When a driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs causes a crash, the consequences can be devastating for you, your family and your future. If you’ve been injured in a DUI-related accident in Pasadena or the surrounding areas, you need an attorney who handles these complex cases and knows how to hold impaired drivers accountable.
At Djougourian Law Corporation, we help victims of DUI accidents throughout Pasadena, Altadena, San Marino, South Pasadena and the greater Los Angeles County region. Our goal is to pursue full compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, so you can focus on healing.
The firm was founded by trial attorney Arthur Djougourian, a graduate of UC Berkeley and Pepperdine University School of Law who was admitted to the California Bar in 2018 and selected to Super Lawyers Rising Stars in 2022. We bring compassion and courtroom readiness to every case.
DUI Accident Facts and Statistics
Understanding how common and serious DUI crashes are can help you see why experienced legal help matters.
- 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.
- In California, the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) reports that alcohol-impaired driving fatalities (crashes involving a driver or motorcycle rider with a BAC of 0.08 or higher) decreased approximately 4.5%, from 1,419 in 2022 to 1,355 in 2023. Even so, that is more than 1,300 lives lost in a single year.
DUI or DWI: Is There a Difference?
In California, the term “DUI” (driving under the influence) is used for driving while impaired by alcohol, drugs or both. “DWI” (driving while intoxicated) is used in some other states. For an injury claim, the concepts are the same: what matters is that an impaired driver caused the crash that injured you.
Why DUI Accident Cases Are Especially Complex
DUI crashes often involve particular legal issues:
- Criminal and civil overlap: the driver may face criminal charges, but your civil claim for your injuries is separate and has its own deadlines.
- Insurance and liability: you may need to hold the at-fault driver and potentially other parties, such as an employer or the vehicle’s owner, accountable, and to use your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage.
- Limited claims against bars and hosts: California generally does not allow claims against a bar, restaurant or social host for serving an adult who later caused a crash (Civil Code §1714 and Business and Professions Code §25602). There are narrow exceptions involving furnishing alcohol to minors.
- Evidence urgency: police reports, blood-alcohol and toxicology results, video and witness statements must be gathered quickly.
- Severe injuries: impaired drivers often speed, run lights or lose control, and the resulting injuries, such as brain trauma, spinal damage and major fractures, can require long-term care.
- Statute of limitations: many California personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years (Code of Civil Procedure §335.1), so there is little margin for delay. See the California Courts deadline guide.
At Djougourian Law Corporation, we move quickly and gather the necessary proof.
What to Do After a DUI Crash in Pasadena
If you’ve been in a crash caused by a drunk or impaired driver in Pasadena, follow these steps:
- Seek medical treatment immediately. Even if you feel okay, symptoms may appear later.
- Report the crash to police, make sure the suspected DUI is documented, and obtain the official report.
- Document everything: photos of your injuries, vehicle damage, the scene, weather, lighting, signage and skid marks.
- Get witness contact information if possible.
- Preserve evidence: your attorney can promptly request toxicology results, surveillance and dash-cam video.
- Avoid discussing the crash on social media, and don’t accept a quick insurance offer before you know the full extent of your injuries.
- Consult a lawyer: early legal advice matters in DUI cases.
Why Choose Djougourian Law Corporation
- Trial-level representation: Arthur Djougourian prepares every case for court.
- Local knowledge: serving Pasadena, the San Gabriel Valley and the Los Angeles region, we understand local traffic issues, courts and medical networks.
- Personal service: you will work directly with Arthur.
- Contingency fees: no attorney fee unless there is a recovery, under the terms of the written fee agreement.
- Committed to your recovery: we focus on your long-term care as well as compensation.
How We Handle Your DUI Accident Case
- Free consultation: we review your crash, injuries and insurance coverage and explain how we can help, at no cost and with no obligation.
- Investigation and evidence gathering: we obtain the police report (including DUI findings), toxicology results, witness statements, scene photos, skid-mark analysis, video and other relevant evidence.
- Medical coordination: we make sure your injuries and future treatment are documented by the right specialists.
- Claim preparation and negotiation: we calculate your damages, including past and future medical costs, lost income, care needs, and pain and suffering, then negotiate with the insurer on your behalf.
- Litigation if required: if the insurer refuses fair compensation, we file suit and prepare your case for trial.
- Case resolution and support: once your case resolves, we help you manage bills and liens.
Compensation You May Recover
Under California law (Civil Code §3333), after a DUI accident you may be entitled to recover:
- Medical expenses (past, current and future)
- Rehabilitation, therapy and long-term care costs
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain, suffering and emotional distress
- Home modifications and lifelong care for catastrophic injuries
- Property damage
Punitive damages may be available under Civil Code §3294 when malice is proven by clear and convincing evidence. When a DUI crash is fatal, 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.
Benefits of Working With Us
- Serious-injury experience: we coordinate the medical and expert support that serious injury cases require.
- Trial preparation: preparing for trial puts us in a stronger position to negotiate fair value.
- Less stress for you: while you recover, we handle the legal work.
- Speedy action: the sooner evidence is collected (toxicology, police reports, scene), the better.
- Local focus: we serve Pasadena, Altadena, San Marino and Los Angeles County.
FAQ: Pasadena DUI Accident Answers
What is a DUI accident claim?
A DUI accident claim is a civil claim for compensation when a driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs causes a crash that injures you. It runs separately from any criminal case against the driver.
How long do I have to file a claim after a DUI crash in California?
Many personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years of the injury (Code of Civil Procedure §335.1), but exceptions can change that, and claims against a public agency generally require a written claim within six months. Missing a deadline can bar your case.
Does it matter if I had some fault?
California uses a pure comparative negligence rule, so you can recover even if you were partially at fault. Your award is reduced in proportion to your share of fault.
What if the drunk driver had no insurance?
We can explore your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, the at-fault driver’s personal assets, and other potentially liable parties such as an employer or the vehicle’s owner. Claims against bars and social hosts are limited in California. Our page on auto accidents in Pasadena explains how insurance claims work after a crash.
Do I need a lawyer if the driver admitted fault?
Even when fault seems clear, insurers may delay or undervalue a claim. A lawyer can make sure your future needs are taken into account.
Protect Your Rights After a DUI-Related Crash
If you or someone you love was injured in a crash caused by a drunk or impaired driver in Pasadena, don’t face the insurance companies alone. We offer free consultations and work on contingency. Call 818-530-0000 or contact us today for your free case review.
📍 Pasadena, CA
📧 arthur@djlawcorp.com
🌐 djlawcorp.com
📞 818-530-0000
