California Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Being injured by a drunk driver is one of the most preventable tragedies on California roads. Unlike accidents caused by momentary inattention or poor road conditions, drunk driving accidents result from a deliberate choice — a choice to get behind the wheel while impaired. That distinction matters not only morally but legally, and it can significantly affect the outcome of a civil claim.

Kantzabedian Law Firm represents individuals and families injured by drunk and impaired drivers throughout Los Angeles County and across California. These cases are handled with a focus on identifying all available sources of compensation, pursuing full recovery, and in appropriate cases, seeking punitive damages that reflect the seriousness of the conduct. We speak English, Spanish, and Armenian.

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Why Drunk Driving Cases Are Different

Drunk driving accident cases differ from standard car accident claims in several important ways.

In a typical car accident case, the focus is on negligence — whether the driver failed to exercise reasonable care. In a drunk driving case, the conduct goes beyond negligence. A driver who chooses to operate a vehicle while impaired has made a conscious decision that disregards the safety of everyone else on the road.

That distinction opens the door to punitive damages — compensation designed not just to make the injured person whole, but to punish the defendant and deter similar conduct. California law permits punitive damages in cases involving malice, oppression, or fraud — and drunk driving, particularly when the driver had prior DUI history or a very high blood alcohol level, can meet that standard.

Additionally, drunk driving cases may involve third party liability beyond the driver — including bars, restaurants, and social hosts who served alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person before they got behind the wheel.

Dram Shop and Social Host Liability

California law imposes liability on certain parties who provide alcohol to individuals who subsequently cause accidents. These claims may arise when:

A bar, restaurant, or nightclub serves alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person who later causes an accident
An establishment serves alcohol to a minor who subsequently drives and causes injury
A social host provides alcohol to a minor at a private event who then causes an accident

These claims — sometimes referred to as dram shop liability — can significantly expand the sources of compensation available in a drunk driving case, particularly when the at-fault driver has limited insurance coverage.

Common Drunk Driving Accident Scenarios

Drunk driving accident cases often involve:

Late night and early morning collisions when impaired driving is most common
Wrong-way driving on freeways and highways
Running red lights and stop signs at intersections
Rear-end collisions caused by failure to brake
Head-on collisions caused by drifting across center lines
Pedestrian and bicycle accidents in entertainment and nightlife areas
Accidents following events at bars, restaurants, clubs, and private gatherings

Common Injuries in Drunk Driving Accidents

Because impaired drivers often travel at high speeds or fail to brake before impact, injuries in drunk driving accidents are frequently severe, including:

Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
Neck and back injuries including disc herniations
Fractures and orthopedic injuries
Internal injuries and organ damage
Nerve damage and chronic pain
Wrongful death

Who May Be Responsible

Depending on the circumstances, liability in a drunk driving case may involve:

The drunk or impaired driver
An employer if the driver was operating a vehicle in the course of employment
Multiple insurance carriers

California follows a comparative fault system, and responsibility may be shared among more than one party.

What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident

Safety and medical care come first. If injuries are suspected call 911 immediately. If it is safe to do so, steps may include:

Documenting the scene, vehicles, and injuries
Obtaining the driver's information and insurance details
Identifying witnesses and obtaining their contact information
Preserving any evidence of where the driver had been drinking
Avoiding detailed recorded statements to insurers before understanding your rights

Early action is critical — evidence of intoxication and the driver's prior activities disappears quickly.

Potential Compensation

Depending on the circumstances, compensation in a drunk driving accident case may include:

Medical expenses and ongoing treatment
Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Loss of enjoyment of life
Property damage
Punitive damages where the conduct warrants
Wrongful death damages for surviving family members

Time limits apply. Claims involving government entities may have shorter deadlines.

How These Cases Are Handled

Drunk driving accident cases require immediate action and careful preparation, including:

Securing evidence of the driver's intoxication including police reports and blood alcohol records
Investigating where the driver was served alcohol before the accident
Identifying all liable parties including third party alcohol providers
Evaluating all available insurance coverage
Assessing whether punitive damages are appropriate
Preparing for negotiation or litigation when necessary

Each case is handled with an understanding of how it will be evaluated and challenged by the other side.

Drunk Driving Accident Cases Throughout California

Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Los Angeles
Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Glendale
Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Burbank
Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer San Fernando Valley
Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Palm Springs
Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Bakersfield
Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Sacramento

California Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer