Drunk Driving Victim Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles

Drunk driving is a serious hazard that puts everyone on the road in danger. If you were injured in a crash caused by a drunk driver in Los Angeles, our experienced Los Angeles drunk driving victim accident lawyers can help you pursue compensation from the liable party, which may include punitive damages.

At Vaziri Law, LLP, we work to support victims of DUI accidents, limiting our caseload so we can provide every client with the personalized attention they deserve. We will take steps to ensure insurance companies pay their fair share so you can move forward. Schedule your free case review with one of our Los Angeles car accident lawyers today.

Why Choose Vaziri Law, LLP as Your Los Angeles Drunk Driving Injury Lawyer

Our Los Angeles personal injury lawyers have a long history of success both during settlement negotiations and in the courtroom since opening our doors in 2006. Our case results amount to over $1 billion recovered for our clients.

Our culturally diverse and multilingual team understands the specific needs of injury victims from a wide variety of backgrounds. With lawyers who have worked both for insurers and large defense firms, we have a well-rounded perspective on how these accidents are handled, which enables us to build a strong case in support of your claim.

Our team is always looking toward the future and will not shy away from new technologies that traditional firms may be slow to adopt if we believe they will benefit our clients.

Understanding DUI Accident Claims in Los Angeles

DUI accident claims arise when a drunk driver causes a collision that harms another person or property. Victims may pursue legal action to seek compensation for physical, emotional, and financial losses. Depending on the particular details of your situation, there are different routes you may be able to take after a DUI crash. Our DUI accident lawyer can fight for your needs.

Filing a Personal Injury Claim Against a Drunk Driver

If a drunk driver causes your injuries, you can file a personal injury lawsuit or claim against them. This action highlights how their unlawful behavior and negligence led to your pain, suffering, and costs.

To succeed, you need to prove that the intoxicated driver was indeed impaired and that their impairment caused the collision. Evidence may include breathalyzer results, police reports, or eyewitness accounts.

Dealing With an Insurance Claim Against a Drunk Driver

Sometimes, you can negotiate directly with the at-fault party’s insurance company for a fair settlement. However, drunk drivers often face criminal charges as well, which can complicate civil insurance negotiations.

The insurer might try to offer a quick payout that does not fully cover your needs. Working with legal counsel helps ensure the company does not take advantage of your situation.

The Role Evidence Plays in a Drunk Driving Accident Claim

Police reports can be key evidence in a DUI accident because they confirm whether the driver was intoxicated. Medical records, pictures of the crash site, and eyewitness statements can all strengthen your case as well.

Collecting documents from the scene helps you or your Los Angeles drunk driving accident lawyer demonstrate the chain of events and support your claim for compensation. Holding onto receipts for medical expenses, vehicle repairs, and other related costs allows you to show how deeply the crash affected your finances.

If possible, gather any video footage from dashcams or nearby surveillance systems. This media can catch the exact moment of impact or record driving patterns before the crash. If law enforcement used a field sobriety test, those details also matter to show the driver’s impairment level. Keeping everything organized helps your lawyer build a powerful claim.

Pursuing Punitive Damages for Gross Negligence

Punitive damages are often available in drunk driving accident cases. These damages go beyond typical compensation for losses and aim to punish the drunk driver’s gross negligence.

Pursuing punitive damages requires proving that the driver acted with extreme disregard for others’ safety, which can often be demonstrated in a drunk driving accident case. However, punitive damages are not guaranteed and still require strong supporting evidence.

Challenges Present in Many Los Angeles DUI Accident Cases

There may be many hurdles that stand in the way of recovering compensation after a DUI accident. A knowledgeable Los Angeles drunk driving accident attorney can work to help you avoid or overcome these obstacles so you can recover fair compensation for your losses. Some of the common challenges faced by DUI accident victims include:

• Criminal proceedings: The driver might face criminal charges that slow down or complicate your civil claim. You’ll need to coordinate with authorities and track the status of the case.
• Low policy limits: The at-fault driver’s auto insurance covers only up to its limit. You may need to explore other routes if medical bills and other losses exceed that cap.
• Delayed settlements: Some insurers drag out negotiations. Meanwhile, your expenses keep piling up, adding pressure on you to settle.
• Proving intoxication: While a police report helps, defense lawyers may argue the driver was not impaired. This can require blood test results or witnesses confirming obvious intoxication.
• Long-term injuries: Severe collisions can lead to ongoing health issues. Estimating future costs can pose a challenge to recovering fair compensation.

How We Deal With Delays to Help Maximize Your Claim

Prolonged legal proceedings can wear victims down, which is why we actively push for a timely resolution. We gather evidence quickly, contact relevant parties, and keep up with court deadlines to minimize unnecessary delays. If the insurance company stalls, we respond with well-documented proof of your losses to counter their tactics. 

Should negotiations remain at a standstill, we pivot to more aggressive strategies, including preparing for trial. Our goal is always to secure the full, rightful amount you need to move forward. Overcoming delays involves using every tool at our disposal, from legal motions to direct communication with insurers.

