Your Battle, Our Compass:
Los Angeles Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
Injured in a drunk driving accident in Los Angeles? With 3.9 million residents and 55,000+ annual collisions, our attorneys handle every type of drunk driving accident case. Call (213) 516-9809. See all our California office locations.
TL;DR — Los Angeles Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
Compass Law Group represents drunk driving accident victims across Los Angeles. Our firm has recovered $250,000,000+ for injury victims. No win, no fee. Free 24/7 consultation in English, Spanish, Farsi, and Korean at (213) 516-9809. See all Los Angeles practice areas. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
Practice Areas We Handle in Los Angeles
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Los Angeles Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers: Fighting for Maximum Compensation
Drunk driving crashes in Los Angeles are not random misfortunes—they are preventable acts of reckless disregard that California law treats with exceptional severity. Under Vehicle Code §23152, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a crime, and under CVC §23153, DUI causing injury carries felony penalties. But the criminal case only punishes the drunk driver—it does nothing to compensate you for your medical bills, lost wages, or shattered quality of life. That is where a civil drunk driving accident lawsuit comes in, and that is where Compass Law Group delivers results.
Los Angeles is ground zero for DUI collisions in California. The LAPD operates saturation patrols and DUI checkpoints across Hollywood Boulevard, the Sunset Strip, the Downtown bar district along 7th Street and Spring Street, and entertainment corridors in Koreatown and Silver Lake—yet impaired driving persists. Holiday weekends (New Year’s Eve, Fourth of July, Super Bowl Sunday, Thanksgiving Eve) see DUI arrest spikes of 30–50% above normal. Unlike a standard car accident claim, a DUI accident case in California opens the door to punitive damages—additional money awarded specifically to punish the drunk driver for conscious disregard of the safety of others. Our Los Angeles personal injury lawyers at Compass Law Group aggressively pursue punitive damages in every qualifying DUI case, and our dedicated drunk driving accident attorneys have recovered millions for victims of impaired drivers across Southern California.
Why Choose Compass Law Group for Your Los Angeles DUI Accident Case?
- Punitive damages expertise in DUI cases — California Civil Code §3294 allows punitive damages when a defendant acts with “conscious disregard” for the safety of others. Driving drunk is one of the clearest factual predicates for this standard. We pursue punitive damages in every eligible DUI crash to maximize your total recovery.
- $250M+ recovered for injury victims across California — Managing partners Joseph Shirazi (Bar #265403) and Simon Esfandi (Bar #275307) have secured seven- and eight-figure results in catastrophic collision cases, including DUI crashes resulting in traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and wrongful death.
- Parallel criminal and civil case coordination — We monitor the drunk driver’s criminal prosecution under CVC §23152/§23153 and leverage criminal court evidence—BAC results, field sobriety test footage, toxicology reports—to strengthen your civil claim. A criminal conviction is powerful evidence in the civil case.
- No Win, No Fee — 24/7 availability in English, Spanish, Farsi, and Korean — Our Downtown Los Angeles office at 633 W 5th Street, 26th Floor serves every neighborhood in the city. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
Who Is Liable in a Los Angeles Drunk Driving Accident?
The drunk driver bears primary liability. A driver who operates a vehicle with a BAC of 0.08% or higher (0.04% for commercial drivers, 0.01% for drivers under 21) violates CVC §23152 and is negligent per se—meaning the violation of the statute automatically establishes the breach-of-duty element of your negligence claim. You still must prove causation and damages, but the most contested element in most car accident cases is already decided in your favor.
Bars, restaurants, and nightclubs may also be liable under California’s dram shop principles. While California’s general rule under Civil Code §1714 limits social host and commercial server liability, Business and Professions Code §25602.1 creates liability when a licensed establishment serves alcohol to an obviously intoxicated minor. Beyond the statutory exception, bars along the Sunset Strip, DTLA cocktail lounges, and Hollywood nightclubs that over-serve patrons to the point of visible intoxication may face negligence claims under general duty-of-care principles, particularly when bouncers or bartenders observed the patron’s impairment and allowed them to drive.
