North Hollywood, you deserve clarity on your path forward. Call 818-530-0000 or contact us for a free consultation. Don’t wait: protect your health, your rights and your future today.
