Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Los Angeles
Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Los Angeles - Auto accident attorneys at Trembach Law. Free consultation. Call (818) 514-7680.
California Car Accident Legal Representation
Experienced car accident attorneys handling all types of motor vehicle collisions in California. We handle rear-end collisions, head-on crashes, T-bone accidents, hit-and-run cases, drunk driving accidents, rideshare (Uber/Lyft) accidents, and uninsured motorist claims.
California auto insurance minimum: $30,000/$60,000/$15,000 (effective January 2025). We fight to recover full compensation beyond policy limits when possible.
Free consultation: (818) 514-7680.
Fees, Costs and Case Results
Where representation is offered on a contingency basis there is no attorney fee unless we recover, and the firm advances case costs — filing fees, expert witnesses and medical records — which are then repaid out of any recovery. If there is no recovery, you owe no attorney fee. The specific terms that apply to a matter are set out in the written fee agreement for that matter.
Where this site refers to a verdict, settlement or court order, that result was dependent on the facts of that case, and results will differ if based on different facts. Past results do not predict or guarantee the outcome of any other matter, and no particular outcome is promised or guaranteed.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What compensation can I receive after being hit by a drunk driver in Los Angeles?
- Victims of drunk driving accidents can recover compensatory damages (medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering) plus punitive damages. California law allows punitive damages when the at-fault driver acted with reckless disregard for safety—DUI crashes often qualify. Total compensation can be significantly higher than typical car accident cases.
- What are punitive damages in a drunk driving accident case?
- Punitive damages are additional compensation meant to punish the drunk driver and deter future misconduct. Unlike compensatory damages that cover your actual losses, punitive damages are awarded specifically because the driver's intoxicated behavior was especially reckless. There is no cap on punitive damages in California DUI accident cases.
- Can I sue the bar or restaurant that served the drunk driver?
- California has limited dram shop liability. Generally, bars and restaurants cannot be sued for serving alcohol to adults who later cause accidents. However, you CAN sue establishments that serve alcohol to visibly intoxicated minors under 21. Social hosts who provide alcohol to minors may also face liability.
- What is the difference between a criminal DUI case and my civil lawsuit?
- The criminal case is the state prosecuting the drunk driver for breaking DUI laws—penalties include jail, fines, and license suspension. Your civil lawsuit is separate and seeks monetary compensation for YOUR injuries. The criminal case can help your civil case by establishing the driver was intoxicated, but you don't have to wait for criminal proceedings to file your claim.
- How do I prove the other driver was drunk?
- Evidence includes: police reports with BAC results, field sobriety test results, officer observations, blood or breath test results, toxicology reports, witness statements, bar receipts, surveillance footage, and the driver's criminal DUI charges. Our attorneys work with investigators to gather comprehensive evidence of intoxication.
- What if the drunk driver has no insurance or limited coverage?
- DUI drivers often have minimal or no insurance. Options include: your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, pursuing the driver's personal assets, investigating third-party liability (employers, vehicle owners), or identifying if a minor was unlawfully served alcohol. We pursue every avenue for recovery.
- How long do I have to file a drunk driving accident lawsuit in California?
- The statute of limitations is 2 years for personal injury claims and 3 years for property damage. However, evidence in DUI cases—BAC results, toxicology reports, surveillance footage—must be preserved quickly. Contact a Los Angeles drunk driving accident lawyer immediately to protect your rights.
- Will the drunk driver's DUI conviction help my civil case?
- Yes, a DUI conviction is powerful evidence. While it's not automatically admissible in civil court, the underlying facts—BAC level, failed sobriety tests, officer testimony—can be used. A conviction also eliminates disputes about whether the driver was impaired. Even without conviction, we can prove intoxication through other evidence.
Contact Trembach Law Firm
Trembach Law Firm, APC
27001 Agoura Road, Suite 350, Calabasas, CA 91301
Phone: (818) 514-7680
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