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Action Guide
Raffi Naljian: What to Do If Hit by a Drunk Driver
Attorney Raffi Naljian helps victims of drunk driving accidents pursue maximum compensation including punitive damages. Acting quickly after a DUI accident preserves crucial evidence that can significantly increase your recovery.
Hit by a drunk driver?
Raffi Naljian
California Personal Injury, Litigation & Criminal Defense Attorney
Raffi Garabed Naljian is an active California attorney listed under State Bar #238919. The State Bar profile lists personal injury, litigation, criminal law, and business law among his self-reported practice areas, and Naljian Law Offices describes a Glendale practice handling criminal defense and civil litigation, including personal injury matters.
View Full ProfileIs This the Right Attorney for Your Case?
Raffi Naljian has extensive experience with drunk driving accident cases where punitive damages are available. He coordinates with prosecutors to obtain blood alcohol evidence and police reports that strengthen your civil claim.
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The most helpful preparation is chronological: what happened first, when symptoms appeared, when care started, who contacted insurance, and what has changed since.
What to Do Next
- 1Call 911—request officer test driver for intoxication
- 2Note signs of impairment (slurred speech, smell of alcohol)
- 3Get police report number—crucial for BAC evidence
- 4Photograph the scene and driver if safe
- 5Get witness statements about driver behavior
- 6Contact Raffi Naljian before speaking to any insurance company
Evidence Checklist
- Police report with BAC results
- Criminal DUI charge documents
- Witness statements about impairment
- Bar or restaurant receipts if available
- Toxicology and blood test results
- Photos of alcohol containers in vehicle
- Officer body camera footage
- Your complete medical records
DUI victims deserve maximum compensation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not insisting police test driver for alcohol
- Accepting quick settlement before criminal case resolves
- Not preserving evidence of punitive damage potential
- Failing to get bar or establishment records
- Settling before knowing full extent of injuries
How the Process Typically Works
1
Criminal Proceedings
Monitor DUI criminal case for evidence and conviction
2
Evidence Collection
Obtain BAC results, police reports, and bar records
3
Civil Claim
File personal injury lawsuit seeking punitive damages
4
Negotiation or Trial
Drunk drivers often settle to avoid jury sympathy for victim
Damages You May Be Able to Recover
- •Compensatory damages (medical, lost wages)
- •Punitive damages for drunk driving
- •Pain and suffering (often higher in DUI cases)
- •Emotional distress
- •Dram shop liability (if applicable)
- •Wrongful death damages if fatal
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get punitive damages from a drunk driver?
Yes. California law allows punitive damages when the driver acted with conscious disregard for safety, which drunk driving demonstrates.
Does the criminal case affect my civil lawsuit?
A DUI conviction helps your civil case, but you can win even if criminal charges are dropped. The evidence standards are different.
Can I sue the bar that served the drunk driver?
California has limited dram shop liability, but you may have claims if they served someone visibly intoxicated or a minor.
How much more can I recover in a drunk driving case?
DUI cases often settle for 2-5x more than standard accidents due to punitive damage exposure and jury sympathy.
What if the drunk driver has no insurance?
Your UM coverage applies, and Raffi Naljian can pursue the driver personally and any dram shop defendants.
Free intake review—Participating attorneys may review the criminal coordination.
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Important Disclosures
Attorney Advertising. This website is designed for general information only. The information presented at this site should not be construed as formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. No attorney-client relationship is formed by viewing this website or submitting a contact form. Results vary based on the specific facts and circumstances of each case.