Social hosts and party organizers can bear liability when they furnish alcohol to minors who then cause a DUI crash. House parties in the Hollywood Hills, rooftop events in DTLA, and college gatherings near USC and UCLA are frequent sources of underage DUI collisions. Rideshare companies (Uber, Lyft) may be liable if their driver was impaired, and their $1 million commercial liability policy applies when the driver was logged into the app at the time of the crash. If the DUI crash caused fatal injuries, our Los Angeles wrongful death attorneys pursue every responsible party, and when vehicle negligence overlaps, our car accident lawyers coordinate all claims into a single maximum recovery.
Common Causes of Drunk Driving Accidents in Los Angeles
- Sunset Strip nightlife corridor — The 1.5-mile stretch of Sunset Boulevard between Doheny Drive and Crescent Heights hosts some of LA’s densest bar and nightclub traffic. DUI crashes spike between midnight and 3 AM on weekends as impaired drivers leave venues and navigate narrow, winding roads into the Hollywood Hills or onto Laurel Canyon Boulevard.
- Downtown LA bar district — The concentration of bars, lounges, and rooftop venues along 7th Street, Spring Street, and the Arts District generates heavy late-night traffic on the 110 and 101 freeways. Wrong-way entries onto one-way streets and freeway on-ramps are a signature pattern of DTLA drunk driving crashes.
- Hollywood nightclub zone — Hollywood Boulevard, Cahuenga Boulevard, and Vine Street create a nightlife triangle where impaired pedestrians and impaired drivers collide. Valet queues, jaywalking crowds, and aggressive driving around club entrances multiply the danger.
- Holiday DUI surges — New Year’s Eve, Fourth of July, Super Bowl Sunday, Thanksgiving Eve (“Blackout Wednesday”), Cinco de Mayo, and St. Patrick’s Day produce 30–50% spikes in DUI arrests across Los Angeles, according to LAPD checkpoint data. Fatal crash rates track the same pattern.
- Wrong-way freeway collisions — Drunk drivers entering the 101, 110, 5, and 405 freeways traveling the wrong direction cause some of the most catastrophic and fatal crashes in Los Angeles. Caltrans and CHP data show that alcohol impairment is a factor in the majority of wrong-way freeway fatalities statewide.
- Hit-and-run DUI crashes — Los Angeles leads the nation in hit-and-run collisions, and a significant percentage involve impaired drivers who flee the scene to avoid DUI arrest. California Penal Code §20001 makes hit-and-run causing injury a felony, and fleeing the scene compounds the drunk driver’s civil liability.
- Underage drunk driving — Drivers under 21 are subject to California’s zero-tolerance law (CVC §23136: BAC of 0.01% or higher). House parties near college campuses (USC, UCLA, LMU, Loyola Law School) and fake-ID nightclub entry in Hollywood are common precursors to underage DUI crashes.
- Commercial vehicle DUI — Truck drivers, delivery drivers, and rideshare drivers operating under the influence face a lower BAC threshold of 0.04% under CVC §23152(d). A DUI crash involving a commercial vehicle triggers employer liability, larger insurance policies, and potentially catastrophic injuries due to vehicle size.
- Drug-impaired driving (DUID) — CVC §23152(f) prohibits driving under the influence of any drug, including cannabis, prescription medications, and illicit substances. With recreational marijuana legal in California, DUID crashes in Los Angeles have risen steadily. Drug impairment cases require toxicology evidence and drug recognition expert (DRE) testimony.
- Koreatown and Silver Lake late-night corridors — Dense concentrations of bars, karaoke lounges, and late-night restaurants along Western Avenue, Vermont Avenue, and Sunset Boulevard in these neighborhoods generate high volumes of impaired driving, particularly between midnight and 4 AM.
Frequently Asked Questions — Los Angeles Drunk Driving Accident Attorney
What should I do immediately after being injured by a drunk driver in Los Angeles?
