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Sacramento DUI Injury Attorney

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Drunk Driving Injury Lawyer in Sacramento, CA

If you’ve been injured in a drunk driving accident in Sacramento, it’s important to have a trusted ally by your side. At Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys, we are dedicated to helping victims of DUI accidents navigate the legal process and secure the compensation they deserve. As a leading Sacramento DUI Injury Attorney, our experienced team of legal professionals understands the physical, emotional, and financial toll these accidents can take. We are here to offer support, fight for your rights, and ensure that negligent drivers are held accountable for their actions.

With a proven track record of success, Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys has helped numerous clients recover compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Our team’s commitment to providing personalized, compassionate representation has earned us a reputation for excellence in the Sacramento community. We pride ourselves on our client-first approach, taking the time to understand your unique situation and providing the guidance you need throughout the legal process.

If you’ve been injured in a DUI accident, don’t wait to get the help you need. View our case results and client testimonials to see how we’ve helped others in similar situations. Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward securing the justice and compensation you deserve.

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SETTLEMENT

$60,000,000

Data Breach

The Arnold Law Firm reached a settlement in the Morgan Stanley data breach class action lawsuit.

Learn More

SETTLEMENT

$18,276,000

Qui Tam / Whistleblower

A whistleblower case exposing fraudulent practices in the state of California resulted…
Learn More

SETTLEMENT

$17,000,000

Data Breach

The Arnold Law Firm reached a settlement in the Kemper and Infinity data breach…
Learn More

SETTLEMENT

$17,000,000

Data Breach

The Arnold Law Firm reached a settlement in the Kemper and Infinity data breach…
Learn More

SETTLEMENT

$8,000,000

Truck Accident

Late one spring afternoon, the Arnold Law Firm received a call from Angela, a young…
Learn More

JUDGEMENT

$3,900,000

Car Accident

The fatal collision between plaintiff’s Jeep Liberty and defendant’s Volvo truck…
Learn More

What Qualifies as a Drunk Driving Injury Case in California?

In California, a drunk driving injury case is typically defined as an accident caused by a driver operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Legally, a driver is considered impaired if their blood alcohol content (BAC) exceeds 0.08%. However, drivers may still face DUI charges even with a BAC lower than this threshold if their driving ability is visibly impaired due to alcohol or drug use.

Drunk driving accidents can involve various types of incidents, including personal injury, wrongful death, and property damage. Personal injury cases are the most common, where victims suffer physical injuries such as broken bones, spinal cord injuries, or traumatic brain injuries (TBI). In some cases, these injuries may result in long-term medical treatments or permanent disabilities. If a victim dies as a result of a DUI accident, a wrongful death claim can be filed by their surviving family members, seeking compensation for the loss. Additionally, property damage claims can be made for vehicles or other property that was damaged during the accident.

California law also recognizes different DUI classifications, such as misdemeanor DUI or felony DUI, which may depend on factors like prior DUI offenses, whether there was a death or serious injury involved, or if the driver was particularly reckless. Understanding these classifications can help victims and their families better navigate the legal process following a DUI-related accident.

Serious Injuries Caused by Drunk Drivers in Sacramento

Drunk driving accidents in Sacramento often lead to severe and life-altering injuries, many of which require long-term medical care and can result in permanent disabilities. Some of the most common injuries sustained in these types of accidents include:

  • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): A blow to the head in a DUI accident can cause traumatic brain injuries, which may result in lasting cognitive impairments, memory loss, emotional difficulties, and physical disabilities. TBIs can require ongoing therapy, rehabilitation, and significant life adjustments.
  • Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord from a drunk driving accident can lead to partial or total paralysis, significantly affecting the victim’s ability to move or function independently. These injuries often necessitate extensive medical care, physical therapy, and long-term care.
  • Broken Bones and Fractures: Drunk driving accidents frequently result in broken bones or fractures. Severe fractures often require surgery and a prolonged recovery period, impacting the victim’s ability to work and perform everyday activities.
  • Internal Organ Damage: High-impact collisions caused by drunk drivers can lead to severe internal injuries, such as damage to the heart, lungs, liver, or kidneys. These injuries can be life-threatening and often require immediate surgery and long-term monitoring.
  • Permanent Disabilities: Some accidents lead to irreversible injuries, such as amputations or severe nerve damage, which result in lifelong disabilities. These disabilities can significantly impact the victim’s quality of life, preventing them from returning to work or engaging in previous activities.
  • Emotional Trauma and PTSD: Beyond the physical injuries, victims of DUI accidents may experience emotional trauma, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These psychological injuries can further complicate the recovery process and require ongoing mental health treatment.

