Injured by a Drunk Driver in Encino? Attorney Anthony Girgis Can Help.
Drunk driving accidents are among the most devastating and preventable collisions on California roads. When a drunk or impaired driver injures you or a loved one, you deserve aggressive legal representation that fights for every dollar of compensation you are owed — including punitive damages that are only available in cases involving extreme recklessness like drunk driving. Attorney Anthony Girgis has recovered millions of dollars for accident victims throughout Encino and the San Fernando Valley for over 16 years.
There are no upfront fees and you pay nothing unless we win your case. Call (818) 986-5000 for a free consultation available 24/7.
Drunk Driving Accidents in Los Angeles and Encino
Los Angeles County consistently ranks among the most dangerous counties in California for DUI-related accidents. According to California Highway Patrol data, DUI crashes account for hundreds of serious injuries and fatalities in LA County every year. The San Fernando Valley — including Ventura Boulevard, the 101 Freeway, and the 405 Freeway — sees a disproportionate share of these accidents, particularly late at night and on weekends.
In Encino, drunk driving accidents frequently occur on Ventura Boulevard near bars and restaurants, on the 101 Freeway on and off ramps near Balboa Boulevard and White Oak Avenue, and at intersections along Sepulveda Boulevard and Balboa Boulevard. Attorney Anthony Girgis is based steps from these locations and has represented drunk driving accident victims from these exact roads for over 16 years.
Why Drunk Driving Accident Cases Are Different
Drunk driving accident cases are different from standard car accident claims in one critical way — you may be entitled to punitive damages in addition to your compensatory damages. While compensatory damages cover your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, punitive damages are awarded specifically to punish the drunk driver for their reckless behavior and deter others from doing the same.
California Civil Code Section 3294 allows punitive damages when the defendant acted with malice, oppression, or fraud. Courts have consistently found that choosing to drive drunk constitutes the kind of conscious disregard for others’ safety that justifies punitive damages. This means your total recovery in a drunk driving case can be significantly higher than in a standard car accident case.
Criminal vs. Civil Cases After a Drunk Driving Accident
When a drunk driver injures you, two separate legal proceedings may occur simultaneously. The criminal case is prosecuted by the government and can result in the drunk driver’s arrest, fines, license suspension, and imprisonment. The civil personal injury case is your case — filed by you to recover compensation for your injuries and losses.
You do not need to wait for the criminal case to resolve before pursuing your civil claim. In fact acting quickly is essential because evidence including the drunk driver’s blood alcohol records, surveillance footage, and witness statements must be preserved immediately. Attorney Anthony Girgis moves fast to secure this evidence and build the strongest possible case on your behalf.
Common Injuries in Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk driving accidents frequently cause severe injuries because impaired drivers often fail to brake or take evasive action before impact. Common injuries include traumatic brain injuries and skull fractures, spinal cord injuries including partial or complete paralysis, broken bones and fractures throughout the body, internal organ damage from the force of impact, severe lacerations and burns, and wrongful death.
Attorney Anthony Girgis works with trusted medical providers throughout the San Fernando Valley who treat drunk driving accident victims on a lien basis — meaning you can receive treatment without health insurance or upfront payment.
What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident in Encino
Call 911 immediately — make sure the police respond so a DUI investigation can begin. Tell the responding officer if you noticed signs of impairment in the other driver such as the smell of alcohol, slurred speech, or erratic behavior before the crash. Seek medical attention immediately even if you feel fine. Photograph all vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Get contact information from all witnesses. Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance adjuster without consulting an attorney first. Call Girgis Law Firm at (818) 986-5000 immediately — preserving blood alcohol records and surveillance footage requires urgent action.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Drunk Driving Accident?
If you were injured by a drunk driver in Encino, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses including emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, physical therapy, and future treatment, lost wages and lost earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from working, pain and suffering for the physical and emotional impact of your injuries, property damage to your vehicle and personal belongings, and punitive damages for the drunk driver’s reckless conduct.
California follows pure comparative negligence, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault — your recovery is simply reduced by your percentage of fault.
Why Choose Girgis Law Firm for Your Drunk Driving Accident Case?
Over 16 years of personal injury experience in Encino and the San Fernando Valley. Millions recovered for accident victims throughout Los Angeles County including drunk driving cases. Experience pursuing punitive damages in cases involving extreme recklessness. You work directly with attorney Anthony Girgis — not case managers or assistants. No fees unless we win — 100% contingency fee basis. Free consultation available 24/7. Access to trusted medical providers who treat on a lien basis — no health insurance needed.
Request a Free Consultation
Injured by a drunk driver in Encino? Call attorney Anthony Girgis at (818) 986-5000 for a free consultation — available 24/7. No fees unless we win.
Girgis Law Firm, APC
16055 Ventura Blvd., Suite 810, Encino, CA 91436
Phone: (818) 986-5000
Email: anthony@girgislawfirm.com