Call 911 so law enforcement can respond, document the scene, and ensure a DUI investigation is initiated — the officer’s field sobriety and BAC test results become critical evidence in your civil case. Seek emergency medical care even if you feel fine, since adrenaline often masks serious injuries like internal bleeding or traumatic brain injury. Preserve everything: photos, witness contacts, the police report number, and any dashcam footage from nearby vehicles or businesses on streets like Wilshire, Sepulveda, or the 405 corridor.
Can I sue a drunk driver for my injuries in Los Angeles even if criminal charges are pending?
Yes — your civil personal injury claim is completely independent of any criminal DUI prosecution by the Los Angeles City or County District Attorney’s office. A criminal conviction for DUI can actually strengthen your civil case by establishing the driver’s negligence per se under California Vehicle Code §23152. We pursue your civil damages regardless of whether the criminal case results in a plea deal, acquittal, or conviction.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit against a drunk driver in California?
Under California Code of Civil Procedure §335.1, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If a government entity is involved — such as a city-owned vehicle or a driver who was on duty for a public agency — you must file a government tort claim within six months. Missing these deadlines almost always bars your recovery entirely, so we strongly urge you to contact us as soon as possible after your crash.
What compensation can I recover from a drunk driving accident in Los Angeles?
California law allows injured victims to recover economic damages including medical expenses, future treatment costs, lost wages, and property damage, as well as non-economic damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In drunk driving cases specifically, California Civil Code §3294 permits punitive damages because driving under the influence is considered malicious or oppressive conduct — these damages are designed to punish the wrongdoer beyond your actual losses. We work to maximize every category of recovery available to you.
What is the role of comparative fault in a Los Angeles drunk driving accident case?
California follows a pure comparative fault system under Li v. Yellow Cab Co., meaning your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault — but you can still collect damages even if you were partially at fault. For example, if a drunk driver ran a red light on Hollywood Boulevard but you were speeding, a jury might assign you 20% fault, reducing a $500,000 award to $400,000. In drunk driving cases the impaired driver’s fault is typically very high, and we build the evidence to demonstrate that clearly.
Can I file a claim against a bar or restaurant that served the drunk driver?
Yes — California’s Dram Shop Law under Business and Professions Code §25602.1 allows injured third parties to sue a bar, restaurant, or social host who provided alcohol to an obviously intoxicated person or a minor who then caused your accident. Los Angeles has thousands of licensed establishments, and when alcohol sales records, surveillance footage, or receipts show over-service, we pursue the commercial vendor alongside the driver to maximize your recovery. These third-party claims can be especially valuable when the driver has limited insurance coverage.
Will the drunk driver's insurance company try to minimize my claim?
Yes — insurance adjusters are trained to limit payouts, and they may contact you quickly after the accident with a lowball settlement offer before you fully understand the extent of your injuries. Never give a recorded statement or accept any settlement without speaking with our attorneys first, because once you sign a release you forfeit the right to seek additional compensation. We handle all insurer communications and negotiate aggressively to ensure you receive what your claim is actually worth.
What if the drunk driver had no insurance or was underinsured?
California requires drivers to carry minimum liability coverage, but many DUI offenders are uninsured or carry only the state minimum of $15,000 — far less than serious accident damages. In that situation we turn to your own uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, which you are entitled to use under your own policy. We also investigate whether a bar, rideshare company, employer, or vehicle owner shares liability, giving us additional sources of recovery beyond the at-fault driver.
How do you prove a driver was drunk at the time of my accident in Los Angeles?
The LAPD or LA County Sheriff’s field sobriety test results, breathalyzer readings, and blood BAC test from the time of arrest are the strongest evidence, and we obtain those records immediately via subpoena. We also gather surveillance footage from intersections, local businesses, and traffic cameras along common DUI corridors like Sunset Strip, Cahuenga Pass, and PCH, as well as credit card receipts from bars or restaurants. Expert toxicology witnesses can reconstruct the driver’s BAC at the time of the crash even if testing was delayed.
How long will my drunk driving accident case take to resolve?
