When a driver under the influence causes a crash, the consequences can be devastating — serious injuries, lifelong disabilities, emotional trauma, and mounting bills. If you were injured in a DWI- (driving while intoxicated) or drunk driving accident in Pasadena or nearby, you need a lawyer who understands the unique legal issues in these cases and will fight for full recovery.
At Djougourian Law Corporation, we represent victims of DWI accidents in Pasadena, Altadena, San Marino, South Pasadena, and across Los Angeles County. Our goal is to help you recover the compensation you deserve so you can focus on healing while we pursue the negligent driver.
Attorney Arthur Djougourian, founder of the firm, is a trial-tested advocate. He graduated from Pepperdine Law, started his legal career at the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office (Consumer Protection Unit), and early on secured a six-figure jury verdict for an injured client. He brings that same determination to DWI accident claims.
DWI Accident Facts & Statistics — California & Los Angeles County
Public data confirms just how common and dangerous drunk- and drug-impaired driving crashes remain:
- In 2023, there were about 1,355 fatalities in alcohol-involved crashes in California, down 4.5% from 2022 but still a large number. (Office of Traffic Safety)
- In 2022, California had 1,479 people killed in alcohol-impaired traffic crashes. (Safe Trans. Research & Education Center)
- According to SafeTREC, in 2022 around 33% of all vehicle fatalities in California involved drivers with BAC .08 or higher. (Safe Trans. Research & Education Center)
- Crash reports show that alcohol- or drug-involved serious injury and fatal crashes are heavily concentrated in urban areas — including Los Angeles County. (Safe Trans. Research & Education Center)
These statistics show that driving while impaired is a persistent threat. If you were hit by a drunk driver in Pasadena, you’re not alone — and you have a right to recover.
Why DWI Accident Cases Are Especially Complex
Crashes involving intoxicated drivers have special legal complexities:
- Criminal & civil overlap: The at-fault driver may face criminal charges, but your civil claim is separate and must be pursued within deadlines.
- Evidence urgency: Blood-alcohol test results, police DUI reports, toxicology, witness statements—all must be collected promptly.
- High severity injuries: Because impaired drivers often speed, run lights, or lose control, injuries tend to be serious — brain trauma, spinal injury, major fractures.
- Insurance & liability nuance: You may need to hold the driver personally liable, pursue uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, or involve dram-shop/host liability if the impairment came from a bar, restaurant or event.
- Statute of limitations: In California, you generally have two years from the date of injury to file a personal-injury lawsuit (C.C.P. §335.1).
At Djougourian Law Corporation, we act quickly, preserve critical evidence, evaluate the full scope of your damages and build your case for maximum recovery.
What to Do After a DWI Crash in Pasadena
If you’ve been injured in a crash caused by a driver under the influence in Pasadena, take these steps:
- Seek medical attention right away — some injuries don’t show symptoms immediately.
- Report the crash to law enforcement and make sure the DUI is documented.
- Document the scene — photos of your injuries, vehicle damage, skid marks, lighting, signage.
- Get witness contact info if possible.
- Don’t accept a quick insurance offer until your full injury scope is known.
- Contact our firm immediately — evidence in DUI crashes (BAC data, dash cam, video) can disappear or be lost.
Why Choose Djougourian Law Corporation
- Trial-Ready Representation: Arthur Djougourian prepares every case as if heading to trial — increasing your leverage.
- Local Insight: We serve Pasadena and surrounding areas and understand the local courts, law-enforcement and traffic issues.
- Direct Access: You’ll work directly with Arthur — you won’t be passed off to assistants.
- Bilingual Service: We offer support in English and Armenian.
- No Fees Unless We Win: We work on a contingency basis — you pay nothing unless we recover compensation.
- Full-Service Approach: We handle investigation, evidence collection, medical coordination, and settlement or litigation so you can focus on healing.
How We Handle Your DWI Accident Case
- Free Consultation
We meet with you at no cost to review your crash, injuries, medical records and legal rights. - Investigation & Evidence Gathering
We secure police reports (including DUI findings), toxicology results, scene photos, witness statements and any video. - Medical Documentation
We coordinate with your medical providers to document current treatment, future care needs, lost earnings and long-term impacts. - Claim Preparation & Negotiation
We calculate your damages — medical expenses, lost wages, pain/suffering, future care — and negotiate with the insurance company for full compensation. - Litigation If Needed
If the insurer refuses fair payment, we file suit and prepare your case for trial. - Resolution & Support
Once your claim resolves, we help with structured settlements (if needed), balance bills and protect your compensation.
Compensation You May Recover
Under California law (C.C. §3333), victims of DWI crashes may recover:
- Past & future medical expenses
- Rehabilitation, therapy, long-term care costs
- Lost wages, reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering, emotional distress
- Property damage (vehicle repair/replacement)
- For catastrophic injuries: home modifications, lifelong care
- If the crash was fatal: wrongful death compensation for family
Given the severity of many DWI accidents, strong legal representation matters to secure full recovery.
Benefits of Working With Us
- Maximized Recovery: We ensure your claim reflects full cost of your injuries, present and future.
- Reduced Stress: You focus on healing; we handle legal and insurance matters.
- Fast Action: Early investigation preserves key evidence — especially in DUI/DWI cases.
- Local Advantage: We understand Pasadena traffic patterns, local courts and crash zones.
- Results-Oriented: We’re committed to achieving strong results for clients injured by impaired drivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a DUI and DWI?
In California, the term “DUI” (driving under the influence) is more common. “DWI” (driving while intoxicated) is used elsewhere, but for accident law purposes the concepts overlap—impaired driving causing injury is what matters.
How long do I have to file a claim after a DWI crash?
Generally you have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal‐injury lawsuit in California. After that, your claim may be barred.
Can I recover if I was partly at fault?
Yes. California uses a pure comparative negligence rule — you can recover, but your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
What if the drunk driver had no insurance?
We can explore the at‐fault driver’s personal assets, uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage under your policy, or host/liquor‐liability claims if applicable.
Do I need a lawyer even if the driver admitted fault?
Yes. Admission of fault doesn’t automatically guarantee fair compensation. A lawyer ensures your future care, treatment and total damages are properly valued.
Call to Action — Protect Your Rights After a DWI Crash
If you or someone you love was injured in a DWI accident in Pasadena, don’t face the insurance company alone. Let Djougourian Law Corporation stand up for you, pursue the negligent driver, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
📍 Pasadena, CA
📧 arthur@djlawcorp.com
🌐 djlawcorp.com
📞 818-530-0000
Free consultation. No fee unless we win. Contact us today to start your recovery.
