Los Angeles Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

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Joshua W. Glotzer, Esq

Managing Partner

A drunk driving crash often leaves you sorting through medical care, insurance calls, and questions about what comes next. A Los Angeles drunk driving accident lawyer at Glotzer & Leib LLP can step in quickly, protect your claim, and pursue payment for the harm caused by an impaired driver.

Call 747-241-8288 for a free case evaluation and get clear direction on your options.

What Should You Do Right After a Drunk Driving Crash?

Start with medical care and basic evidence. Your actions in the first hours and days shape how insurers and defense lawyers treat your claim.

  • Seek treatment right away, even if pain seems mild. Providers at UCLA Medical Center or Cedars-Sinai Medical Center can document injuries that may not show up immediately. Ask for copies of records and imaging reports.
  • Report the crash to law enforcement and request the report number. Officers often note signs of impairment, field sobriety tests, or an arrest, which can support your case.
  • Take photos of vehicle damage, the roadway, and any visible injuries. If the collision occurred near Sunset Boulevard or the 405 interchange, capture signage, traffic flow, and lighting conditions.
  • Limit conversations with insurance adjusters until you’ve spoken with counsel. Early statements can be used to reduce or deny payment. 

Then contact our attorneys. We’ll review your case at no cost and explain your options.

How California Law Treats Drunk Driving Collisions 

California allows injured people to pursue civil claims against an impaired driver for the losses caused. A criminal DUI case may run at the same time, but your civil case focuses on financial recovery.

Key legal terms you may hear include:

  • Negligence: A failure to use reasonable care, such as driving under the influence and causing a crash.
  • Liability: Legal responsibility for the harm caused; more than one party can share liability.
  • Comparative fault: California’s rule that reduces recovery by your share of fault, if any.
  • Damages: The money sought for medical care, lost income, vehicle damage, and the impact on daily life.

Courts in Los Angeles County often see DUI-related injury cases tied to busy corridors like Wilshire Boulevard or near LAX. Local procedures and jury expectations matter, and our team builds cases with those realities in mind. 

Why Work with Glotzer & Leib LLP?

You need a team that moves quickly, gathers proof, and pushes back on low offers. We bring over 50 years of combined legal experience, a 10.0 Superb rating on Avvo, and recognition as a Top Rated Personal Injury Attorney in Los Angeles, CA by Super Lawyers. 

Our approach centers on careful case building and steady communication. We review police reports, obtain toxicology results when available, interview witnesses, and coordinate with medical providers to document the full impact of your injuries. 

What Our Clients Say

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Clients often share how that approach changes the outcome.

One client wrote, “Mr. Glotzer represented me after I was involved in a Los Angeles car accident. I was badly injured,but the insurance company refused to offer me a reasonable settlement. I decided to find an attorney and decided to hire Josh. His law firm did a great job on my case. They were very responsive to all my questions and obtained a great resolution for me. I received way more money than was originally offered. I would recommend their firm to friends and family.”

Another shared, “Don’t try to deal with insurance companies on your own. They strung me along for almost two years before I gave the case to Glotzer & Leib. Josh and his team quickly obtained a settlement that netted me many times what the insurance company was offering. Thank You!”

What Makes Drunk Driving Cases Different from Other Crashes? 

Evidence tied to impairment often strengthens liability and can influence settlement value. DUI arrests, breath or blood test results, and officer observations provide additional proof beyond standard negligence.

Civil claims may also include punitive damages in certain situations. Punitive damages aim to punish especially reckless conduct and discourage similar behavior. Courts consider the driver’s actions, prior history, and the facts of the incident.

We’ve handled serious injury cases that required detailed reconstruction and strong negotiation. Prior results include $1.6 million for an auto collision and $2.8 million for a commercial truck wreck. Every case turns on its own facts, but thorough preparation positions you for a better outcome.