We do everything in our power to avoid lowball settlements that fail to address your real damages.  Staying organized and assertive helps us maintain momentum and protect your interests.

How Our Los Angeles Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers Can Help With Your DUI Accident Claim

DUI-related crashes add legal challenges because the driver also committed a criminal offense. A Los Angeles drunk driving victim lawyer helps bridge the gap by handling your civil case while criminal proceedings take their course. Your attorney will work to ensure you do not miss any filing deadlines or fall prey to insurance adjusters seeking a quick, low payout.

Gathering Strong Evidence to Prove Fault

Your attorney collects police reports and eyewitness statements confirming the driver’s intoxication. Medical records and accident scene photos detail the harm you suffered. 

Each piece of evidence strengthens the argument that the drunk driver’s negligence directly caused your injuries. A well-supported case becomes harder for the defense to dismiss.

Negotiating With Insurance Adjusters for Maximum Compensation

Drunk driving accident cases are often complicated by insurers trying to reduce payments. Our legal team will negotiate aggressively on your behalf, reminding the adjuster of the driver’s severe wrongdoing. 

We will highlight your medical bills, ongoing therapy, and the emotional toll of the crash. This approach pressures the insurance company to offer a fair settlement rather than risk a jury verdict.

Representing You in Court if Necessary

If negotiations fail or the insurer disputes the facts, a personal injury lawsuit may follow. Our team will guide you through each step, from filing legal documents to presenting evidence at trial.

We will challenge the defense’s claims and help ensure the jury understands the full extent of your losses. This determined representation can lead to favorable outcomes when insurers refuse to cooperate. You can rely on our Los Angeles drunk driving victim accident attorneys to explore every possible avenue for your claim.

What Does Fair Compensation Look Like?

Fair compensation means receiving enough money to cover your financial losses, physical suffering, and emotional damages caused by the accident. In addition to hospital bills and lost wages, victims may seek payment for ongoing therapy or disability-related costs. Pain and suffering also factor in, reflecting the toll the DUI accident took on your quality of life. 

By accounting for each area of harm, you get a settlement that truly addresses your needs. Not every case ends with a massive payout, but a properly evaluated claim considers both short-term and long-term concerns. Some victims need months or years of rehabilitation, which should be part of the final settlement.

If the driver’s actions were overtly reckless, you may pursue punitive damages as well. With the right strategy and evidence, you increase your odds of achieving fair compensation.

Steps Our Drunk Driving Victim Accident Lawyers in Los Angeles Can Take to Help With Your Case

At Vaziri Law, LLP, our team is prepared to build a strong case on your behalf and fight for the compensation you need to move forward with your life after suffering injuries in a crash caused by a drunk driver. Some of the steps we will take in your case include:

• Evidence collection: We gather strong proof, such as police and lab reports, to show the driver was legally intoxicated. Clear documentation helps us hold them fully accountable.
• Calculating damages: We calculate medical expenses and future needs, plus lost wages if you miss work. We also consider emotional trauma and other intangible losses.
• Legal strategy: We tailor our approach based on your unique circumstances. Whether a settlement or personal injury lawsuit is best, we work for your interests.
• Negotiation: We deal with the insurance company and push back against unfair tactics. Our experience helps us secure better offers than you might get alone.
• Preparation for trial: If your case goes to court, we build a compelling argument to prove the drunk driver’s negligence. We are ready to fight for you before a judge or jury.

Frequently Asked Questions

After suffering injuries in a drunk driving accident, you will likely have many questions about the legal process and the steps to take to get the money you need. Here are some of the most common questions we get from clients.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?

In California, the personal injury statute of limitations is two years. That means that you will generally have two years to take legal action against the liable party after suffering injuries in a drunk driving accident.

However, this deadline is not set in stone, and the particular details of your case can create exceptions that shift the filing deadline forward or backward. An experienced attorney can review the details of your case to determine the exact deadline that applies.

How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Lawyer?

One of the biggest concerns that accident victims have when pursuing compensation after a crash is the cost of hiring legal representation. Fortunately, worries about not being able to afford to hire a lawyer are unfounded, as our team works on a contingency fee basis. What this means is that you only pay our fee if we are able to recover compensation on your behalf.

If we are unable to recover money on your behalf, you won’t owe us anything for the time we spent building your case.

How Much Can I Recover After an Accident?

The amount of compensation available after a drunk driving accident depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries and the strength of the evidence in your case. Because every drunk driving accident case is unique, the available damages can differ significantly.

An experienced attorney can review the details of your case to better determine the amount of compensation you will likely be eligible to receive.

Contact Our Los Angeles Drunk Driving Victim Accident Lawyers for a Free Case Consultation

You should not have to face the legal challenges of a DUI accident alone. Vaziri Law, LLP can guide you through the insurance claim process, gather evidence, and hold the intoxicated driver accountable. We believe in fighting for justice and ensuring our clients get the money they need to rebuild their lives.

Contact us today for a free case consultation, and let us help you take the first step toward recovery.