Los Angeles Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

What to Do if I’m Hit by a Drunk Driver in Los Angeles?

After a drunk driving accident, your safety and well-being are the top priorities. Once emergency medical needs are addressed and you are back home, consider these important steps to protect your rights and strengthen any potential legal claim:

• Document your injuries and damage with photos. Use your phone to capture images of your visible injuries and vehicle damage. Visual evidence provides a clear picture of the incident’s impact.
• Collect witness contact information. Independent witnesses can offer unbiased accounts of the accident. Ask for their names, phone numbers, and email addresses. Their statements may be crucial for your case.
• Avoid speaking to the at-fault driver’s insurance company without legal advice. An adjuster may ask for statements or try to convince you to accept a settlement that doesn’t fully cover your damages. Politely decline to discuss the accident details until you have spoken with lawyer.
• Obtain a copy of the police report from the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). This official document details the accident, including driver information, vehicle details, and initial findings, which may include whether the at-fault driver was arrested for driving under the influence. Your attorney may handle this process.
• Contact a Los Angeles drunk driving injury lawyer immediately. Acting quickly helps preserve crucial evidence and ensures you understand your legal rights. Our team provides free consultations to help you understand your options without financial obligation.

How California Law Addresses Drunk Driving Accident Injuries

California law holds drunk drivers accountable for the harm they cause when their negligence leads to an accident. In California, negligence refers to a failure to act with the care that a reasonable person would use in similar circumstances. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a clear example of negligent behavior.

Under California Civil Code Section 3333, personal injury victims, including those from DUI accidents, can recover various types of financial compensation, known as “damages.” These damages often include:

• Medical costs: This covers all past and future expenses related to your injuries, such as emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and long-term care.
• Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may recover income you lost while recovering.
• Pain and suffering: This compensates you for the physical pain, emotional distress, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life caused by your injuries.

In some severe cases, punitive damages may also apply. Punitive damages are not intended to compensate the victim but rather to punish the reckless conduct of the at-fault driver and deter others from similar behavior.

Can I Sue a Drunk Driver for Punitive Damages?

California law allows for punitive damages in cases where the defendant’s conduct shows “malice, oppression, or fraud.” A drunk driver’s decision to get behind the wheel while intoxicated may be considered to show a conscious disregard for the safety of others, thus qualifying for punitive damages.

Common Injuries from Los Angeles Drunk Driving Collisions

Victims of drunk driving accidents often suffer life-changing injuries, including:

• Fractures and Broken Bones
• Soft Tissue Injuries
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
• Spinal Cord Damage
• Disfigurement and Scarring
• Loss of Limbs
• Internal Injuries

Families of wrongful death victims also face unimaginable loss, enduring profound grief, and unexpected financial burdens. Best Law stands with these families, helping them pursue wrongful death claims to seek justice for their loved ones.

How Much Is My DUI Accident Claim Worth in Los Angeles?

Every personal injury case is unique, and the value of a DUI accident claim in Los Angeles depends on many factors. There is no average settlement, as the compensation received directly correlates with the specific details of your injuries, financial losses, and the impact on your life.

Time Limits: Filing Deadlines for DUI Crash Claims in California

Under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to pursue compensation through the court system.

For wrongful death cases, where a loved one has died due to a drunk driver’s negligence, the two-year clock generally starts from the date of death, which may be different from the date of the accident itself.

What Is Considered Drunk Driving in California?

Understanding what constitutes a DUI is the first step in grasping the seriousness of drunk driving incidents and their impact on communities. In California, a “DUI” or “Driving Under the Influence” refers to operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. California law, specifically Vehicle Code Section 23152, outlines different scenarios that are classified as illegal impaired driving.

For most adult drivers (aged 21 and over), it is unlawful to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. Even if a driver’s BAC is below 0.08%, they may still be convicted of a DUI if they are “under the influence” and unable to drive safely.

