Can I still sue if the driver wasn’t convicted of a DUI?

Yes. A criminal conviction is not required to file a civil claim. If the driver was negligent or impaired, you may still recover damages through a personal injury lawsuit.

What should I do if I suspect the driver who hit me was drunk?

Tell law enforcement immediately, request a copy of the police report, and seek medical care. Do not discuss fault or accept early settlement offers without legal advice.

How long do I have to file a claim after a drunk driving crash?

In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim in California. It's best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible while evidence is still fresh.

Can I get more compensation because the driver was drunk?

Possibly. California courts sometimes award punitive damages in DUI crashes to punish reckless behavior. Your attorney can assess whether or not your case qualifies.

Published July 2, 2025

What You Should Know About Drunk Driving Laws in Long Beach and Across California

Staying Safe in Long Beach this Summer

Drunk driving remains one of the most dangerous and preventable causes of car crashes across California. In cities like Long Beach, where nightlife, coastal traffic, and high-speed corridors collide, alcohol related incidents are common. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, it’s important to understand how DUI laws work, and what your options are if you’re injured by an impaired driver. In this blog, we’ll break down California’s drunk driving rules, explore what makes Long Beach unique, and explain how a Long Beach car accident attorney can help if you’ve been hurt in an alcohol-related crash.

California DUI Laws

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal across all 58 counties in California, including Los Angeles County, where Long Beach is located. A driver is considered legally impaired if:

– Their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher for most drivers

– 0.04% or higher for commercial drivers

– Any detectable alcohol for drivers under 21 (zero-tolerance policy)

Law enforcement officers may also arrest a driver if they’re impaired by prescription drugs, marijuana, or other substances. So, even if their BAC is under the legal limit, a person may still be arrested for a DUI.

A DUI can lead to jail time, license suspension, fines, mandatory education classes, and installation of an ignition interlock device. But, when someone causes an accident while intoxicated, the legal consequences extend far beyond criminal penalties.

Drunk Driving in Long Beach

Long Beach’s downtown entertainment scene, bar-heavy areas like 2^nd Street and Pine Avenue, and fast-moving routes like Pacific Coast Highway all create high-risk zones for impaired driving. Crashes involving alcohol often happen during weekends, holidays, and at night.

Pedestrians, cyclists, and rideshare passengers are particularly vulnerable in these areas. Even at low speeds, a drunk driver’s delayed reaction time can lead to life-altering injuries.

Victims of drunk driving accidents in Long Beach may be entitled to compensation beyond what’s covered by basic insurance. A skilled Long Beach car accident attorney can help build a civil case for damages, especially if the driver was arrested for DUI or had a prior offense.

How to Protect Yourself After A DUI Crash

If you’re involved in an accident and suspect that the other driver is under the influence, follow these 5 steps.

Call 911 immediately and request medical attention and police response
Do not confront the driver. Let law enforcement handle the situation with a field sobriety test
Take detailed notes and photos, including the driver’s behavior, slurred speech, or open containers visible in the vehicle.
Request a copy of the police report
Contact a car accident attorney in Long Beach

Having the right legal support can make all the difference in recovering full and fair compensation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still sue if the driver wasn’t convicted of a DUI?
- Yes. A criminal conviction is not required to file a civil claim. If the driver was negligent or impaired, you may still recover damages through a personal injury lawsuit.
What should I do if I suspect the driver who hit me was drunk?
- Tell law enforcement immediately, request a copy of the police report, and seek medical care. Do not discuss fault or accept early settlement offers without legal advice.
How long do I have to file a claim after a drunk driving crash?
- In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim in Long Beach. It’s best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible while evidence is still fresh.
Can I get more compensation because the driver was drunk?
- Possibly. California courts sometimes award punitive damages in DUI crashes to punish reckless behavior. Your attorney can assess whether or not your case qualifies.

Defending Injured Long Beach Residents from Dangerous Drunk Driving

Drunk driving is unacceptable in every situation on the road. Not only does it endanger the drunk driver, but it also places other innocent Long Beach residents in danger. At BD&J, we approach drunk driving cases with fierce strategies aimed at pursuing justice for those who were injured by recklessness. If you were injured in a drunk driving accident in Long Beach or other area of California, contact us today to see if you qualify for compensation.

Personal Injury Blog