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Hit by a Drunk Driver in Los Angeles: Your Rights as an Injured Victim

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Hit by a Drunk Driver in Los Angeles: Your Rights as an Injured Victim

This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. For advice about your specific situation, contact the Law Offices of Gary K. Walch, A Law Corporation directly.

Being hit by a drunk or drug-impaired driver in Los Angeles is infuriating and frightening. While the police and prosecutors may handle the criminal side, you still have to deal with medical treatment, missed work, and the long-term impact of your injuries.

The Law Offices of Gary K. Walch, A Law Corporation is a California personal injury law firm that represents victims of drunk driving crashes across Los Angeles and Southern California.

Common Drunk Driving Crash Injuries

Impaired drivers often cause high-speed or head-on collisions, leading to:

  • Traumatic brain injuries and concussions

  • Neck and back injuries, including herniated discs

  • Serious fractures and internal injuries

  • Wrongful death

Even “moderate” impacts can cause life-changing damage.

Civil Claims vs. Criminal Charges

A criminal DUI case:

  • Focuses on punishing the impaired driver

  • Is controlled by the prosecutor, not you

Your civil injury claim:

  • Focuses on compensation for your losses

  • Can include medical bills, future care, lost income, and pain and suffering

  • May pursue additional damages in severe cases

You can have both a criminal case and a civil case arising from the same crash.

How Walch Law Supports Drunk Driving Victims

Walch Law can:

  • Obtain police and chemical test reports

  • Use evidence of impairment to support your civil claim

  • Pursue all available insurance, including your own UM/UIM coverage if necessary

  • Seek compensation that reflects the full impact of the crash on your life

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to wait for the DUI criminal case to end before starting my claim?

A: Not necessarily. Civil claims often move forward while the criminal case is pending. A lawyer can coordinate timing and use evidence from the criminal case to help your claim.

Q: Can I still have a claim if criminal charges are never filed?

A: Yes. The civil standard of proof is different. You may still prove impairment and negligence in a civil case even if there is no criminal case or conviction.

Q: How does the Law Offices of Gary K. Walch, A Law Corporation help families in fatal DUI cases?

A: In fatal crashes, Walch Law can bring wrongful death and related claims on behalf of surviving family members and guide them through a very difficult process with care and respect.

Contact Information
Calabasas and Valley Law Offices
23801 Calabasas Road Suite 1019
Calabasas, CA 91302
Toll Free: 866-465-8792Phone: 818-222-3400Fax: 818-222-3405
Beverly Hills and Los Angeles Law Offices
9440 Santa Monica Blvd Suite 301
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Toll Free: 866-465-8792Phone: 310-279-5255Fax: 818-222-3405
We serve clients throughout Southern California, including, but not limited to, those in the following localities: Los Angeles County, including Beverly Hills, Burbank, Calabasas, Glendale, Inglewood, Lancaster, Long Beach, Los Angeles, North Hollywood, Norwalk, Palmdale, Pasadena, Pomona, Van Nuys, West Covina and Woodland Hills; Orange County, including Anaheim, Costa Mesa, Irvine, Orange and Santa Ana; Riverside County, including Menifee, Norco and Riverside; San Bernardino County, including Fontana, Ontario and San Bernardino; and Ventura County, including Camarillo, Oxnard, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks and Ventura. View More
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