Top Drunk Driving Accident Lawsuit Settlement Amounts in California

Drunk driving accidents continue to cause serious injuries and deaths across California each year. When an impaired driver causes a crash, victims may pursue legal action to recover compensation for medical expenses, emotional trauma, and long-term care. Over the years, many drunk driving lawsuits in California have resulted in multi-million-dollar settlements.

This article outlines some of the top drunk driving accident lawsuit settlement amounts in California, illustrating how victims have been financially compensated after suffering devastating losses due to the recklessness of impaired drivers.

Notable Drunk Driving Accident Settlements in California

$45 Million Settlement – Los Angeles

A high-speed collision caused by a drunk driver left a victim with permanent spinal cord injuries and severe cognitive impairment. The defendant’s blood alcohol content exceeded twice the legal limit. The case settled for $45 million to cover future medical care, lost earnings, and pain and suffering.

$8.25 Million Settlement – Central California

A stop sign violation by an intoxicated driver caused a crash that killed three family members and left one survivor paralyzed. In addition to suing the driver, the victim’s family brought a claim against the county for failure to maintain safe intersection signage. The matter resolved for $8.25 million.

$3.5 Million Settlement – San Diego

A passenger suffered a traumatic brain injury when the vehicle they were riding in was struck head-on by a drunk driver. After months of litigation and expert testimony, the case settled for $3.5 million to fund neurorehabilitation and psychological therapy.

$1.2 Million Settlement – Sacramento

A woman suffered multiple fractures and PTSD after being hit by a drunk driver who ran a red light. She was unable to return to work for over a year. The settlement amount of $1.2 million covered her medical costs, lost income, and emotional trauma.

$915,000 Settlement – Fresno

A victim sustained severe neck pain and ongoing headaches after being rear-ended by a drunk driver. The case was resolved for $915,000, allowing for continued pain management therapy and income replacement.

$500,000 Settlement – Riverside

A man was permanently disabled after a drunk driver T-boned his vehicle at an intersection. Though the at-fault party carried limited insurance, a lawsuit against a third-party bar resulted in a combined $500,000 settlement.

$350,000 Settlement – Santa Barbara

A driver who failed field sobriety tests collided with a family vehicle, injuring two children. Both required orthopedic surgery and counseling. The total settlement reached $350,000, distributed between the children and their parents.

$301,000 Settlement – Orange County

A rear-end crash caused by a drunk driver led to chronic back and neck pain for the victim. After months of physical therapy and a missed career opportunity, the claim was settled for $301,000.

$100,000 Settlement – San Jose

A pedestrian was struck in a parking lot by a driver under the influence of alcohol. Though injuries were minor, the trauma led to ongoing anxiety and fear of public spaces. The settlement of $100,000 reflected the psychological toll of the event.

$75,000 Settlement – Bakersfield

A minor accident caused by a drunk driver left a passenger with soft tissue injuries and emotional distress. The insurance policy limit was reached, resulting in a $75,000 settlement to avoid litigation.

What Affects the Value of a Drunk Driving Accident Settlement?

Several important factors influence the value of a drunk driving accident settlement in California:

  • Severity of injuries – Victims who suffer permanent disability, brain damage, or long-term trauma tend to receive higher settlements.
  • Clear liability – Drunk driving cases often come with strong evidence, such as blood alcohol test results and police reports, which support the victim’s claim.
  • Insurance limits – The size of the defendant’s auto and umbrella insurance coverage can cap or increase settlement potential.
  • Medical and economic damages – Past and future treatment costs, lost wages, and loss of future earning potential are central to determining total compensation.
  • Punitive damages – In some cases, victims may be eligible to recover additional compensation meant to punish grossly negligent behavior, such as repeat DUIs.

Drunk Driving Lawsuits in California: Your Rights

If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash involving an impaired driver, you may be entitled to compensation for:

  • Emergency medical care and surgeries
  • Physical therapy, rehabilitation, and home modifications
  • Lost wages and future earning capacity
  • Psychological counseling for trauma or PTSD
  • Pain and suffering
  • In select cases, punitive damages to hold the drunk driver fully accountable

In California, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1.

Conclusion

Drunk driving remains a dangerous and preventable cause of serious accidents in California. The settlement amounts highlighted above reflect the severity of harm inflicted by intoxicated drivers and the justice secured through civil litigation. If you or someone you love has been affected by a drunk driving crash, speaking with a San Diego car crash attorney can help you understand your legal options and pursue the compensation you deserve.

References