$36.0M
Recovery for a pedestrian who suffered a traumatic brain injury after being struck by a vehicle.
Personal Injury
Los Angeles Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
Were you hurt by an impaired driver in Los Angeles? At Wilshire Law Firm — an award-winning, nationally recognized team — our attorneys pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact us 24/7 for a free case review — there are no fees unless you get paid.
- $3B+RECOVERED
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- 24/7AVAILABILITY & SUPPORT
- 500+LEGAL PROFESSIONALS
Understanding Your Automobile Accident Case
Explore essential resources on your rights, your options, and what to expect — everything you need to navigate the legal process, all in one place.
Wilshire Law Firm is an award-winning, nationally recognized team that has represented thousands of injured Californians. Our attorneys investigate the crash, gather the evidence that proves impairment, handle every conversation with the insurance companies, and build your case for maximum recovery — all with clear communication and compassionate support. There are no fees unless you get paid.
Take five steps to protect your health and your claim: (1) seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine; (2) call 911 and report the crash so officers can document the driver's impairment; (3) photograph the scene, vehicles, and injuries; (4) exchange information and collect witness contacts; and (5) speak with a lawyer before giving a recorded statement to any insurer. A police DUI investigation can become powerful evidence in your civil claim.
Victims of a Los Angeles drunk driving crash can generally recover both economic and non-economic damages. These commonly include medical expenses and rehabilitation (current and future), lost wages and lost earning capacity, property damage, and pain and suffering. Because a drunk driver's conduct is often especially reckless, punitive damages may also be available under California Civil Code §3294. A legal professional can review your losses during a free case review.
The impaired driver is the primary party responsible, but liability can extend further. In California, a business that serves alcohol to an obviously intoxicated minor may be liable under Business and Professions Code §25602.1, and an employer may share responsibility if the driver was working. Driving under the influence is unlawful under California Vehicle Code §23152, and a related criminal conviction can help support your civil case. Our attorneys identify every source of recovery.
In most California drunk driving injury cases you have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit (California Code of Civil Procedure §335.1), and generally three years for property damage. Claims against a government entity have much shorter deadlines — often six months. Because missing a deadline can end your case, it's best to speak with a legal professional early. In the meantime, our guide on what to do after a crash covers the first steps to take.
Meet Our Automobile Accident Attorneys
Nationally-Recognized Powerhouse, Fighting for the Justice You Deserve
Our award-winning attorneys have recovered billions for clients while taking on insurance companies and major corporations.
Colin M. Jones, Esq.Senior Partner and Senior Trial Attorney, Chair of the Personal Injury Litigation Department
Jennifer P. Burkes, Esq.Senior Partner & Strategic Advisor, Personal Injury Litigation Department
Mary Lee Caruso, Esq.Senior Partner
Ryan Casey, Esq.Senior Partner and Trial Attorney
Tae-Yoon Kim, Esq.Senior Partner
Alivia E. Abreu, Esq.Partner
Shervin G. Ghanoongooi, Esq.Partner
Christopher Goodroe, Esq.Partner
Nathan A. GuestPartner and Trial Attorney
Brian M. Jacobson, Esq.Partner
Ariella Perry, Esq.Partner$28.5M
Recovery for victims of a rear-end collision involving a commercial truck.
$14.0M
Recovery for a victim injured in a motorcycle accident.
$13.5M
Recovery for victims injured in a collision involving a commercial truck.
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Past results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Each case is unique and evaluated on its own facts.
How Do I Know If I Have a Drunk Driving Accident Claim in Los Angeles?
You generally have a valid claim if three factors are present — fault, damages, and proof. Fault means an impaired driver's negligence caused the crash. Damages are your losses, such as medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repairs. Proof includes the police DUI report, chemical test results, photos, and witness statements. California's two-year statute of limitations applies (CCP §335.1), so contact Wilshire Law Firm's Los Angeles attorneys for a free case review.
Start Your Free Automobile Accident Case Review
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Record breaking results
Winners of #1 Settlements in California
Our attorneys have recovered billions of dollars, including some of the biggest settlements in California.
17#1 Settlements in California, 2022–2024*
TopVerdict #1TopVerdict.com #1 settlements
1–1 of 17
#1 Truck v. Pedestrian Accident Settlement
2024
#1 Multi-Vehicle Accident Settlement
2024
#1 Equipment Malfunction Settlement
2024
#1 Car v. Stationary Object Collision Settlement
2024
#1 Bus v. Passenger Accident Settlement
2024
#1 Whistleblower Retaliation Settlement
2023
#1 Underinsured Motorist Settlement
2023
#1 Slip & Fall Accident Settlement
2023
#1 Negligent Security Settlement
2023
#1 Ladder Accident Settlement
2023
#1 Hotel Premises Liability Settlement
2023
#1 Car v. Car Collision Settlement
2023
#1 Bicycle Accident Settlement
2023
#1 Pregnancy Discrimination Settlement
2022
#1 Age/Disability Discrimination Settlement
2022
#1 Wrongful Termination Settlement
2022
#1 Meal & Rest Breaks Settlement
2022
*#1 settlements in California have been awarded by TopVerdict.com. Past results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
Automobile Accident FAQs
Our Most Frequently Asked Questions
We've answered the most common ones below. If yours isn't here, call us — we're available 24/7.
Yes. A criminal DUI prosecution and your civil injury claim are separate: the criminal case punishes the driver, while your civil claim seeks compensation for your losses. A criminal conviction can even help support your civil case. You do not have to wait for the criminal case to conclude to pursue compensation, though an attorney can advise on timing.
Often, yes. Because driving while intoxicated is generally viewed as especially reckless, California Civil Code § 3294 may allow punitive damages — awarded on clear and convincing evidence of malice, oppression, or fraud — on top of compensation for your injuries. An attorney can assess whether your case may support them.
In limited circumstances a business that serves alcohol may share responsibility, but California's rules on this are narrow and depend heavily on the facts, such as serving an obviously intoxicated minor. The specific statutes governing this liability should be confirmed by an attorney. Most claims still center on the impaired driver.
A drunk-driving injury lawsuit arising in Los Angeles is generally filed in the Los Angeles County Superior Court, with many civil cases heard at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse. Late-night impaired driving on LA's freeway network, including the I-405 and US-101, contributes to severe collisions. An attorney familiar with the local courts can guide your case.
Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can often provide compensation when an impaired driver has no insurance or too little to cover your injuries. This coverage is governed by Cal. Ins. Code § 11580.2. An attorney can review your policy and pursue all available sources of recovery. Our Los Angeles distracted driving lawyers also handle crashes caused by texting or otherwise inattentive drivers. Our guide to hiring a car accident lawyer explains what to look for when comparing firms.