For drivers under 21 years old, California implements a strict zero-tolerance policy, making it illegal to drive with a BAC of 0.01% or higher. Penalties for those convicted of DUI can be severe, including substantial fines, mandatory license suspension or revocation, enrollment in a state-approved DUI education program, and the possible installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) on their vehicle.

Furthermore, if a drunk driving incident results in injury to another person, the at-fault driver faces enhanced criminal charges and more severe penalties. This means a DUI causing injury can be charged as a “wobbler,” either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances.

Los Angeles DUI Crash Statistics

Los Angeles County consistently leads California in DUI-related crashes. This higher incidence is largely due to factors unique to the region, including its dense population and traffic, vibrant nightlife, and extensive road networks.

Traffic data and statistics show:

• High Incidence of Alcohol-Related Crashes: In 2022, over 600 serious injuries occurred from alcohol-related crashes in Los Angeles County alone.
• Fatalities: Tragically, DUI accidents caused more than 200 deaths in the Los Angeles region during the same period.
• Dangerous Times: Weekend nights remain the most dangerous times on Los Angeles roads for alcohol-related collisions.

These statistics are not just numbers; they represent real people, real suffering, and real losses within our community, highlighting the widespread impact of drunk driving in our communities and underscoring the critical need for strong legal advocacy for victims.

How a Los Angeles DUI Accident Lawyer May Help You

A drunk driving accident can change your life in seconds, leaving you to face mounting medical bills, lost income, and emotional trauma. You don’t have to shoulder this burden alone. At Best Law, we fight for victims of drunk driving accidents in Los Angeles, handling the legal details so you can take time to heal. Let us stand up for your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Here is how our experienced Los Angeles DUI accident lawyers may help you:

• Investigating the crash and gathering evidence: We thoroughly investigate your accident, collecting crucial evidence such as police reports, toxicology results, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and accident reconstruction data. This meticulous approach helps build a strong case.
• Identifying all liable parties: While the drunk driver is always a primary focus, we explore all potential sources of liability. This might include investigating if a bar or restaurant violated any dram shop laws or if an employer could be held responsible for an employee’s impaired driving if it occurred within the scope of employment.
• Negotiating with insurance companies for fair settlements: With our founder’s prior experience representing insurance companies, we understand how to aggressively negotiate on your behalf to secure the compensation you deserve.
• Taking cases to trial when necessary to secure justice: While many cases settle out of court, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement. We have a proven track record of fighting for our clients in court.

We treat each client with compassion and respect, helping you feel supported during every step of the legal process. Our goal is to alleviate the burden so you can focus on your recovery.

Why Choose Best Law for Your Drunk Driving Accident Case?

Choosing legal representation after a drunk driving accident is a critical decision. At Best Law, we understand the profound impact an injury has on your life, and we are dedicated to providing the highest level of legal care.

Founding attorney Elissa Best brings unique insights to every case. She once represented insurance companies, giving her an invaluable insider’s perspective on their strategies and motivations. Once representing insurance companies, she now uses her invaluable insider’s perspective and knowledge to relentlessly fight for victims, so you receive fair treatment and compensation.

We distinguish ourselves through a client-centered approach and a commitment to results:

• No Win, No Fee Guarantee: We operate on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely nothing for our legal services unless we successfully win your case. This commitment reduces your financial worry and allows you to focus on healing.
• Personalized Attention: We believe each client’s story is important. We take the time to listen, understand your unique circumstances, and tailor our legal strategy to meet your specific needs and goals. You are not just another case number; you are family to us.
• Proven Results: Our firm has a strong track record of success, having recovered millions of dollars for injury victims across Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Riverside Counties. Our dedication to aggressive advocacy helps us achieve favorable outcomes for our clients.

We proudly serve communities throughout Southern California, including Inglewood, Hawthorne, Baldwin Hills, Liemert Park, and Compton, providing accessible and empathetic legal support when it matters most.