Who Is Legally Responsible After a Drunk Driving Accident?

In California, determining liability in a drunk driving accident involves identifying the responsible parties who caused harm to the victim. The primary party held liable is often the drunk driver, who can face both criminal charges and civil responsibility for any damages resulting from their impaired driving.

However, California law allows for other parties to be held accountable under certain circumstances:

  • The Drunk Driver: When a driver is intoxicated, either by alcohol or drugs, they are typically held fully responsible for the accident. In addition to civil liability for personal injury claims, the driver may also face criminal charges for DUI (driving under the influence), which can affect the case and the compensation awarded.
  • Establishments Serving Alcohol (Dram Shop Laws): Under California’s dram shop laws, bars, restaurants, and other alcohol-serving establishments can be held liable if they knowingly serve alcohol to an already intoxicated person or a minor, and that person subsequently causes a drunk driving accident. This is an important legal consideration, especially if the drunk driver had been drinking at a local establishment before the crash.
  • Vehicle Owners: If the drunk driver was operating someone else’s vehicle, the vehicle owner could also be held liable. This is particularly true if the owner knowingly allowed the intoxicated driver to use their car. In these cases, both the driver and the vehicle owner may share liability for the damages.

These scenarios can complicate the legal process, but an experienced drunk driving injury lawyer in Sacramento, CA, can help identify all potentially liable parties.

Can You Sue a Drunk Driver in California?

In California, victims of drunk driving accidents can file a personal injury lawsuit against the intoxicated driver if they have suffered harm due to the driver’s negligence. Under California law, DUI injury claims are based on the principle of negligence, which means the responsible party must have breached their duty of care by driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In this context, a Sacramento DUI Injury Attorney would help victims pursue compensation for damages like medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress caused by the accident.

California follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning that even if the injured party shares some fault for the accident, they can still recover compensation. However, their damages will be reduced in proportion to their share of the blame. For instance, if the victim is found 30% responsible for the accident, their compensation will be reduced by that percentage.

Alongside the civil lawsuit, the drunk driver may face criminal charges for DUI. While the criminal and civil cases are separate, a criminal conviction for DUI can strengthen the victim’s civil case. If the driver is found guilty in criminal court, it may be easier to prove negligence in the civil case and secure a higher settlement for the victim. The civil lawsuit is focused on compensation for the victim’s damages, while criminal charges are meant to punish the wrongdoer for their actions.

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What Is the Average Settlement for a Drunk Driving Accident in California?

The settlement amount for a drunk driving accident in California can vary significantly based on multiple factors, including:

  • Severity of Injuries: The more serious your injuries, the higher the potential settlement. Catastrophic injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord damage, often result in larger settlements to cover medical expenses, rehabilitation, and long-term care needs.
  • Long-Term Treatment Needs: If your injuries require ongoing medical care, such as therapy or surgeries, this will be considered when determining the settlement. A Severe accident injury lawyer can help calculate these future expenses to ensure they are included in the claim.
  • Level of Negligence Involved: The drunk driver’s level of negligence can affect compensation. If the driver was highly intoxicated or engaged in reckless behavior, it could increase the settlement amount due to the severity of their actions.
  • Insurance Policy Limits: Insurance policies play a crucial role in settlement amounts. The drunk driver’s insurance may have coverage limits, which could restrict the amount of compensation you receive. However, additional compensation might be pursued from other sources.

What Compensation Can I Receive After a Drunk Driving Accident?

Victims of drunk driving accidents in California can pursue various types of compensation for the harm they have suffered. A Sacramento DUI Injury Attorney can help you seek justice and ensure you receive the financial support necessary to recover. Here are some common types of compensation that may be available:

  • Medical Expenses: This includes compensation for all healthcare costs, such as emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and any ongoing medical care required due to the accident.
  • Long-Term Rehabilitation and Therapy Costs: Injuries from drunk driving accidents can often lead to long-term rehabilitation needs, such as physical therapy, counseling, or specialized care. You may be entitled to compensation for these future medical costs.
  • Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Potential: If the accident prevents you from working or results in permanent disability, you may be eligible for compensation for lost wages and reduced future earning potential.
  • Pain, Suffering, and Emotional Distress: In addition to medical expenses, victims can pursue compensation for the physical pain, emotional trauma, and loss of quality of life caused by the accident.
  • Property Damage Recovery: If your vehicle or personal property was damaged in the accident, you can also seek compensation for repair or replacement costs.

If you’ve been injured by a drunk driver, consulting a DUI Injury Lawyer in Sacramento is essential. Our drunk driving accident law firm Sacramento can assess your case and fight for the compensation you deserve. For more information or to schedule a free consultation with a DUI injury attorney, visit our website.