Settlement negotiations with the insurance company can resolve a straightforward case in four to eight months, but if the insurer disputes liability or damages, litigation in Los Angeles Superior Court typically adds another one to two years before trial. Cases involving serious injuries, catastrophic harm, or significant punitive damage claims often require more time to build properly and extract full value. We keep you informed at every stage and never pressure you to accept an inadequate offer just to close the file quickly.
Do I need to pay anything upfront to hire your firm?
No — we represent drunk driving accident victims on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless and until we recover compensation for you. Our fee is a percentage of your recovery, so we only get paid when you do, and there are no out-of-pocket costs for investigations, expert witnesses, or court filings. This allows every injured person in Los Angeles — regardless of financial situation — to access experienced legal representation.
What if I was a passenger in the drunk driver's vehicle?
As a passenger, you have a clear claim against the drunk driver since you bear no fault for their decision to operate a vehicle while impaired. You may also have claims against the establishment that served them alcohol or any other negligent driver who contributed to the crash. California law fully protects injured passengers, and we regularly represent clients in this situation throughout the Greater Los Angeles area.
Can a family member file a wrongful death claim if a drunk driver killed someone we love?
Yes — under California Code of Civil Procedure §377.60, surviving spouses, domestic partners, children, and certain other dependent family members may bring a wrongful death action to recover damages for loss of financial support, loss of companionship, funeral expenses, and their own grief and suffering. In drunk driving wrongful death cases we also seek punitive damages under Civil Code §3294, which can substantially increase total compensation. Our firm handles these deeply painful cases with the urgency and sensitivity your family deserves.
Will I have to go to court, or will my case settle out of court?
The majority of drunk driving accident cases settle before trial, often because the evidence of impairment is overwhelming and insurers prefer to avoid jury exposure to punitive damages. However, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial in Los Angeles Superior Court, which gives us the credibility to negotiate from a position of strength. If the insurer refuses a fair offer, we are fully prepared to take your case to a jury.
What should I bring to my free consultation with your firm?
Bring any documentation you have: the police report or incident number, photos from the scene, medical records and bills, your own insurance policy, any correspondence from the at-fault driver’s insurer, and records of missed work or lost income. If you have nothing yet, that is fine — we can obtain records, pull the LAPD crash report, and begin building your file from the initial meeting. Consultations are completely confidential, and there is no obligation to hire us.
How We Value a Los Angeles Drunk Driving Accident Case
DUI accident cases in Los Angeles carry significantly higher settlement and verdict values than comparable non-DUI car accident claims. The reason is simple: punitive damages. In a standard car accident, you recover compensatory damages—medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering. In a DUI case, California Civil Code §3294 allows the jury to award punitive damages on top of compensatory damages to punish the drunk driver for conscious disregard of human safety. Punitive damages are not limited by a statutory formula; they are determined by the jury based on the defendant’s wealth, the degree of reprehensibility, and the ratio to compensatory damages.
Compass Law Group evaluates DUI accident cases across four damages tiers: past and future medical costs (emergency trauma surgery, ICU stays, orthopedic reconstruction, traumatic brain injury rehabilitation, spinal cord injury treatment), economic losses (lost wages, reduced earning capacity, vocational retraining, home modification for disability), non-economic damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress, PTSD, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of consortium), and punitive damages (the multiplier that makes DUI cases uniquely valuable). A DUI crash resulting in a broken leg may settle for $150,000–$400,000 in compensatory damages alone; with punitive damages, the total recovery can reach $750,000 or more. Catastrophic DUI crashes involving TBI, paralysis, or death routinely produce seven- and eight-figure results.
