Getting hit by a drunk driver changes everything. You’re hurt. You’re angry. And now you’re left with questions about what to do next. At the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, Accident & Injury Lawyers, we help accident victims understand their rights and take action after someone else's reckless choices cause harm. You shouldn't have to fight alone or guess your way through legal decisions.
Our Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyers handle these cases every day. We deal directly with insurance companies, gather the facts, and help you pursue the compensation you’re legally owed. We don’t just understand drunk driving accident cases, we know how to move them forward.
You pay nothing unless we win, and we always offer free initial consultations. That way, you can focus on healing while an experienced attorney handles the rest.
Injured by a Drunk Driver in Los Angeles? Here’s What You Should Know
When someone chooses to drink and drive, the risk they create isn't just for themselves it's for everyone around them.
In Los Angeles, drunk driving accidents continue to impact families and lives each day. Beyond the physical injuries, there's stress, confusion, and real concern about what happens next. These moments are deeply personal and can affect your health, income, and peace of mind.
Getting help from an experienced attorney can make a difference in what your recovery looks like. At the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, Accident & Injury Lawyers, we help people who’ve been hit by drunk drivers take legal steps with confidence.
Our team listens, explains your rights clearly, and takes care of the legal side so you can focus on moving forward. We handle drunk driving accident cases on a contingency fee basis, which means we don’t get paid unless you do.
What to Do Right After a Drunk Driving Accident in Los Angeles
After a los angeles drunk driving crash, the steps you take matter not just for your health, but for any future injury claim. It’s hard to think clearly in the middle of a car accident, but even small decisions can shape how your case unfolds later.
Follow these critical steps to protect your health, rights, and future claim:
- Stay at the scene and check for injuries
- Call 911 to report the crash and request help
- Get medical treatment even minor injuries can worsen
- Document everything damage, injuries, road conditions
- Exchange contact and insurance info with the other driver
- Get witness contact details, if possible
- Don’t admit fault or discuss the crash with their insurer
- Call a DUI accident lawyer before speaking to adjusters
Every los angeles drunk driver accident case is different, but time and documentation are always critical. The more you do in those first few hours, the stronger your case can be later especially when insurance companies start asking questions.
Understanding Los Angeles Drunk Driving Accidents
A drunk driving accident in Los Angeles isn’t just another auto accident. When someone is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, it changes the legal approach.
In California, anyone with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is considered impaired. But alcohol isn’t the only problem. Prescription drugs, cannabis, and other substances can also impact a person’s ability to drive and make them liable in court.
California laws are clear: drunk drivers can be held responsible in civil court for injuries, lost wages, emotional distress, and more. In some cases, courts may even award punitive damages to punish extreme misconduct. The California Office of Traffic Safety continues to report high numbers of los angeles drunk driver crashes each year, making this a serious issue across the region.
If you or someone you care about has been injured in a drunk driving accident, you may have the right to file a personal injury claim. But time matters. Under California’s statute of limitations, you generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a civil claim. Waiting too long can cost you access to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and long-term care like treatment for spinal cord injuries.
Talking to a personal injury lawyer early can help preserve evidence and protect your right to recover.
Common Injuries Caused by DUI Crashes
When a person gets behind the wheel under the influence, the damage can be far more serious than a typical car crash. Drunk driving impacts reaction time and decision-making, which often leads to high-speed collisions, head-on impacts, and serious harm to everyone involved. These crashes frequently result in long-term medical care, lost mobility, and lasting trauma.
Some of the most common car accident injuries linked to drunk-driving accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI), which can affect memory, speech, and daily function
- Spinal cord injury or paralysis that changes how you move or live
- Broken bones and fractures that require surgery or long recovery times
- Internal organ damage, including bleeding or ruptured organs
- Facial injuries from airbags, shattered glass, or blunt impact
- Burns or scarring caused by fires or chemicals in the crash
- Soft tissue damage like torn ligaments and severe bruising
- Psychological effects, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Drunk driving accidents aren’t just physical they affect every part of your life. These injuries can force you to stop working, delay plans, or rely on others just to get through the day. Getting help from a drunk driving injury attorney can put you in a better position to hold the responsible driver accountable and pursue care that actually meets your needs.
Who Can You Hold Responsible After a DUI Crash?
In many DUI crashes, it’s not just about blaming one person. Yes, the drunk driver made a reckless choice, but other parties might have played a part and under California laws, they can also be held responsible.
Can You Sue a Drunk Driver in California?
Yes. In most cases, drunk drivers are directly liable for the injuries and damage they cause. When a driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) is above the legal limit or they fail a field sobriety test, the evidence is strong. But California also uses comparative negligence, which means fault can be shared. If you’re being blamed for part of the crash, your compensation might be reduced. That’s why it’s critical to gather witness statements, medical records, and crash reports to support your claim. A los angeles drunk driving accident lawyer will know what evidence carries weight in a civil claim.
What About Third Parties?
Sometimes, the drunk driver isn’t the only one at fault. If a bar, club, or restaurant kept serving someone who was visibly drunk, they might share liability under California’s dram shop laws. If the driver was on the clock or using a company car, their employer could also be responsible. These cases need a closer look at timelines, receipts, and employment records, but they often reveal more options for compensation. Drunk Driving Attorneys in Los Angeles, California can help uncover everyone involved.
What Is the Average Settlement for a Drunk Driving Accident?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to settlement amounts in drunk-driving accident cases. Every situation is different. The average payout depends on the severity of your injuries, the driver’s level of fault, the cost of your medical attention, and how the crash affects your ability to work or enjoy life.
