
Drunk drivers put everyone on the road in danger, and a drunk driving accident can have serious, long-lasting effects on victims. Injured individuals might face large medical bills, lost wages, and intense stress as they try to rebuild their lives.
Even if you take every precaution, an intoxicated driver can still cause a car accident that leaves you with serious injuries. Knowing your legal rights and the steps to take afterward can help you recover compensation from the drunk driver's insurance company or through other legal avenues.
Holding the at-fault party accountable often involves filing an insurance claim or possibly a personal injury lawsuit. You need strong evidence, such as police reports and medical records, to show exactly how the wreck happened.
Many victims do not realize that auto insurance covers more than just vehicle damages—it can also pay for medical expenses and lost income if the policy is high enough.
At Vaziri Law, we fight for DUI accident victims, and we ensure insurance companies pay their fair share. Let our personal injury lawyer fight for you after a DUI accident.
Table Of Contents
- Understanding DUI Accident Claims
- Challenges in DUI Accident Cases
- How a Lawyer Can Help With DUI Accident Claims
- What Does Fair Compensation Look Like?
- How Our Los Angeles Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Fights for You
- Contact Our Los Angeles Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer for a Free Case Consultation
Understanding DUI Accident Claims
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.
Below, we break down the different routes people can take when a DUI crash occurs. 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 must prove that the intoxicated driver was indeed over the legal limit 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 ensures the company does not take advantage of your situation.
Role of Evidence: Key Pieces To Note
Police reports are crucial in a DUI accident because they confirm if the driver was intoxicated. Medical records, pictures of the crash site, and eyewitness statements strengthen your case as well.
Collecting documents from the scene helps you or your 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
In some DUI cases, courts may award punitive damages. 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. Not every scenario qualifies, but when it does, victims can receive higher amounts than in a standard case.
Challenges in DUI Accident Cases

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Criminal proceedings. The driver might face criminal charges that slow down or complicate your civil claim. You must coordinate with authorities and track the status of the case.
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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 exceed that cap.
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Delayed settlements. Some insurers drag out negotiations. Meanwhile, your expenses keep piling up, adding pressure on you to settle.
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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.
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Long-term injuries. Severe collisions can lead to ongoing health issues. Estimating future costs can be tricky but essential for fair compensation.
How We Deal With Delays While Maximizing Your Claim
Prolonged legal proceedings can wear victims down, but we actively push for a timely resolution. We gather evidence quickly, contact relevant parties, and keep up with court deadlines to minimize unnecessary lags.
If the insurance company stalls, we respond with well-documented proof of your losses to counter their tactics. Staying organized and assertive helps us maintain momentum and protect your interests.
Should negotiations remain at a standstill, we pivot to more aggressive strategies, including preparing for trial. Our goal remains consistent: 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. We even offer a California car accident settlement calculator to help you figure out what your claim might be worth.
How a Lawyer Can Help With DUI Accident Claims
DUI-related crashes add legal complexity because the driver also broke criminal laws. A lawyer helps bridge the gap by handling your civil case while criminal proceedings take their course. This ensures you do not miss important filing deadlines or fall prey to insurance adjusters seeking a quick, low payout.
Gathering Strong Evidence to Prove Fault
Your attorney collects police reports, chemical test results, 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
While some drunk driving accident cases move smoothly, many insurers try to reduce payments. A lawyer can negotiate aggressively, reminding the adjuster of the driver's severe wrongdoing. They 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 crucial facts, a personal injury lawsuit may follow. Your lawyer will guide you through each step, from filing legal documents to presenting evidence at trial.
They cross-examine witnesses, challenge the defense's claims, and 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 car accident lawyer 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 especially reckless, you may pursue punitive damages as well. With the right strategy and evidence, you increase your odds of achieving fair compensation.
How Our Los Angeles Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Fights for You
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Negotiation expertise. We deal with the insurance company and push back against unfair tactics. Our experience helps us secure better offers than you might get alone.
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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.
Contact Our Los Angeles Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer for a Free Case Consultation

You should not have to handle the aftermath of a DUI accident alone. Vaziri Law 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.
We also believe our client reviews and previous case results show how we can help you. Contact us today for a free case consultation, and let us help you take the first step toward recovery.