Proposed California Legislation Targets DUI Offenders
Drunk driving has been one of the most recognized fatal events in California. 1,500 people die in drunk driving accidents in the state each year, and multitudes of vulnerable drivers and their passengers are left injured. Unfortunately, most drivers who commit DUI offenses are left to return to the road in mere time later, free to continue through a path of recklessness that other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians end up paying for. New proposed legislation could change this, however. Keep reading to learn more about these possible regulations, how it could change penalization for DUI drivers, and how Los Angeles catastrophic injury attorneys can help you after an accident.
What Are New DUI Laws that Have Gone into Effect in 2026?
Some of the new DUI laws that have gone into effect in 2026 include:
- AB 366– This new legislation extends a program enacted in 2019 until January 1st, 2033, which requires people convicted of a DUI (excluding first-time offenders) to install a device known as an ignition interlock device (IID). This breathalyzer device is installed in vehicles and only allows the vehicle to start if the driver can show through a breath that they are not impaired.
- AB 1087– This bill extends the period of probation for a person who is convicted of vehicular manslaughter due to killing a person while driving under the influence. Now the period of probation must be between 3 to 5 years, in comparison to the previous allotted maximum probation time of 2 years.
- AB 321– Perhaps one of the most controversial bills to come into effect, this bill grants judges the authority to reduce ‘wobbler’ (offenses that can be charged and punished as either misdemeanor or felony) offenses from felonies to misdemeanors. This includes DUI offenses.
How Will New Proposed Legislation Combat DUI Offenders?
There has been a longstanding belief that many DUI offenders are not punished to the fullest extent, often receiving suspended licenses or similar punishments, which may seem lenient or make it easier to commit more serious offences in the near future. For example, California law according to the DMV states that drivers 21-and-under who are arrested for driving under the influence receive an Order of Suspension for a 4-month driver’s license suspension, along with a temporary license. Before that suspension goes into effect, these drivers are issued the temporary license for 30-day use, so long as their driver’s license is up to date, and they are not charged with any other driving violations.
Leniency like this is why a group of California lawmakers are proposing new legislation that imposes much stricter guidelines for DUI offenders. Some of the proposed legislation targeting individuals caught driving under the influence would include:
- Requiring first-time DUI offenders to install IIDs in their vehicle
- Lengthen the time of license suspensions and revocations (typically 4 to 10 months for first-time offenders)
- Having license suspensions be effective immediately after being released from custody in an arrest
- Increased DUI training for law enforcement (including specialized drug recognition training, properly administered chemical tests, and more)
- Having a 3rd time DUI offense be recognized as a felony (still currently recognized as a misdemeanor)
How Can Catastrophic Injury Attorneys in Los Angeles Help After a DUI Accident?
If you were involved in a car accident and were seriously injured due to the negligent or reckless acts of a driver who was operating a vehicle under the influence, you could file a personal injury claim to obtain compensation for your injuries. A catastrophic injury attorney in Los Angeles can help make your voice heard. An attorney can help with:
- Presenting your claim
- Helping to collect evidence to support your claim
- Providing legal insight on your individual claim’s value and strength
- Interviewing expert witnesses to provide further evidence for your injuries
- Negotiating a fair compensation for your case
- Representing you in all legal communications with the other parties involved
What are Common Catastrophic Injuries from a DUI Accident?
Catastrophic injuries are life-altering injuries that permanently change a person’s daily routine. Because of the recklessness of drivers who operate heavy vehicles at fast speeds when under the influence, other vulnerable drivers often suffer these injuries. Typical catastrophic injuries from a DUI accident can include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) occur when trauma is caused to the brain due to blunt force or other similar incidents. These injuries often lead to some form of mental or physical impairment, such as confusion, disorientation, loss of coordination, loss of cognitive abilities, and in serious events, brain death.
- Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are extremely serious, as the spinal cord cannot heal like other parts of the body. Spinal cord injuries can result in symptoms of pain, loss of movement, weakness, and even paralysis.
- Burn Injuries
Burn injuries resulting from a DUI car accident can further develop into disfigurement, nerve damage, and even end in amputation of limbs for some of the seriously injured.
- Amputations
The trauma from a DUI accident can sometimes end in amputation, or removal of limbs. This can dramatically change someone’s life, including their ability to work, complete daily tasks, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a Deadline for when I Can File a Personal Injury Claim?
Yes, injured individuals have 2 years from the date of the DUI accident and injury to file a personal injury claim.
What Happens if the Statute of Limitations for My DUI Accident Runs Out?
When the deadline aka statute of limitations for a personal injury claim runs out, you forfeit your right to obtain compensation, and any potential claim is dismissed.
If My Loved One Died from Their Catastrophic Injuries, Can I Still File a Claim?
Losing a loved one to catastrophic injuries from a DUI accident can be traumatic and overwhelming, but surviving loved ones could potentially obtain compensation from a wrongful death attorney. Consult with a wrongful death lawyer from BD&J to learn more.
How Much Compensation Can I Recover in a Personal Injury Claim?
Every personal injury claim is different, but there are a few factors considered when calculating the value of a case. Some of these factors include the severity of the injuries sustained, property damages, pain and emotional suffering, the need for further medical treatments like physical rehabilitation and in-home care, as well as loss of income if unable to work.
What if the Other Driver’s Insurance Lowballs Me on the First Offer?
You absolutely should not be taking an insurance company’s first offer. Lowballing on the first offer is the norm for most insurance companies, as they are trying to save as much money as possible. Having the representation of a catastrophic injury lawyer can allow for further negotiations to obtain a fair compensation amount.
Do I Have to Pay Upfront to Work with BD&J?
No! Our legal team advances case costs and works on a contingency basis. This means that all you have to worry about is recovering from injuries.
How Do Contingency Fees Work?
Working with a law firm under a contingency fee structure means that all case costs are advanced to you, so you don’t pay anything upfront. Attorney payment is taken from the final compensation amount after the case is settled. So, no fees until we win*.
How To Navigate the Aftermath of a DUI Accident
After a DUI accident, you may be afflicted with numerous overwhelming emotions but knowing how to navigate the aftermath is key to your wellbeing and that of a potential claim. After a DUI car accident, you’ll want to:
- Avoid interacting with the other driver. – Emotions are running high, and it’s important to maintain your space from the other driver. If they are under the influence of another substance, they may be more prone to violence and aggression as well.
- Report the accident to the appropriate authorities. – Getting a police report after a DUI accident is essential. Call the police immediately after an accident.
- Seek treatment for medical injuries. – Do not wait to get medical attention, even if you don’t feel the symptoms of any injuries. Seek treatment immediately.
- Talk to a catastrophic injury attorney in Los Angeles. – If you or a passenger in your vehicle suffered catastrophic injuries due to a DUI accident, speak with a catastrophic injury attorney in Los Angeles as soon as possible. At BD&J, we provide free initial consultations for injured Californians to see if they have a case.
Connect with BD&J Catastrophic Injury Attorneys in Los Angeles for Unmatched Legal Counsel
DUI laws are going to effect, and new bills are being proposed. But DUI accidents are still happening every day, impacting innocent lives. If you suffered a catastrophic injury in a DUI accident, speak with a catastrophic injury lawyer from the compassionate team at BD&J. With more than 20 years defending clients and over $2 billion* recovered, we continue to fight for justice and fair compensation for residents of Los Angeles and throughout California. Call us now to book your free consultation.
Suffered catastrophic injuries in a DUI accident? Call the attorneys at BD&J now!