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In the state of California, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood-alcohol limit of 0.08 percent or greater. This number refers to the percent of your current blood volume that is made up of alcohol. For drivers under the age of 21, a blood alcohol level of .01 percent will result in Driving Under the Influence (DUI) charge.
A DUI is considered a misdemeanor. If a driver is operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, they may face criminal penalties including fines and jail time. However, none of this fixes the issues that involve the victims of the car accident. A civil action must be filed in order for you to receive compensation. A California drunk driving car accident lawyer from Sarget Law is ready to assist you in such a case.
Why Choose Sargent Law Firm If You Are the Victim of a Drunk Driving Accident in California
Being hit by a drunk driver is one of the most traumatic and infuriating experiences a person can face. These crashes are entirely preventable—and yet they leave innocent people dealing with serious injuries, emotional distress, and financial hardship. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a drunk driving accident in California, Sargent Law Firm is here to stand up for you. We hold drunk drivers accountable through aggressive personal injury litigation, and we fight for full compensation on your behalf.
Whether your crash happened in San Diego, Murrieta, Oceanside, Temecula, Carlsbad, Vista, El Cajon, or anywhere in between, our drunk driving car attorneys are ready to help.
Experienced California Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys Who Get Results
No matter where your car accident occurred in California, we know how to prove liability, use evidence from the DUI investigation, and hold the impaired driver and any responsible third parties accountable. Whether you’re dealing with broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, or the loss of a family member, we build strong cases.
We’ve recovered significant results for clients harmed by reckless drivers, including DUI offenders. While every case is different, our results reflect our commitment to fighting hard and winning big. Here are just a few examples:
- $750,000 – Our client, unaware the driver was intoxicated, suffered serious hip injuries requiring surgery. Despite the insurer blaming her for riding with the drunk driver, we filed suit and secured a strong settlement.
- $250,000 – A drunk driver caused a serious crash on I-90, and our client was advised to undergo spine surgery. We obtained a full policy limits settlement after building a compelling case.
- $110,000 – A young man from Rancho Bernardo was rear-ended by a drunk driver on I-8. The insurance company disputed the severity of his neck and back injuries, but we proved the long-term impact and reached a fair resolution.
When we take on a drunk driving case, we push for real accountability and full compensation, never settling for less than our clients deserve.
We Fight for Civil Justice for Drunk Driving Victims Across California
Even if the responsible drunk driver faces criminal charges, that doesn’t help you pay for your hospital bills, missed work, or pain and suffering. Our job is to pursue civil justice, filing a personal injury claim that can help you recover damages like:
- Medical costs and rehabilitation
- Lost income and future earnings
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Vehicle and property damage
- Punitive damages in qualifying cases
No Win, No Fee. Guaranteed
You don’t need to worry about legal fees while you recover. Our drunk driving accident lawyers in California work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and nothing at all unless we win your case.
Our California Drunk Driver Accident Lawyers Can Get You Compensation for Your Injuries
Once you’re able to prove these, you might be able to recover punitive damages, as well as, lost wages and medical expenses. Courts have the ability to award punitive damages to reprimand someone who has committed something wrong in California. Damages such as these may be suitable under certain circumstances.
Other damages that may be recovered after a DUI accident are:
- Future and past hospital expenses
- Lost salaries
- Condensed earning capacity
- Property destruction
- Physical therapy/other types
- Pain and suffering and other intangibles
While all auto accidents can be devastating and lead to serious injuries, this is especially true for DUI accidents. The impaired judgment and delayed reaction times of intoxicated drivers often result in collisions that are far more severe than typical car accidents. Victims of these crashes frequently endure life-threatening or permanent injuries, like a TBI or severe disfigurement. Some of the most common injuries sustained in drunk driving accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Disfigurement
- Spinal injuries
- Cuts and bruises
- Emotional trauma
- Fatalities
Our drunk driving accident lawyers in California will aggressively seek compensation for all catastrophic injuries you or someone you know and love have suffered due to an impaired driver’s reckless actions. From medical costs and lost wages to mental anguish, your California catastrophic injury attorneys are dedicated to ensuring you receive the maximum damages you deserve to help rebuild your life after such a devastating event.
Our Lawyers Can Help Victims’ Families Pursue a Wrongful Death Claim
People who have lost a loved one due to a drunk driver’s reckless actions may be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim on behalf of their family. While the driver may face criminal charges like vehicular manslaughter, a separate civil lawsuit can provide victims’ families with financial compensation for their devastating loss. Recoverable damages include funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and emotional suffering. Our experienced California wrongful death attorneys are here to help you seek justice and ensure victims’ families receive the compensation they deserve if they lost a loved one in a drunk driving accident.
It’s free to speak with us and learn the value of your case today.
Call Us NowHow Sargent Law Firm’s Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers Can Help You with Your Case
We believe in treating our clients like family. From the moment you reach out to us, we’re committed to standing by your side. Your California personal injury lawyers support you throughout this challenging time, whether it’s dealing with insurance companies or guiding you through medical treatment options.