Compensation Available for Los Angeles DUI Accident Victims
- Emergency and trauma medical care — Ambulance transport, emergency surgery, ICU admission, blood transfusions, and stabilization at Level I trauma centers including LAC+USC Medical Center, Cedars-Sinai, and UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center
- Long-term rehabilitative treatment — Physical therapy, occupational therapy, cognitive rehabilitation for traumatic brain injuries, and pain management programs that may continue for years after the crash
- Lost wages and destroyed earning capacity — Time off work during recovery, permanent inability to return to a previous occupation, and vocational retraining costs when disability forces a career change
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress — DUI crash victims frequently develop PTSD, driving anxiety, chronic pain syndromes, and depression. California places no statutory cap on non-economic damages in personal injury cases
- Loss of consortium — A spouse’s independent claim for loss of companionship, intimacy, and household services when the DUI crash victim suffers disabling injuries
- Wrongful death damages — When a DUI crash kills a loved one, surviving family members can recover funeral and burial costs, loss of financial support, loss of love and companionship, and punitive damages against the drunk driver under CCP §377.60
- Punitive damages — The hallmark of DUI civil litigation. Awarded to punish the drunk driver and deter future misconduct. Not covered by the defendant’s auto insurance—punitive damages come from the driver’s personal assets, making asset investigation a critical part of case preparation
Types of Injuries in Los Angeles Drunk Driving Accidents
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) — DUI crashes often involve high-speed impacts and T-bone collisions at intersections, generating extreme forces that cause concussions, diffuse axonal injuries, and severe TBI requiring neurosurgical intervention
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis — Rear-end DUI collisions at freeway speeds and head-on crashes on surface streets can fracture vertebrae and sever or compress the spinal cord, causing paraplegia or quadriplegia
- Multiple fractures and crush injuries — The force of a drunk driver striking a vehicle at 50–80 mph produces compound fractures of the pelvis, femur, tibia, and ribs, often requiring multiple surgeries and hardware implantation
- Internal organ damage — Blunt force trauma from DUI crashes causes liver lacerations, splenic rupture, kidney damage, and internal bleeding requiring emergency surgical intervention
- Burns and vehicle fires — High-speed DUI collisions can rupture fuel lines and ignite vehicle fires, causing second- and third-degree burns that require treatment at specialized burn units
- Facial disfigurement and scarring — Windshield impact, airbag deployment injuries, and glass lacerations cause permanent facial scarring, broken orbital bones, and jaw fractures
- PTSD, anxiety, and psychological trauma — Survivors of DUI crashes experience flashbacks, driving phobias, nightmares, hypervigilance, and clinical depression at rates significantly higher than victims of non-DUI collisions, likely due to the knowledge that the crash was entirely preventable
- Amputation and limb loss — Catastrophic DUI collisions involving trucks, SUVs, or wrong-way freeway impacts can result in traumatic amputation or surgical amputation when crushed limbs cannot be salvaged
How Insurance Works in Los Angeles DUI Accident Cases
The drunk driver’s auto liability insurance policy covers compensatory damages up to the policy limits. California’s minimum liability limits are $30,000 per person / $60,000 per accident (increasing to $50,000/$100,000 on January 1, 2025 under AB 1755)—often grossly insufficient for DUI crash injuries. Compass Law Group’s first step is identifying all available insurance: the drunk driver’s personal auto policy, any umbrella or excess policy, the driver’s employer’s commercial policy if the driver was working, and dram shop liability coverage from the bar or restaurant that over-served the driver.
- Underinsured/uninsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage — If the drunk driver carries minimum limits or no insurance at all, your own UM/UIM policy fills the gap. We review your policy to maximize this recovery.
- Dram shop and liquor liability insurance — Bars and nightclubs carry liquor liability policies that may provide $1M+ in additional coverage when the establishment is found to have served an obviously intoxicated patron.
- Commercial auto policies — DUI crashes involving rideshare drivers (Uber/Lyft), delivery drivers, or commercial vehicle operators trigger $1M+ commercial policies.
- Punitive damages are NOT covered by insurance — California Insurance Code §533 prohibits insurers from covering punitive damages. This means punitive damages must be collected from the drunk driver’s personal assets—real estate, bank accounts, investment portfolios. We conduct thorough asset investigations to ensure punitive damage awards are collectible.