How Long Do I Have to File a DUI Injury Lawsuit in California?

In California, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit after a drunk driving accident is two years from the date of the accident. This means that if you wish to pursue a claim for injuries sustained in a DUI accident, you must file your lawsuit within two years of the incident. Failure to do so could result in losing your right to seek compensation.

However, there are some important exceptions to this rule. For example, if the victim is a minor at the time of the accident, the statute of limitations may be extended. Additionally, if the claim involves a government entity—such as a case where a government vehicle was involved—the time frame to file may be shorter.

To ensure that your personal injury lawsuit in Sacramento is filed correctly and within the appropriate time limits, it’s important to consult with an Experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. At Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys, we can guide you through the process of filing a DUI injury claim and help you meet all necessary deadlines. 

Why Choose Our Sacramento DUI Injury Attorneys?

At Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys, we bring extensive experience and a proven track record to every DUI injury case we handle in Sacramento. Our Sacramento DUI Injury Attorneys have successfully secured high settlements for victims of drunk driving accidents, ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Our approach is centered on you. As your drunk driving injury lawyer in Sacramento, CA, we understand the emotional and financial toll these accidents take on victims. That’s why we provide a client-first approach, offering personalized legal services tailored to your unique situation. We listen carefully to your story, provide expert legal guidance, and work diligently to protect your rights.

At Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys, we are committed to securing maximum compensation for DUI accidents. We understand the complexities of these cases and have the knowledge and resources to navigate them successfully. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.

With our experienced personal injury lawyers, you can rest assured that we will be there for you every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation DUI injury attorney and take the first step toward justice.

Get Legal Help from Sacramento DUI Injury Lawyers Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a DUI accident in Sacramento, time is of the essence. Don’t wait to seek the legal help you need. Contact Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys today to schedule a free consultation with a dedicated DUI Injury Lawyer in Sacramento. Our team of experienced personal injury lawyers is here to provide you with the support and legal expertise necessary to pursue maximum compensation for your injuries.

We are committed to helping victims of drunk driving accidents recover the medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress they have suffered. As your drunk driving injury lawyer in Sacramento, CA, we fight to hold negligent drivers accountable and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

At Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys, we offer free consultations with no upfront fees. We operate on a contingency basis, meaning you only pay if we win your case. Don’t face this challenging time alone—let us guide you every step of the way.

Call us now or visit our contact us page to get started on your path to justice. Our team is ready to listen to your case and fight for the compensation you deserve.

LATEST NEWS

Treble Damages in California Trucking Cases

justice4you January 30, 2026

California law provides a specific statutory remedy for victims injured by impaired commercial vehicle drivers when their employers fail to meet federal safety requirements. Understanding when treble damages apply—and how they differ from standard punitive damages—is crucial for truck accident victims seeking maximum compensation. What Are Treble Damages? Treble damages allow injured parties to recover three times their actual damages under specific legal circumstances. In California trucking cases, this remedy is narrowly defined and differs significantly from general punitive damages available in other personal injury cases. California Civil Code § 3333.7: Statutory Treble Damages Requirements for Recovery Under California Civil Code § 3333.7, injured parties may recover treble damages from a commercial motor vehicle driver’s employer when all of the

California Trucking Accidents: Standards of Care

justice4you January 29, 2026

California law establishes different standards of care for trucking operations depending on the type of service provided. While most commercial trucking companies transporting freight are subject to ordinary negligence standards, federal motor carrier safety regulations impose enhanced duties that can significantly affect liability in truck accident cases. Key Takeaways: Commercial carriers of goods generally DO NOT have the duty of “utmost care” Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) DO create heightened standards in specific situations Large truck drivers must exercise greater caution than ordinary motorists Licensed motor carriers have nondelegable safety duties Common Carrier Standard: When Does “Utmost Care” Apply? The Enhanced Duty for Passenger Transportation California Civil Code section 2100 requires carriers of persons for reward to use “the

Punitive Damages in California Personal Injury Cases

justice4you January 28, 2026

What Are Punitive Damages? Punitive damages are extra money a court can order a wrongdoer to pay, on top of the money that compensates an injured person for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The main goal of punitive damages is not to repay the victim, but to punish especially bad behavior and to discourage similar conduct in the future. Think of punitive damages as a financial penalty for conduct that is much worse than ordinary carelessness. In California, punitive damages are not common. They are reserved for cases where the defendant’s conduct is particularly harmful, intentional, or shows a conscious disregard for the safety or rights of others. Most personal injury cases involve simple negligence (for example,

Settlement - $3,900,000

Car Accident

The fatal collision between plaintiff’s Jeep Liberty and defendant’s Volvo truck left Ryan Eisenbrandt’s surviving wife and parents with a judgment of $3.9 million, but the defendant’s insurance company refused to pay. This resulted in a second, intense legal battle between Plaintiffs and Defendant’s insurance company.

