If you’ve been hit by a drunk driver, your world can feel upside down. The injuries, the stress, the questions none of it is fair. At the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, a trusted Pasadena car accident lawyer, we help people across the city make sense of what’s next and fight for the compensation they deserve.
We’ve handled drunk driving accident cases throughout Pasadena. Our job is to deal with the legal mess so you can focus on healing. Whether it’s managing the car accident claim or standing up to the other driver’s insurance company, we’re here to move your case forward and protect your future.
Call today for a free consultation.
Pasadena DUI Crash Overview: What the Numbers Reveal
Driving under the influence continues to cause serious harm across California. In 2022, more than 1,400 people lost their lives in DUI-related crashes in the state. That’s nearly four deaths every single day. Pasadena and greater LA County report some of the highest rates of DUI arrests and collisions in Southern California, with many accidents involving serious injuries or even fatalities.
Compared to national trends, California still ranks among the top states for alcohol-impaired traffic deaths. These aren’t just numbers. Behind each crash is a person facing the stress of injuries, insurance issues, or long-term recovery. For victims, talking to a Pasadena drunk driving accident lawyer is a chance to find answers and start the legal process of recovery.
What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident in Pasadena
A crash caused by a drunk driver can leave you hurt, confused, and unsure what comes next. The first few days are critical not just for your well-being, but also for protecting your ability to file a car accident claim. Here are steps that help you stay safe and make your case stronger later.
- Get checked by a doctor, even if you think you’re okay
- Make sure the crash is reported to police and get a copy of the report
- Take photos of the scene, your car, and any injuries
- Write down names and phone numbers of anyone who saw the crash
- Avoid speaking to the insurance company on your own
- Contact a DUI accident lawyer to review your rights
These actions can help your car accident attorney build a stronger case, especially if the crash involved serious injuries, emotional distress, or long-term medical care.
Where Drunk Driving Accidents Commonly Happen in Pasadena
Certain areas in Pasadena tend to see more DUI-related crashes than others. These spots are often busy, full of nightlife, or near major event venues. People coming from restaurants, bars, or late-night events sometimes make poor choices behind the wheel, putting others at risk.
Some of the common locations for drunk driving accidents include:
- Colorado Boulevard, especially near Old Pasadena’s nightlife district
- Fair Oaks Avenue and Green Street intersection
- Lake Avenue near shopping centers and bars
- The area around the Rose Bowl Stadium during events and concerts
- Sierra Madre Boulevard, especially on weekends and evenings
- 210 Freeway entrances and exits through Pasadena
- Arroyo Parkway near late-night restaurants and bars
- Washington Boulevard and Allen Avenue intersection
- Pasadena City College area during weekend nights
- Huntington Drive and San Marino Avenue, close to local nightlife spots
Knowing these high-risk areas helps accident victims recall details more clearly and helps DUI accident lawyers focus on collecting strong evidence, like nearby surveillance footage or eyewitness accounts.
Understanding DUI Laws in Pasadena and California
Knowing the basics of DUI law can help victims make sense of what happened and what comes next. California sets strict limits and penalties for drivers who choose to get behind the wheel after drinking.
- In California, a driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or more is legally impaired
- For drivers under 21, the limit is even lower at 0.01%
- Penalties for a DUI conviction can include fines, license suspension, and jail time
Even if the police charge the driver criminally, you still have the right to seek compensation through civil court. A drunk driving accident attorney can help explain how those two parts of the law work together.
Civil vs. Criminal DUI Cases – What’s the Difference?
When someone is charged with DUI after a crash, it’s easy to think the legal system will take care of everything. But the criminal case is only part of the picture. It punishes the drunk driver, but it doesn’t pay for your medical expenses, lost income, or car repairs.
- A criminal DUI case can lead to fines, jail time, and license suspension
- A civil case, filed by the victim, is focused on recovering money for injuries, emotional distress, and property damage
That’s why many people need help from a personal injury attorney after a DUI crash. A good car accident lawyer can take on the insurance company, file the right paperwork, and fight for fair compensation so you’re not left dealing with the cost of someone else’s reckless driving.
Common Injuries from DUI Accidents
When a person is hit by an intoxicated driver, the harm isn’t always visible right away. Some injuries take time to show up, while others can change someone’s life in seconds. These accidents often leave victims dealing with pain, treatment, and emotional stress for months or even years.
Injuries from drunk driving accidents can include:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Spinal injuries
- Broken bones
- Disfigurement or burns
- Long-term psychological trauma
- Internal injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Neck injuries
- Whiplash injury
- Bone fractures
Even a single crash can lead to a stack of problems ongoing care, missed work, and emotional toll. A Pasadena Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer helps victims recover the costs tied to these injuries and makes sure their story is taken seriously by the insurance company and the court.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Drunk Driving Crash?