Punitive Damages in California DUI Accident Cases
Punitive damages are the single most powerful financial tool available to victims of drunk driving crashes in California. Under Civil Code §3294, a jury may award punitive damages when the defendant acted with malice, oppression, or fraud. California courts have consistently held that driving while intoxicated constitutes “conscious disregard of the safety of others”—the textbook definition of malice under §3294. The landmark case Taylor v. Superior Court (1979) 24 Cal.3d 890 established that drunk driving, by itself, can support a punitive damages claim.
There is no statutory cap on punitive damages in California personal injury cases. The U.S. Supreme Court’s guidance in State Farm v. Campbell (2003) suggests that a single-digit ratio of punitive to compensatory damages is generally appropriate, but California courts allow higher ratios when the conduct is especially reprehensible—such as a repeat DUI offender or a driver with a BAC double the legal limit. A $200,000 compensatory award could support $600,000–$1,800,000 in punitive damages depending on the facts. Our attorneys at Compass Law Group present detailed evidence of the drunk driver’s conduct, prior DUI history, and financial condition to maximize the punitive damages award.
What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident in Los Angeles
- Call 911 and request law enforcement — Police response is critical in DUI cases because officers will conduct field sobriety tests and administer a preliminary alcohol screening (PAS) breathalyzer at the scene. The officer’s observations—slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, odor of alcohol, failed field sobriety tests—become key evidence in both the criminal prosecution and your civil claim. If you are transported to the hospital, ask law enforcement to document the other driver’s impairment before you leave the scene.
- Request a blood draw or BAC test — Under California’s implied consent law (CVC §23612), a driver lawfully arrested for DUI must submit to a blood or breath test. If the drunk driver refuses, the refusal itself is admissible evidence. If you suspect the other driver is intoxicated but police have not yet arrived, note the time, the driver’s behavior, and any visible alcohol containers in or around the vehicle. Ask any witnesses to remain and provide statements.
- Seek immediate medical attention — DUI crashes frequently involve high-speed impacts that cause traumatic brain injuries, internal bleeding, and spinal injuries. Adrenaline can mask symptoms for hours. Go to the nearest Level I trauma center—LAC+USC Medical Center, Cedars-Sinai, or UCLA Ronald Reagan—and insist on comprehensive imaging (CT, MRI). Your medical records documenting the crash mechanism and injury severity are essential to your civil claim.
- Preserve evidence from the scene — Photograph the vehicles, debris field, skid marks, traffic signals, and any visible alcohol containers. Record the drunk driver’s license plate, insurance information, and any statements they make. Take video if possible—capturing the driver’s behavior, speech patterns, and unsteadiness can be powerful evidence of impairment.
- Contact a Los Angeles DUI accident attorney before speaking with any insurance company — The drunk driver’s insurer will attempt to settle quickly and cheaply, especially before the full extent of your injuries is known. Call Compass Law Group at (213) 516-9809 for a free consultation. We immediately preserve evidence, coordinate with the criminal prosecution, and begin building your civil case for maximum compensatory and punitive damages.
California Statute of Limitations for DUI Accident Claims
Under CCP §335.1, you have two years from the date of the drunk driving accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in California. This applies to all DUI crash claims brought under negligence, negligence per se, and punitive damages theories. For wrongful death claims arising from a fatal DUI crash, CCP §335.1 also provides a two-year deadline from the date of death. If the drunk driver was a government employee (e.g., a city vehicle operator), a government tort claim must be filed within six months under Government Code §911.2.
Criminal vs. Civil DUI Cases in Los Angeles: What Victims Need to Know
A DUI arrest triggers two separate legal proceedings that run on parallel tracks. The criminal case is prosecuted by the Los Angeles County District Attorney under CVC §23152 (misdemeanor DUI) or CVC §23153 (felony DUI causing injury). The criminal case can result in jail time, fines, license suspension, and a DUI conviction on the driver’s record—but it does not compensate the victim. The civil case is filed by the victim (or the victim’s family in a wrongful death) to recover compensatory and punitive damages from the drunk driver and any other liable parties.