Shot glass and car keys on a table, representing drunk driving risks in Los Angeles

How Does the Claims Process Work?

A typical claim moves through investigation, demand, negotiation, and, if needed, litigation. Early steps focus on building a strong file that insurers take seriously.

We start by collecting records, photos, witness statements, and any DUI-related evidence. Next, we prepare a demand package that outlines liability and documents your losses. Insurers respond with an offer, and we negotiate with clear support for each figure.

If an insurer refuses a fair resolution, we file a lawsuit in Los Angeles County Superior Court. Litigation involves written discovery, depositions, and, sometimes, expert testimony. Many cases resolve before trial, but we prepare as if a jury will hear the case.

What Can You Recover After a Drunk Driving Crash? 

Compensation reflects the real impact on your life and finances. We calculate losses carefully and support each category with records and, when helpful, expert input.

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Recoverable damages may include: 

  • Medical expenses, including emergency care, follow-up visits, therapy, and future treatment.
  • Lost income and reduced earning capacity if injuries affect your ability to work.
  • Property damage, such as vehicle repair or replacement.
  • Non-economic losses, including pain, limitations in daily activities, and the strain on relationships.
  • Punitive damages in appropriate DUI cases.

A claim involving a severe injury on the 10 Freeway may include long-term care planning, while a crash near Griffith Park might focus more on recovery time and missed work. The details matter, and we match the evidence to your situation.

Why Do You Need a Lawyer for A DUI Injury Case?

A lawyer brings structure, evidence, and negotiation leverage that changes how insurers respond. Adjusters track deadlines, request statements, and may push quick settlements before the full scope of injuries is clear.

We handle communication, preserve evidence, and present a well-supported demand. That includes organizing medical records, linking treatment to the crash, and addressing any arguments about shared fault. When necessary, we move the case into court and prepare it for trial.

You also gain clarity about fees. Our firm works on a contingency basis, which means legal fees come from the recovery, not upfront payments. That aligns our work with your outcome.

If you’re dealing with the aftermath of a DUI crash, now is the time to take control of your case. Call Glotzer & Leib LLP at 747-241-8288 for a free case evaluation and get straightforward answers about your next steps.

How Long Do You Have to File a Claim in California?

California generally sets a two-year deadline from the date of injury to file a Los Angeles personal injury lawsuit. Claims against public entities follow shorter notice rules, often requiring action within six months.

Deadlines can shift based on specific facts, such as a minor’s claim or delayed discovery of an injury. We review your timeline early and take steps to protect your rights.

What If the Driver Was Uninsured or Underinsured?

Your own policy may provide coverage through uninsured or underinsured motorist benefits. These claims still require proof of fault and damages, and insurers may dispute value. 

We review your policy, identify available coverage, and pursue all applicable sources of recovery. That can include multiple policies if the facts support it.

Driver holding a beer bottle while gripping the steering wheel in Los Angeles

How We Build Strong DUI Injury Cases 

We focus on details that make a difference in Los Angeles courts and negotiations. Our process includes securing police and arrest records, obtaining toxicology reports when available, and documenting your medical course from day one. 

We also address common defense tactics. Insurers may argue that injuries stem from a prior condition or that treatment gaps reduce value. We counter those points with clear timelines, physician opinions, and consistent documentation.

Our drunk driving accident attorneys in Los Angeles emphasize preparation and steady advocacy. That approach often leads to more productive negotiations and, when needed, readiness for trial.

Client Experience and Results That Matter

Clients often come to us after initial offers fall short. A structured case file, supported by records and clear analysis, changes the conversation.

Our results include $1.25 million for a slip and fall and $995,000 for a negligent security claim. While those matters differ from DUI crashes, they reflect how we build and present cases. In auto injury matters, careful documentation and persistence drive outcomes. 

A client noted, “My wife was in a car accident last year and Josh did an amazing job representing her. It’s very refreshing to see someone in his profession that actually cares and puts his clients first. He’s the best in the business and I feel so fortunate that I was referred to him. Keep up the great work and thanks for everything you did for my family!”

