Speak With a Los Angeles DUI Accident Lawyer Today
Drunk driving accidents are among the most reckless and preventable crashes on Los Angeles roads. When someone chooses to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they put every other driver, passenger, cyclist, and pedestrian at serious risk. DUI crashes often involve high speeds, delayed reaction times, and devastating injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured in a collision caused by an impaired driver, working with an experienced Los Angeles DUI accident lawyer is critical to protecting your rights and pursuing maximum compensation.
Farar & Lewis offers free consultations to victims of drunk and drug-impaired driving accidents throughout Los Angeles. Our legal team understands the serious nature of DUI cases and is prepared to aggressively pursue justice on your behalf.
Want to speak to someone about your case ? Call 800-615-6595
Why DUI Accidents Are So Dangerous
Alcohol and drugs significantly impair a driver’s:
- Reaction time
- Judgment
- Coordination
- Vision
- Decision-making ability
Even small amounts of alcohol can reduce a driver’s ability to respond appropriately to traffic conditions. At higher blood alcohol concentrations (BAC), crash risk increases dramatically.
DUI accidents are especially severe because:
- Impaired drivers often speed or drive recklessly
- Drivers may drift across lanes or run red lights
- Head-on collisions and wrong-way crashes are common
- Drivers frequently fail to brake before impact
On busy Los Angeles streets and freeways, the consequences are often catastrophic.
Common Types of DUI Accidents in Los Angeles
DUI-related crashes frequently involve:
- Rear-end collisions at high speed
- Intersection crashes from red-light violations
- Head-on collisions
- Multi-vehicle freeway pileups
- Pedestrian and cyclist strikes
- Rollover accidents
Late-night and weekend driving hours often see higher rates of DUI crashes.
Injuries Commonly Caused by DUI Accidents
Because impaired drivers often engage in reckless behavior, injuries are typically severe.
Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Severe neck and back injuries
- Broken bones and multiple fractures
- Internal organ damage
- Burns from vehicle fires
- Permanent disfigurement
- Wrongful death injuries
Victims may require lifelong medical care and rehabilitation.
Criminal DUI Charges vs. Civil Injury Claims
When a drunk driver causes a crash, two separate legal processes may occur:
Criminal Case
The state may prosecute the impaired driver for DUI offenses.
Civil Personal Injury Case
The injured victim may pursue compensation for damages.
Even if the driver is not convicted criminally, you may still pursue a civil claim for negligence.
A Los Angeles DUI accident lawyer can coordinate civil claims while criminal proceedings are ongoing.
Proving Liability in a DUI Accident Case
DUI accident claims often involve strong evidence, including:
- Police accident reports
- Breathalyzer or blood test results
- Field sobriety test documentation
- Witness statements
- Dashcam or traffic camera footage
- Event data recorder (“black box”) information
- Accident reconstruction expert testimony
Impairment evidence can significantly strengthen a personal injury case.
Dram Shop and Third-Party Liability
In limited situations, third parties may share responsibility for a DUI crash.
Although California generally limits dram shop liability, exceptions may apply if:
- Alcohol was served to a visibly intoxicated minor
- A commercial provider acted negligently under specific circumstances
Investigating all potential avenues of liability can increase available compensation.
Compensation Available in DUI Accident Cases
Victims of DUI crashes may be entitled to significant compensation.
Economic Damages
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospitalization and surgeries
- Ongoing 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 DUI involves reckless misconduct, courts may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior.
Why Insurance Companies Fight DUI Accident Claims
Despite clear evidence of impairment, insurance companies often:
- Minimize injury severity
- Dispute future medical needs
- Argue comparative negligence
- Delay settlement negotiations
- Offer early low settlement amounts
An experienced Los Angeles DUI accident lawyer ensures insurers do not undervalue your claim.
California’s Comparative Negligence Rules
California follows a pure comparative negligence system. Even if the injured party is partially at fault, compensation may still be recovered—though reduced by the percentage of fault assigned.
Insurance companies may attempt to shift blame unfairly.
How Farar & Lewis Handles DUI Accident Cases
At Farar & Lewis, we take DUI accident cases seriously. Our legal team understands that these crashes are not just negligent—they are reckless and preventable.
We focus on:
- Preserving toxicology and impairment evidence
- Coordinating with criminal case developments
- 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 DUI Accident Claims
Most personal injury claims in California must be filed within two years of the accident date. Claims involving government entities may require notice within six months.
Acting quickly ensures evidence is preserved and deadlines are met.
Call Farar & Lewis After a DUI Accident in Los Angeles
If you or a loved one has been injured by a drunk or impaired driver, you deserve strong legal representation that understands the seriousness of your case.
Contact Farar & Lewis today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a Los Angeles DUI accident lawyer. We are ready to fight for your rights and help you pursue the full compensation you deserve.
Sources
- California Department of Motor Vehicles – DUI Laws and Penalties
https://www.dmv.ca.gov - National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – Alcohol-Impaired Driving Statistics
https://www.nhtsa.gov - Mothers Against Drunk Driving – DUI Crash Data and Research
https://www.madd.org