The two cases are legally independent but strategically connected. A criminal conviction or guilty plea under CVC §23152 or §23153 can be used as evidence in the civil case to establish the driver’s negligence. BAC test results, field sobriety test video, arresting officer testimony, and toxicology reports obtained through the criminal discovery process are admissible in civil proceedings. However, an acquittal in criminal court does not bar a civil lawsuit—the burden of proof in civil cases is “preponderance of the evidence” (more likely than not), far lower than criminal court’s “beyond a reasonable doubt.” Our attorneys at Compass Law Group monitor the criminal case closely and time our civil strategy to leverage every piece of evidence the prosecution develops.
Evidence in Los Angeles Drunk Driving Accident Cases
Building a maximum-value DUI accident case requires aggressive evidence preservation. Compass Law Group’s investigation team secures the following within days of your initial consultation:
- Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) results — Breathalyzer readings from the scene (PAS test) and the evidentiary blood or breath test administered at the station or hospital. BAC results above 0.08% establish negligence per se; results above 0.15% demonstrate extreme impairment that strengthens the punitive damages case.
- Field sobriety test records and body camera footage — LAPD officers wear body-worn cameras that record the drunk driver’s horizontal gaze nystagmus test, walk-and-turn, one-leg stand, and spontaneous statements. We subpoena this footage immediately—LAPD retains body camera video for a limited period.
- Dashcam and traffic camera footage — Los Angeles has an extensive network of Automated Traffic Surveillance and Control (ATSAC) cameras at major intersections. We issue preservation requests to LADOT and subpoena footage from Caltrans freeway cameras, nearby business security cameras, and Tesla/dashcam recordings from other vehicles.
- Bar and restaurant receipts — Credit card records, bar tabs, and POS system data showing what the drunk driver consumed, how much, and over what time period. This evidence is critical for dram shop claims and for proving the driver’s level of intoxication at the time of departure.
- Toxicology and drug screening reports — For DUID cases involving cannabis, prescription drugs, or illicit substances, we obtain hospital blood draws and forensic toxicology results that quantify the drug levels in the driver’s system at the time of the crash.
- Prior DUI history and DMV records — A drunk driver’s prior DUI convictions, license suspensions, DUI school enrollment, and ignition interlock device (IID) records are admissible to prove a pattern of reckless behavior and dramatically strengthen the punitive damages claim.
- Accident reconstruction — Our retained accident reconstructionists analyze vehicle damage, EDR (“black box”) data, skid marks, and point-of-impact evidence to determine the drunk driver’s speed at impact, reaction time (or lack thereof), and the crash dynamics that caused your specific injuries.
Los Angeles Drunk Driving Accident Statistics
- Over 1,000 DUI-related fatalities statewide annually — The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) reports that alcohol-impaired driving crashes kill more than 1,000 people per year in California, with Los Angeles County consistently accounting for the highest share of any county
- LAPD makes 15,000+ DUI arrests per year — Los Angeles Police Department data shows that officers arrest roughly 15,000 impaired drivers annually through saturation patrols, DUI checkpoints, and routine traffic stops—and those are only the drivers who get caught
- 26% of all California traffic fatalities involve a drunk driver — According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than one in four fatal crashes in California involves a driver with a BAC of 0.08% or higher
- Nighttime crashes (6 PM–6 AM) account for 75% of DUI fatalities — NHTSA data confirms that three-quarters of alcohol-impaired fatal crashes occur during nighttime hours, with peak risk between midnight and 3 AM—precisely when LA’s bars and nightclubs close
- Repeat offenders cause a disproportionate share of fatal DUI crashes — The California DMV reports that approximately one-third of DUI arrests involve drivers with at least one prior DUI conviction, underscoring the failure of criminal penalties alone to deter impaired driving
Contact Compass Law Group — Los Angeles Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers
A drunk driving crash is not just an accident—it is an act of reckless indifference to human life, and California law empowers you to hold the drunk driver accountable with both compensatory and punitive damages. At Compass Law Group, we handle every aspect of your DUI accident claim: preserving BAC evidence and dashcam footage, coordinating with the criminal prosecution, identifying all liable parties including bars and employers, and building a punitive damages case that maximizes your total recovery. Our Los Angeles office at 633 W 5th Street, 26th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90071 is staffed 24/7, and we serve every community in the city—from the Sunset Strip to South LA, from Downtown to the Valley.