Every crash has details that matter. Figuring out who’s legally responsible is a big step in making a strong claim. Most people assume only the drunk driver is at fault, but other parties can also be involved especially when the situation includes work vehicles, company outings, or shared rides.
Liability in DUI cases can involve:
- Drunk driver
- Vehicle owner
- Employer (if driving for work)
- Rideshare companies (Uber/Lyft DUI cases)
- Bars or restaurants that served the driver alcohol
- Hosts of private events under certain conditions
Identifying the right party means looking at every angle insurance coverage, who had control of the car, what role others played. A Pasadena Car Accident Lawyer can piece together police reports, surveillance footage, and witness accounts to figure out where the blame really belongs.
Can Businesses Be Held Responsible for Over-Serving Alcohol?
In California, dram shop laws are narrow, but they still matter. In certain cases, a business can be held responsible if it knowingly serves alcohol to someone who’s clearly underage or visibly drunk. This can apply to bars, nightclubs, or restaurants where the driver had their last drink.
- Liability possible if bar knowingly serves a visibly drunk minor
- Helpful for exploring other sources of compensation
It’s rare, but not impossible. Proving this kind of case takes strong evidence things like eyewitness accounts or receipts. When available, it can increase the total compensation for victims of drunk driving accidents.
Types of Compensation for DUI Victims in Pasadena
A drunk driving crash can bring on a flood of expenses and personal struggles. Victims often deal with physical pain, missed time at work, and the mental toll of the crash. The legal system allows injured people to recover a wide range of costs through civil claims.
You may be eligible to recover:
- Medical bills (current and future)
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Punitive damages (if driver showed extreme negligence)
- Funeral and burial costs in fatal cases
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Loss of consortium
- Emotional distress
- Economic damages not covered by insurance
These types of compensation are designed to reflect what was lost physically, emotionally, and financially. A personal injury law firm can help organize the details, work with expert witnesses, and push for a result that reflects the true impact of the crash.
What’s the Average Settlement for a Drunk Driving Accident?
There’s no one-size-fits-all number when it comes to DUI crash settlements. Every case has its own facts, injuries, and challenges. But there are a few key factors that often shape how much compensation victims receive.
- How severe the injuries are and how long recovery takes
- Whether the driver’s insurance has high enough limits
- If the fault is clear and backed by solid evidence
- Whether the victim suffered long-term or permanent damage
A drunk driving accident lawyer looks at all of these pieces to help set clear expectations. The goal is always to recover what’s fair without promising numbers that don’t match your case.
Does Insurance Cover DUI Accidents?
Many people wonder how insurance works when alcohol is involved. The good news is that most drunk drivers still carry insurance. The challenge is often in how those claims are handled and how quickly insurers try to limit payouts.
- The at-fault driver’s liability policy usually covers your damages
- Your own uninsured/underinsured (UM/UIM) policy may help if they don’t have enough
- A DUI doesn’t cancel a driver’s insurance policy, but it may lead to pushback from the insurer
A DUI accident lawyer can help sort through the policies and make sure you aren’t stuck paying for someone else’s reckless choice.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim in California?
Time matters when it comes to filing a legal claim. If you wait too long, you could lose your chance to recover any compensation. California has strict limits on when accident victims can file.
- 2 years from the crash for personal injury
- 3 years to claim for property damage
Starting sooner makes it easier to gather police reports, crash scene photos, and witness statements. A Pasadena drunk driving accident attorney can help move quickly so nothing important gets lost with time.
Why You Need a Local Pasadena DUI Accident Lawyer
Local experience makes a difference. When a law firm knows the roads, the courtrooms, and how insurance companies work in your area, it can mean a smoother and faster outcome. You don’t want to explain Pasadena’s intersections or court delays to a lawyer who’s not from here.
- We understand how judges and juries think in Pasadena
- We work with trusted local doctors and crash experts
- We respond fast and meet in person when needed
- We’ve handled DUI crash cases throughout Los Angeles County
Having a local legal team that knows the area and has built relationships with the right experts can help your case move forward with fewer delays.
How We Help: Our Legal Process
After a drunk driving accident, most people don’t know what to expect. That’s why we’ve made our process simple and focused on your peace of mind.
- We start with a free case review to hear your story
- Then we investigate, gathering reports, photos, and medical records
- Once we know what happened, we fight for your compensation
This approach keeps you informed without adding stress. You focus on healing we handle the legal side.
Speak with a Pasadena Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Today
If you’ve been hit by a drunk driver, you deserve answers and a chance to recover without carrying the cost on your own. The Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti has helped accident victims across Pasadena and Los Angeles County hold drivers accountable and win fair compensation.
Our legal team knows the law, understands how these crashes unfold, and pushes back when insurance companies offer too little.
Call today for a free consultation. There’s no fee unless we win.
