Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
Justice and Compensation for DUI Crash Victims in California
When a drunk driver injures you, you are entitled to recover for your harm — and because driving under the influence is so reckless, California may also allow punitive damages to punish the driver beyond your normal compensation.
A DUI crash often runs on two tracks: a criminal case brought by the state and your separate civil claim for compensation. With over $1 billion recovered, Frank Penney Injury Law pursues the civil claim aggressively while the criminal case proceeds.
Why DUI Cases Are Different
A drunk-driving crash is not an "accident" — it is the result of a choice, and the law treats it that way.
Punitive Damages
California Civil Code 3294 may allow extra damages to punish drunk drivers.
Criminal Plus Civil
A DUI conviction is separate from — and can strengthen — your civil claim.
Clear Liability
A measured blood-alcohol level is strong evidence of negligence.
Restitution
A criminal case may order restitution, but it rarely covers full losses.
Third-Party Liability
In limited cases, others who provided alcohol may share responsibility.
Severe Injuries
DUI crashes are frequently high-speed and catastrophic.
Punitive Damages and Dram-Shop Limits
Because driving drunk shows conscious disregard for safety, California allows punitive damages against the impaired driver in appropriate cases. California also limits "dram shop" liability — bars and social hosts generally are not liable for serving adults, with a narrow exception under Business and Professions Code 25602.1 for serving an obviously intoxicated minor. We evaluate every avenue of recovery.
A DUI crash is a car accident claim, often with catastrophic injuries or wrongful death. Learn how case value works. We serve Sacramento, Roseville, and Oakland.
What We Pursue
- Compensation for all medical care
- Lost wages and future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages where available
- Wrongful death for fatal crashes
- Coordination with the criminal case
Drunk Driving Accidents FAQs
Can I sue a drunk driver who injured me in California?
Yes. The criminal case the state brings against the drunk driver is separate from your civil claim for compensation. You can pursue a civil claim for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and — because DUI is so reckless — potentially punitive damages.
What are punitive damages in a DUI case?
Punitive damages are awarded to punish especially reckless conduct, beyond compensating your losses. California Civil Code 3294 permits them where a defendant acted with malice or conscious disregard for safety, which drunk driving can satisfy. They are decided case by case.
Can a bar be held responsible for serving the driver?
Usually not. California strictly limits dram-shop liability, so bars and social hosts generally are not liable for serving alcohol to adults. A narrow exception under Business and Professions Code 25602.1 applies to serving an obviously intoxicated minor. We review whether any exception fits your case.
Should I wait for the criminal case to finish?
No. Your civil claim has its own two-year deadline under California Code of Civil Procedure 335.1 and should proceed on its own track. A criminal conviction can actually help your civil case, but you should not delay starting it.