During the pendency of the wrongful death case, Defendant’s insurance company had filed a federal court action to rescind the defendants $1,000,000 insurance policy, claiming that defendant had made misrepresentations when applying for that policy. Initially, the federal court agreed with the insurance company, granting summary judgment that effectively denied recovery to the Eisenbrandts given the defendant was otherwise insolvent. The Arnold firm and the Eisenbrandts refused to accept this unfair outcome. They appealed the federal judge’s ruling to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The Ninth Circuit reversed the lower court and sent the case back to the same federal judge for a trial on the merits.

Christine Doyle of the Arnold Firm tried the case in February 2011 in front of the same judge who had previously thrown out the Eisenbrandt’s case. A unanimous advisory jury and the trial judge, after hearing the true facts about the insurance company’s effort to avoid responsibility, found in the Eisenbrandts favor. After four years of fighting for what is right, the insurance company was ordered to pay up.

Settlement - $8,000,000

Truck Accident

Morgan Stanley Class Action Data Breach Settlement Attained by the Arnold Law Firm

Late one spring afternoon, the Arnold Law Firm received a call from Angela, a young mother of three. She was calling from the hospital where her husband Christopher had been air-lifted for treatment of severe injuries from a tragic motor vehicle accident earlier that day. Angela’s mother, a past client of our firm, had encouraged her to give us a call.

As it turns out, Angela’s prompt contact with us was a very important decision for their family. Immediate representation allowed our team to secure critical evidence right away — appropriate storage and analysis of the vehicle to avoid tampering, timely professional photography of the scene, and interviews of involved parties — which ended up being imperative to the details of Christopher’s case.

A commercial vehicle had failed to stop at a rural stop-sign intersection, colliding with the compact sedan driven by Christopher, an active 33-year-old father. The impact caused extensive damage to his spinal cord in the cervical area. Despite multiple surgeries, rehabilitation programs for physical and psychological therapy, and in-home care, his injuries rendered him a paraplegic, paralyzed from the mid-chest. In an instant, life as he had known it was gone forever.

At the time of the accident, the at-fault driver of the commercial vehicle was acting within the scope of his employment with a large corporation. With the employer being directly liable, as such, defense counsel fought hard to minimize Christopher’s damages, claiming that his being unemployed at that time devalued his losses. Our legal team made sure Christopher’s true losses were represented, including his potential income, his options and mobility, his ability to provide for and support his family, and the lifetime of care he now needed. Christopher’s injuries also dramatically affected his spouse’s daily life, resulting in a claim on her behalf.

Furthermore, the extent of Christopher’s injuries were, in part, due to defects involving the dual-restraint system in his own vehicle. Despite the manufacturer’s efforts to deny any responsibility, the Arnold Law Firm established negligence relevant to his case.

The result was a settlement of $8 million — the largest pre-trial settlement for this type of case in the region. Christopher now has the resources to receive the ongoing care he now requires, improve the quality of his life and take care of his young family.

Verdict - $10,200,000

Motorcycle Accident

The Arnold Law Firm is pleased to report that our attorneys received a $10.2 million verdict handed down in Modesto. Defense counsel was Kevin Cholakian of San Francisco. The defense rejected a 998 within the $1 million policy limits three years ago. The highest defense offer was $350k.

The case involved a blind corner dirt fire road collision between a truck driven by the defendant and a motorcycle driven by the plaintiff Dan Nixon. THe plaintiff had no recollection of the collision. The defendant claimed that the plaintiff had too much speed for the corner and lost control. The plaintiff’s son (who identified the wrong curve in discovery) claimed that the defendant was on the wrong side of the curve, causing his dad to make an unsuccessful emergency maneuver. The jury assessed 70% fault to the defendant and 30% to plaintiff.

The plaintiff, now 50-years-old, suffered a dislocated right knee with popliteal artery rupture which has left him with an unstable knee, and permanently damaged lower leg. Because of vascular damage he is not a candidate for knee reconstruction or replacement. The plaintiff’s treating doctors testified that he will require an above knee amputation within 20 years. Past lost wages were $78,000 and past medicals were $570,000. The jury awarded $7.5 million in general damages (3 m. past and 4.5 m. future) as well as all future economic damages asked for by the plaintiff. The jury deliberated for 3 and a half hours.

