Speak With a Los Angeles Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Today
Drunk driving accidents are among the most reckless and preventable tragedies on Los Angeles roads. When an intoxicated driver gets behind the wheel, they put every other motorist, pedestrian, and cyclist at risk. These crashes often result in catastrophic injuries or death, leaving victims and families facing overwhelming medical, emotional, and financial consequences. If you or a loved one has been injured by a drunk driver, working with an experienced Los Angeles drunk driving accident lawyer is critical to protecting your rights and pursuing maximum compensation.
Farar & Lewis offers free consultations to victims of drunk driving accidents throughout Los Angeles. Our legal team is prepared to hold intoxicated drivers—and all responsible parties—fully accountable.
Want to speak to someone about your case ? Call 800-615-6595
Why Drunk Driving Accidents Are So Dangerous
Alcohol and drugs significantly impair a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. Even small amounts can affect judgment, coordination, vision, and reaction time.
Drunk driving accidents are especially dangerous because:
- Reaction times are drastically slowed
- Drivers often fail to brake or swerve
- Excessive speed is common
- Lane departures and head-on collisions occur
- Crashes frequently happen at night or at high speeds
In Los Angeles, drunk driving crashes often occur on major freeways and busy surface streets, increasing the likelihood of severe injuries.
Common Causes of Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk driving accidents are entirely preventable. Common contributing factors include:
Alcohol Impairment
Alcohol reduces coordination, depth perception, and decision-making ability.
Drug-Impaired Driving
Prescription medications, marijuana, and illegal drugs can impair driving ability—alone or in combination with alcohol.
Binge Drinking
Drivers who consume large amounts of alcohol in a short period often severely underestimate their level of impairment.
Repeat Offenders
Many drunk driving accidents involve drivers with prior DUI convictions.
Late-Night Driving
Drunk driving crashes frequently occur late at night, on weekends, and during holidays.
Where Drunk Driving Accidents Commonly Occur in Los Angeles
Drunk driving accidents frequently happen:
- On freeways such as I-5, I-10, and I-405
- Near bars, nightclubs, and entertainment districts
- In downtown Los Angeles and tourist areas
- Late at night or early morning hours
- On weekends and holidays
These crashes often involve high speeds and multiple vehicles.
Injuries Commonly Caused by Drunk Driving Accidents
Due to the reckless nature of drunk driving, injuries are often severe or fatal.
Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Severe neck and back injuries
- Multiple fractures
- Internal organ damage
- Burns and disfigurement
- Wrongful death injuries
Victims often require extensive medical treatment, long-term rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
Criminal DUI Charges vs. Civil Injury Claims
Drunk driving accidents typically involve two separate legal processes:
Criminal DUI Case
The state may prosecute the drunk driver for DUI, which can result in jail time, fines, license suspension, and probation.
Civil Personal Injury Claim
Victims may pursue a civil claim to recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Even if a driver is not convicted of DUI, victims may still pursue a civil injury claim.
Proving Liability in a Drunk Driving Accident
Drunk driving cases often involve strong evidence of negligence. This may include:
- Police accident reports
- Breathalyzer or blood test results
- DUI arrest records
- Field sobriety test observations
- Witness statements
- Surveillance or traffic camera footage
- Accident reconstruction expert testimony
A Los Angeles drunk driving accident lawyer ensures all evidence is preserved and used effectively.
Dram Shop Liability in California
In some cases, responsibility may extend beyond the drunk driver. Under California law, dram shop liability is limited but may apply in specific circumstances, such as:
- Serving alcohol to a visibly intoxicated minor
- Certain employer-hosted events
Identifying additional liable parties can increase available compensation.
Compensation Available to Drunk Driving Accident Victims
Victims injured by drunk drivers may be entitled to significant compensation.
Economic Damages
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospitalization and surgeries
- Long-term medical care
- Rehabilitation and therapy
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Property damage
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
Punitive Damages
Because drunk driving involves reckless disregard for safety, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the at-fault driver and deter similar conduct.
Why Insurance Companies Fight Drunk Driving Claims
Despite clear wrongdoing, insurance companies often attempt to:
- Minimize injury severity
- Dispute causation
- Delay claims while criminal cases proceed
- Offer quick, low settlements
An experienced Los Angeles drunk driving accident lawyer ensures your claim is fully valued and aggressively pursued.
How Farar & Lewis Handles Drunk Driving Accident Cases
At Farar & Lewis, we understand the devastation drunk driving accidents cause for victims and families. Our legal team takes an aggressive, evidence-driven approach to these cases.
We focus on:
- Coordinating with criminal investigations
- Preserving toxicology and crash evidence
- Identifying all liable parties
- Calculating full and future damages
- Pursuing punitive damages when appropriate
- Negotiating aggressively with insurers
- Taking cases to trial when necessary
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
California’s Statute of Limitations for Drunk Driving Accidents
Most personal injury claims in California must be filed within two years of the accident date. Claims involving government entities may require earlier notice.
Early legal action helps preserve evidence and protect your right to recovery.
Call Farar & Lewis After a Drunk Driving Accident in Los Angeles
If you or a loved one has been injured by a drunk driver, you deserve justice, accountability, and full compensation.
Contact Farar & Lewis today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a Los Angeles drunk driving accident lawyer. We are ready to fight for your rights and help you move forward.
Sources
- California Office of Traffic Safety – DUI Crash Data
https://www.ots.ca.gov - National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – Drunk Driving
https://www.nhtsa.gov - Insurance Institute for Highway Safety – Alcohol-Impaired Driving Research
https://www.iihs.org