Local Insight That Shapes Your Case 

Los Angeles traffic patterns, late-night congestion, and event schedules affect how crashes occur and how evidence is gathered. For example, incidents near Dodger Stadium after games may involve heavy traffic and limited parking, while late-night collisions in West Hollywood often involve rideshare activity and crowded streets. 

We use that local knowledge to locate cameras, identify witnesses, and understand how juries in this area view DUI conduct. That context supports a stronger presentation from the start.

If you’re comparing Los Angeles drunk driving accident lawyers, look for a firm that can point to local procedures, medical provider coordination, and a clear plan for your case. Those details translate into a more organized claim. That local knowledge is backed by data — LA traffic fatality statistics show how often impaired driving contributes to serious harm across Los Angeles County.

Frequently Asked Questions About Drunk Driving Accident Claims in LA

Do I need a lawyer after a drunk driving accident in Los Angeles?

Yes. A lawyer organizes evidence, handles insurer communications, and pursues full payment for your losses. Early involvement helps preserve proof such as police records and medical documentation, and it reduces the risk of statements being used against you. 

How much does it cost to hire a DUI accident attorney?

Most personal injury firms, including ours, work on a contingency fee. You don’t pay upfront; fees come from the recovery. We explain the percentage and any case costs during your consultation so you know what to expect.

What if I was partly at fault for the crash?

California follows a comparative fault rule. You can still recover money, reduced by your share of responsibility. We gather evidence to limit any unfair assignment of fault and present a clear account of what happened. 

Will the drunk driver’s criminal case affect my injury claim?

The criminal case can provide helpful evidence, such as arrest records or test results, but it does not decide your civil claim. Your case focuses on financial recovery and may proceed on a different timeline. 

How long will my case take to resolve?

Timelines vary based on injuries, treatment, and insurer response. Some claims resolve in months, while others take longer if litigation becomes necessary. We set expectations early and keep the case moving with regular milestones.

Speak With a Los Angeles Drunk Driving Accident Attorney TodayPhoto of personal injury attorneys from Glotzer & Leib 

A serious crash demands a clear plan and steady action. Our team at Glotzer & Leib LLP will review your case, explain your options, and move forward with a strategy built on evidence and local knowledge.

Call 747-241-8288 for a free case evaluation and speak with a Los Angeles drunk driving accident attorney who will take your case seriously and pursue the result your situation supports.

GLOTZER & LEIB, LLP 714 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015

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      “Mr. Glotzer represented me after I was involved in a car accident. I was badly injured,but the insurance company refused to offer me a reasonable settlement. I decided to find an attorney and decided to hire Josh.

      His law firm did a great job on my case. They were very responsive to all my questions and obtained a great resolution for me. I received way more money than was originally offered. I would recommend their firm to friends and family.”

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      “Mr. Josh Glotzer is a great attorney. Over the last 15 years he has helped me on a number of cases with professionalism, and more importantly a positive outcome in my favor. I have referred him to a number of friends and colleagues, all of which have been equally as happy with his legal representation. I trust him and confident in legal ability. I highly recommend his law firm.”

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      “Don’t try to deal with insurance companies on your own. They strung me along for almost two years before I gave the case to Glotzer & Leib. Josh and his team quickly obtained a settlement that netted me many times what the insurance company was offering. Thank You!”

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      “My wife was in a car accident last year and Josh did an amazing job representing her. It’s very refreshing to see someone in his profession that actually cares and puts his clients first. He’s the best in the business and I feel so fortunate that I was referred to him. Keep up the great work and thanks for everything you did for my family!”

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      “I was in a rear end car accident last year and hired Mr. Glotzer’s office. It wasn’t a big case but their office helped me with my property damage claim and did a good job resolving the injury portion of the case as well.”

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