We know how devastating DUI accidents can be, and our dedicated attorneys are here to advocate for those affected. Our team is determined to secure the compensation you need to rebuild your life after a crash and will work tirelessly to obtain justice.
Your Lawyer Will Handle Your Case from Start to Finish
Dealing with a personal injury claim after a California drunk driving accident on top of the criminal case the prosecutors handle can be overwhelming, especially when are doing your best to recover physically and emotionally. Dealing with insurance companies and understanding the legal system can be a daunting task for anyone, let alone someone coping with serious injuries and family responsibilities.
When you choose our experienced California drunk driving accident lawyers, you can focus on your recovery while we handle all the legal complexities for you. Our team will:
- Conduct a thorough investigation of your accident
- Collect and preserve crucial evidence
- Identify and establish liability
- Accurately assess the full value of your claim
- Engage in negotiations to secure a fair settlement
- Keep you informed with regular updates
- Manage all necessary documentation and legal paperwork
- Safeguard your rights throughout the process
- Take your case to court if necessary
We are committed to guiding you through every stage of your case, making sure you understand each step. While resolving your case may take some time, we’ll be there, relentlessly advocating for the compensation and justice you deserve. Let your California drunk driving accident attorneys shoulder the legal matters while you are healing and rebuilding your life.
Our Attorneys Will File Your Claim on Time
In California, there is a strict timeframe for filing a lawsuit after a DUI accident. This statute of limitations requires victims to take action within two years of the accident date. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to seek damages in your civil lawsuit.
Our experienced civil DUI accident attorneys in California understand the emergency of these cases and will ensure that your claim is filed within the required timeframe. Don’t risk losing the opportunity to receive the compensation you deserve! Contact our team today, and let us handle the legal process while you focus on your recovery.
Your Attorneys Are Always Ready to Take Your Case to Trial
If the insurance company denies your right of a fair settlement, our DUI accident attorneys in the Golden State are fully prepared to take your case to court. We build every case with trial in mind, gathering strong evidence, working with experts, and presenting your story clearly and powerfully. When trial is the best path to justice, we don’t hesitate to fight for full compensation in front of a jury.
Speak with a Civil Drunk Driving Accident Attorney in California Today!
If you were injured in a drunk driving crash and believe someone else’s negligence is to blame, reach out to our experienced California DUI personal injury attorneys for dedicated and compassionate legal support.
Having a skilled drunk driving accident lawyer by your side can help you navigate the steps needed to secure the compensation you deserve. At Sargent Law Firm, we combine our extensive legal expertise with state-of-the-art technology to advocate for victims of DUI accidents.
Contact our drunk driving accident personal injury lawyers in California today for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your options for pursuing justice and compensation!
California Drunk Driving Accidents & Civil Lawsuits: FAQs
If you’ve been injured in a DUI crash, understanding your rights under California civil law is critical. Below are answers to some of the most common questions victims ask when pursuing compensation from a drunk driver via a personal injury claim.
How does the drunk driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) affect my civil lawsuit in California?
The driver’s blood alcohol content or BAC can be collected and used in favor of your case. For instance, when the police arrived at the scene of the accident and they found out that the blood-alcohol content of the driver was above the legal limit, then the driver was not taking reasonable care and was not protecting the safety of others on the road while driving.
This is a list of the legal limits for intoxication in California:
- Commercial driver: .04 percent
- Non-commercial drivers over the age of 21: .08 percent
- Drivers under the age of 21: .02 percent
In order to be able to gain benefits for any damages or injuries done during a drunk driving incident, you must first pursue a civil action against the driver who is at fault. In DUI incident cases, you need to have evidence that:
- The motorist was under the influence and his blood alcohol content
- He was an unsafe driver and negligent on the road due to his intoxication
- The accident that ensued was due to the driver’s negligence
- You suffered injuries or damages
Can I file a civil lawsuit against a drunk driver if they weren’t convicted in criminal court?
Yes. A criminal conviction is not required to win a civil lawsuit. Civil cases use a lower standard of proof—preponderance of the evidence—so you can still recover compensation even if the drunk driver wasn’t convicted or charged. Contact us for a free consultation and our attorneys will explain your case after they analyze it.
Can I sue a bar for overserving the driver who hit me in California?
Usually no. California has limited dram shop laws, which generally protect bars and restaurants from liability unless they served alcohol to a clearly underage person. In most DUI civil cases, liability rests with the drunk driver, not the alcohol provider.
What if I was partially at fault in a DUI accident—can I still sue the drunk driver in California?
Yes. California follows comparative fault rules. Even if you were partly at fault (e.g., not wearing a seatbelt or making a driving error), you can still sue the drunk driver. Your compensation may be lowered by your percentage of fault, but you are not barred from recovering damages.