Settlement - $17,000,000

Data Breach

Infinity/Kemper Class Action Data Breach Settlement Attained by the Arnold Law Firm

The Arnold Law Firm, along with co-counsel at Morgan & Morgan, and Mason, Lietz, & Klinger, and Wolf, Haldenstein, Adler, Freeman, & Herz LLP, reached a settlement in the Kemper and Infinity data breach class action lawsuit, also known as Irma Carrera et al. v. Kemper Corporation and Infinity Insurance Company, filed in the United States District Court Northern District of Illinois, Case No. 1:20-cv-01883. The settlement is valued at over $17 million.

The Honorable Judge Martha M. Pacold granted Preliminary Approval of the settlement on October 27, 2021.

In addition to substantial injunctive relief, the class members will receive access to Aura’s Financial Shield Services for a period of 18 months, up to $10,000 for reimbursement of documented out-of-pocket losses reasonably traceable to the Data Breach, up to 3 hours of time spent remedying issues related to the breach at $18 per hour, and $50 for Class Members who are California residents.

History of the data breach: On April 8, 2021, the Arnold Law Firm and Wolf, Haldenstein, Adler, Freeman, & Herz LLP filed the first class action complaint against Kemper and Infinity in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois entitled Irma Carrera Aguallo et al. v. Kemper Corporation and Infinity Insurance Company, Case No. 1:21-cv-01883. The complaint asserted claims against Defendants for: (1) negligence; (2) negligence per se, (3) violation of California’s Unfair Competition Law, Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 17200, et seq. – Unlawful Business Practices, (4) violation of California’s Unfair Competition Law, Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 17200, et seq. – Unfair Business Practices, (5) violation of the California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”), Cal. Civ. Code § 1798.100, et seq., (6) violation of California’s Consumers Legal Remedies Act, Cal. Civ. Code § 1750, et seq., (7) violation of Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act, Florida Statute § 501.201, et seq., (8) breach of implied contract, (9) declaratory judgment, and (10) unjust enrichment arising from the data breach.

Settlement - $18,276,000

Qui Tam / Whistleblower

Whistleblowers Represented by Arnold Law Firm Expose Fraudulent Practices by the Pill Club, Case Settled With California DOJ

The Arnold Law Firm and the Hirst Law Group represented two whistleblowers who helped expose fraudulent practices by a start-up online pharmacy company called The Pill Club.

The company allegedly used fraudulent practices to bill California’s Medicaid program, Medi-Cal, for their services. The Pill Club is also alleged to have violated state laws by allowing nurse practitioners to prescribe contraceptive products to women without proper supervision or training from a licensed medical doctor.

For their part in blowing the whistle on the company they worked for, and as part of California Qui Tam laws, the whistleblowers and their attorneys recovered $4.9 million from the $18.275 million settlement paid to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the California Department of Insurance (CDI).

Settlement - $60,000,000

Data Breach

Morgan Stanley Class Action Data Breach Settlement Attained by the Arnold Law Firm

The Arnold Law Firm, along with co-counsel at Morgan & Morgan, Nussbaum Law Group, P.C. and others, reached a settlement in the Morgan Stanley data breach class action lawsuit, also known as In re Morgan Stanley Data Security Litigation, filed in the United States District Court Southern District of New York, Case No. 1:20-cv-05914-AT. The settlement resulted in a $60 million settlement fund to benefit class members.

The Motion for Preliminary Approval was filed on December 31, 2021 with the Honorable Judge Analisa Torres.

In addition to substantial injunctive relief, the 15 million class members will be provided access to Aura’s Financial Shield services for at least two years, which includes a $1 million insurance policy protecting each subscriber, credit monitoring, identity freezing, dark web monitoring, income tax protection and more services. The fund will also provide payments to people who submit valid claims for out-of-pocket expenses and/or up to four hours of lost-time incurred as a result of the data breach. Lost time allows victims of the data breach to be paid at $25 per hour for up to four hours of attested time spent dealing with the data breach. Out-of-pocket expenses can be claimed up to $10,000 if the costs or expenditures are fairly traceable to the data breach.

History of the data breach: On July 29, 2020, the Arnold Law Firm and Morgan & Morgan filed the first class action lawsuit against Morgan Stanley in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York entitled Sylvia Tillman et al. v. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, LLC., Case No. 1:20-cv-05914. The complaint asserted claims against Defendants for: (1) negligence; (2) invasion of privacy; (3) negligence per se; (4) unjust enrichment; (5) violation of the California Unfair Competition Law, Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 17200, et seq. – Unlawful Business Practices; and (6) violation of California’s Unfair Competition Law, Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 17200, et seq. – Unfair Business Practices.