A crash that causes minor injuries may result in a smaller insurance claim. But if you're dealing with long-term issues like spinal cord injury or traumatic brain damage, the number goes much higher. Other factors include lost income, future care needs, emotional distress, and whether punitive damages apply because of reckless behavior.
Settlements also vary by how strong your case is and that comes down to evidence. Field sobriety tests, blood alcohol content reports, crash reconstruction, and witness statements all play a role. Whether it’s a car crash, motorcycle accident, or pedestrian accident, working with experienced personal injury attorneys helps make sure you’re not shortchanged by the insurance company or in California courts.
Does Insurance Cover Drunk Driving Accidents in California?
One of the first questions people ask after a DUI crash is whether insurance will actually cover the damage. In most cases, yes, the drunk driver’s liability insurance is still expected to cover injuries and losses caused by their actions. However, insurance companies may try to limit what they pay or shift blame to reduce the payout.
If the drunk driver is uninsured or doesn’t have enough coverage, your own policy might help. Many drivers in the city of Los Angeles carry uninsured or underinsured motorist protection, which can step in to cover part of the cost. It's important to review your coverage and speak with a lawyer for drink driving cases to understand all your options. A drunk driving accident lawyer in Los Angeles can help you deal with these policies, make the right claim, and avoid mistakes that reduce your compensation.
Recovering Compensation After a DUI Crash
When you're injured in a DUI crash, the damage isn’t just physical. These incidents affect your job, your daily life, and your ability to plan ahead. If the other driver was under the influence, you have the right to seek compensation under California’s civil law. This isn’t just about getting a check, it’s about making sure your future is protected.
You may be eligible for damages such as:
- Current and future medical costs related to the injury
- Lost wages and reduced ability to earn in the future
- Emotional distress from the trauma of the crash
- Pain and suffering based on the severity and length of recovery
- Punitive damages when the behavior behind the crash was especially reckless
Every injury claim is different. Whether you're facing neck injuries from a rear-end collision, head trauma from a head-on crash, or serious internal bleeding, compensation should reflect what you've been through. DWI accident attorneys can help ensure you’re not left carrying the financial weight of someone else’s negligent act.
How a Los Angeles DUI Accident Lawyer Can Help You Recover Compensation
Hiring the right lawyer can make a difference in what you recover and how quickly your case moves forward. Drunk driving crashes often involve more than just one bad decision they leave behind evidence, witnesses, and legal questions that take careful attention.
Investigate the Crash in Full
It starts with a deep dive into what actually happened. We review the accident report, body cam footage, toxicology screens, and crash scene details. If needed, we bring in experts to reconstruct the motor vehicle collision and examine how injuries occurred. Evidence collection is key to holding the other party accountable.
Identify All Liable Parties
Responsibility doesn’t always end with the driver. In DUI crash injury cases, third parties may also be liable. That could include a bar that over-served alcohol, an employer who failed to supervise properly, or even a rideshare platform. A lawyer drink driving case specialist will examine who else played a part.
Deal with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often move quickly after a crash, especially when the driver was clearly intoxicated. They may offer low settlements or push victims to sign away rights. A drunk driver truck injury attorney knows how to handle these tactics and protect your position from day one.
Maximize Your Recovery
The goal is full compensation not a fast payout that leaves you short. We look at long-term medical costs, missed work, lasting emotional strain, and the impact on your daily life. Whether it’s a T-bone accident, a rear-end crash, or distracted driving accidents, we help make the civil lawsuit reflect your real losses.
Filing Deadlines: How Long Do You Have to File a DUI Injury Lawsuit?
In California, most personal injury claims, including those involving drunk driving accidents, must be filed within two years from the date of the crash. This is known as the statute of limitations. Missing this deadline could mean losing the chance to hold the drunk driver accountable and recover any compensation.
There are some exceptions. If the injury wasn't discovered right away, the clock might start later. For minors hurt in a crash, the time limit may not begin until they turn 18. If a government agency is involved for example, if a city-owned vehicle caused or contributed to the crash you may have as little as six months to act. A drink driving lawyer can explain which deadlines apply to your case and help you stay on track.
Los Angeles Drunk Driving Accident Statistics: A Look at the Numbers
Drunk driving accidents remain a serious problem in Los Angeles and across California. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 1,200 people died in alcohol-related crashes across the state in 2023. These crashes make up a significant share of all traffic fatalities.
In Los Angeles, LAPD data from 2024 shows a rise in DUI-related crashes in several areas, including head-on collisions and pedestrian injuries. Repeat offender numbers also remain high, raising concerns about enforcement and long-term safety. Whether it’s a rear-end crash in traffic or a high-speed wreck on the freeway, these incidents are happening every day and they often involve serious injuries.
If you were hit in a los angeles drunk driving accident, you’re not alone. These numbers show the need for stronger accountability and better protection for victims. Talking with los angeles drunk driver lawyers can help you take the next step.
Talk to a Los Angeles Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Today
If you’ve been hurt in a los angeles drunk driver accident, the sooner you act, the better. Time limits apply, and evidence doesn’t last forever. Medical records, crash reports, and witness statements are all easier to collect when the case is still fresh.
The Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, Accident & Injury Lawyers offers free case reviews for anyone hurt in a drunk driving crash. Our team understands how to handle these claims, from negotiating with insurance companies to taking your case to court if needed. You don’t pay unless we recover compensation. Let a drunk driving injury attorney take care of the legal side while you focus on what matters most.
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