DUI Accident Attorney in Pasadena: Fight for Full Compensation From the Drunk Driver
In Pasadena, drunk driving crashes injure victims every year. This page covers DUI accident claims, the evidence that matters, and how compensation works. You can start with a free case review, and it costs nothing to begin. As your DUI accident attorney in Pasadena, we pursue full compensation, including punitive damages, from the driver who caused your crash.
Drunk Driving Crashes Point to Fault Right Away
When a driver is arrested for DUI after hitting you, fault is often clear from the start. This can speed up your claim.
Pasadena Police and the California Highway Patrol handle most DUI crash investigations in the area. Their reports often include blood alcohol test results, which support your case.
You do not need to prove fault from scratch when a DUI arrest already points to the driver’s negligence. A DUI arrest gives your claim a strong head start. DUI crashes are treated the same as any other car accident claim under California law.
Full Compensation Can Include Punitive Damages
Medical bills are only part of what you can recover. California law allows punitive damages in cases involving reckless conduct, like drunk driving.
Punitive damages punish the driver and discourage the same behavior in the future. They come on top of compensation for your medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Crashes near Old Pasadena’s nightlife area often involve stronger evidence of reckless intoxication, which can support a punitive damages claim.
Police Reports and BAC Records Build Your Case
Strong evidence starts with the police report. BAC test results and DUI citations connect the driver’s actions directly to your injuries.
We request these records early in your case. Pasadena PD and CHP reports are usually the first documents we pull together.
These records give your claim a solid foundation before we even negotiate with the insurance company.
Are Drunk Drivers More Likely to Flee the Scene in Pasadena?
Yes, drivers impaired by alcohol are more likely to leave the scene than sober drivers. National crash data shows impairment is a leading factor in hit and run cases. Source: NHTSA
- Fear of a DUI arrest
- Fear of losing a driver’s license
- Awareness that they caused the crash
If the driver flees, uninsured motorist coverage often becomes the fastest path to compensation. Our hit and run accident page covers this in more detail.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage Steps In When the Driver Has No Insurance
A drunk driver without insurance, or one who fled the scene, does not have to mean no compensation. Your own uninsured motorist coverage can fill that gap.
Many drivers in Pasadena carry only the state minimum insurance, which is often not enough to cover a serious crash. This makes UM claims common in DUI cases here.
We review your policy during a free case review to confirm what coverage applies to your crash.
Your Civil Claim Moves Forward While the Criminal Case Continues
You do not have to wait for the criminal case to finish before you seek compensation. Your civil claim and the driver’s DUI case run on separate tracks.
Pasadena courts handle DUI criminal proceedings separately from civil filings in Los Angeles County. This means your claim for compensation can move forward now.
Waiting for a criminal verdict could cost you time you do not need to lose.
Bars and Hosts Can Share Blame in Narrow Cases
In most cases, only the driver is responsible for a DUI crash. California limits liability for bars and hosts, but narrow exceptions exist.
A bar or host can share blame if they served alcohol to a minor who was visibly intoxicated. This rule applies to bars along South Lake Avenue and in Old Town, just like anywhere else in the state.
An attorney can review the facts of your crash to see if this exception applies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file a claim if the driver was already arrested for DUI?
Yes, your civil claim and their criminal case run on separate tracks. You do not need to wait for the criminal case to end.
What if the drunk driver had no insurance, or fled?
Your uninsured motorist coverage may apply either way. A free case review checks your policy.
Can I sue the bar that served the driver?
Only in narrow cases involving a visibly intoxicated minor. An attorney can review the facts of your case.
How long do I have to file a DUI accident claim in Pasadena?
California gives you two years from the crash date to file your claim.
I was a passenger in the drunk driver's car. Can I still file a claim?
In most cases, yes. A free review confirms your options.
Will my DUI accident case go to trial?
Most claims settle before trial. A case review outlines the likely path for your situation.
Talk to a Pasadena DUI Accident Attorney Today
You do not have to sort through insurance forms and police reports alone. Call us for a free case review, and pay nothing unless we win your case.
Westside Injury Lawyers
147 Waverly Dr Suite A, Pasadena, CA 91105
(877) 834-1311