Does Insurance Pay for Drunk Driving Accidents?

Yes, insurance usually does pay for drunk driving accidents. However, that doesn’t mean the process goes smoothly. These cases often come with roadblocks that don’t make sense, and that’s what makes them frustrating.

Even when the other driver gets arrested, the insurance company might push back or move slowly. Some victims get stuck waiting for help that never arrives.

Our Sacramento drunk driving accident lawyers work with people who feel like they’re doing everything right but still getting nowhere. We know how to move things forward when the system feels stuck.

Why You Need to Talk to a Sacramento Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Right Away

Drunk driving crashes don’t just cause injuries. They also leave you angry, exhausted, and stuck with problems someone else created. And while the other driver deals with their charges, you’re left trying to figure out what’s next.

A Sacramento car accident lawyer can take the pressure off. From handling the paperwork to protecting your medical records, we make sure nothing gets lost in the shuffle.

You need a Sacramento personal injury lawyer who knows how to manage the moving parts. Drunk driving cases involve criminal investigations, insurance claims, and sometimes more than one policy. We make sure you don’t miss a step.

How Insurance Covers Drunk Driving Accidents in California

Insurance companies don’t automatically pay just because the driver was drunk. Even when the facts seem obvious, adjusters may try to shift blame, delay the process, or rush you into a low offer.

The drunk driver’s liability coverage usually applies, but it’s not always enough. Some drivers carry only the bare minimum, which doesn’t come close to covering medical bills, time off work, or long-term effects. If the driver has no insurance or not enough to cover your losses, your own uninsured or underinsured motorist policy may step in.

We help you figure out what’s available and what to do when the insurance company stops taking you seriously. That happens more than it should.

What Makes These Cases Different

These cases carry more weight. The injuries tend to be worse. The driver made a choice to get behind the wheel after drinking. And the ripple effects can hit every part of your life—your job, your family, your ability to focus or sleep.

A Sacramento drunk driving accident attorney takes on more than just the claim. We look at police reports, sobriety tests, medical evaluations, and witness statements. We work with experts who can explain how the crash happened and why it caused the damage it did.

You shouldn’t have to keep reliving the crash just to get help. We build the case for you and deal with the insurance company so you don’t have to.

Can You File a Lawsuit After a Drunk Driving Crash?

Yes, you can. Sometimes, it’s the only way to get a fair outcome. Insurance doesn’t always cover the full extent of what happened, especially when the injuries require long-term care or change how you live and work. A lawsuit gives you the chance to pursue compensation that actually reflects your losses.

That may include lost income, future care, and in some cases, punitive damages. The court may award these when the driver’s actions go beyond ordinary carelessness.

Every case is different. We help you decide if taking it further makes sense and walk you through what that process might look like, step by step.

Additional Compensation Options After a Drunk Driving Crash

Some cases involve more than just the driver. In certain situations, you may have the option to hold a bar, restaurant, or social host accountable if they contributed to the crash by overserving, ignoring warning signs, or allowing an underage driver to leave with keys.

California’s dram shop laws, outlined in Civil Code § 1714(b), generally protect alcohol servers from liability. But if they knowingly served alcohol to a minor, they may be held responsible for the harm that followed. We look into every angle, even the ones most people wouldn’t think to check.

You deserve a full and honest look at what happened, not just a quick insurance answer. We dig deeper because that’s often where the real accountability lives.

What to Do After a Drunk Driving Crash in Sacramento

The minutes and hours after a crash can feel like a blur. But if you can, take these steps:

• Call 911 and make sure officers document the scene.
• Get checked by a doctor, even if the injuries feel small.
• Take photos of everything: the cars, the road, and any visible injuries.
• Ask for a copy of the police report when it’s ready.
• Don’t speak to the other driver’s insurance until you’ve talked to a lawyer.

One bad decision by someone else shouldn’t turn into a hundred small mistakes on your side. We’re here to help you keep things steady.

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

Most injury claims from car accidents in California must be filed within two years from the date of the crash. That time can slip by faster than you think, especially if you’re dealing with medical treatment, car repairs, missed work, and everything else that piles up after a crash. 

The earlier we get involved, the better your case holds together. We don’t wait until things fall apart. We act fast to preserve evidence, line up records, and protect your claim from the start, so nothing important slips through the cracks while you’re trying to recover.

Call a Sacramento Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Who Shows Up Prepared

Drunk driving crashes deserve more than quick paperwork and fast settlements. These cases carry weight, and they deserve real preparation.

At Triumph Law, we put in the work from day one. Our team, which boasts over 20 years of legal experience, helps clients get the medical care they need, take on the costs of building a strong case, and stand up to insurance companies that try to cut corners.

Does insurance pay for drunk driving accidents? It should. And if it doesn’t, we’re ready to fight for what you deserve. Call now for a free, confidential consultation.