Call (213) 516-9809 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation. With our No Win, No Fee guarantee, you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Hablamos español. We also speak Farsi and Korean.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sue a drunk driver for punitive damages in California?+
How much is a drunk driving accident case worth in Los Angeles?+
Can I sue a bar or restaurant that served the drunk driver in Los Angeles?+
What is the statute of limitations for a DUI accident lawsuit in California?+
What is the difference between a criminal DUI case and a civil DUI lawsuit?+
Does the drunk driver’s insurance cover punitive damages in California?+
What evidence is most important in a Los Angeles drunk driving accident case?+
Can I file a wrongful death lawsuit if a drunk driver killed my family member?+
What if the drunk driver in my Los Angeles accident was an Uber or Lyft driver?+
How long does a drunk driving accident lawsuit take in Los Angeles?+
Talk to a Los Angeles Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Today
Call Compass Law Group at (213) 516-9809. Free consultation, no fees unless we win. 24/7. Visit our LA office.
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With Joseph Shirazi and Simon Esfandi at the helm, our firm is a trusted name in accident law in California.
Meet Our Managing Partners
National Top 100 Trial Lawyers and Avvo 10.0 Superb. Loyola Law School graduate. Recognized for his $14,500,000 truck accident verdict and a $13,000,000 trial verdict.
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Super Lawyers Rising Star. Southwestern Law School graduate. Led the firm’s $9,870,000 motorcycle accident settlement and a $2,250,000 rideshare recovery.
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Jerry
After 10 accidents and 9 attorneys, the client met Simon, who stood out for his honesty and clear communication. Years later, after another accident, the client called Simon and was impressed by his professionalism and follow-through. Simon explained everything, connected him with top doctors, and kept every promise. It was the first time the client felt truly supported—highly recommending Simon and Joseph for their integrity and dedication.
Jacob
Jacob was rear-ended by a big rig and left nearly paralyzed for a year. He found Cooper Law Group, and Joseph and Simon personally helped him through the legal process. Over two years, they ensured he got the medical care and surgeries he needed, helped repair his car, and secured the compensation he deserved. He highly recommends them for truly fighting for their clients.
Blandine
During the early days of COVID, Blandine was hit by a car while biking to work. Alone and unsure of what to do, they found Compass Law Group. Joseph was the first to respond with care and clarity. Throughout the case, the team—Joseph, Simon, and Julie—provided support, regular check-ins, and made the client feel safe and cared for. They now consider the firm like family and highly recommend them for their compassion and competence.
Understanding Your Rights:
Frequently Asked
Questions
#1 Do I have a case?
Understanding whether a claim exists is one of the challenges of personal injury law. This is why we offer free initial consultations to help you make this determination and allow you an avenue to vindicate your rights.
We’re committed to fighting for the rights of accident victims throughout Southern California, and, unlike other California personal injury attorneys, we will take on any case if we can help, no matter how big or small.
#2 What is personal injury?
Personal injury involves harm to an individual’s body or property caused by someone else’s negligence. It can range from minor to significant injuries, often requiring legal action to recover damages. We specialize in representing and securing fair settlements for such victims.
#3 Why hire Compass Law Group?
Our client-focused approach ensures personalized attention, detailed case building, and compelling evidence presentation. We’re skilled in negotiating settlements and prepared for trial with aggressive strategies. Our firm maintains transparent communication, involves clients in the process, and utilizes a wide network of expert witnesses and resources to strengthen cases. Choosing us means trusting a team dedicated to your success and justice.
#4What if I didn't go to the hospital?
No matter the injury size, you have rights that need defending. Many injuries seem minor at first but can worsen over time. Ignoring treatment or legal advice risks your health and compensation. Seek immediate medical and legal help after any accident to ensure proper diagnosis and strengthen your compensation claim.