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Fourth of July is one of the most dangerous days on Southern California roads. Full stop. Backyard parties, fireworks shows, packed restaurants across Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside Counties — alcohol flows, and so do the crashes. If you or someone you love got hit by a drunk driver this holiday weekend, you may be entitled to real financial compensation. Our team at Tez Law P.C. represents injury victims in West Covina, Los Angeles, Anaheim, Ontario, Pomona, Riverside, and San Bernardino. We’re here to make sure you know your rights — and we’ll fight to protect them. Protect your rights — we handle the rest.
Why July 4th Is the Deadliest Drinking-and-Driving Holiday in California
The numbers don’t lie. California Highway Patrol consistently flags Independence Day as one of the highest-volume DUI enforcement periods of the entire year. During the Fourth of July “Maximum Enforcement Period,” CHP floods freeways and surface streets with extra officers. Sobriety checkpoints pop up at key corridors — the 10, 60, 91, 210 — across LA, San Bernardino, Riverside, and Orange Counties. And yet thousands of impaired drivers still get through. Events like fireworks at Angels Stadium in Anaheim, community shows in Riverside and Ontario, and celebrations near Pomona draw massive crowds — many of whom get behind the wheel when they shouldn’t. According to California’s SWITRS collision database, DUI crashes spike more than 40 percent during holiday weekends compared to typical summer weekends. The injuries we see? Traumatic brain injuries. Spinal cord damage. Broken bones. Wrongful death. These aren’t minor fender-benders — these are life-changing moments that deserve serious legal attention.
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Under California Vehicle Code §23153, a drunk driver who injures another person while operating a vehicle under the influence is guilty of a felony DUI causing injury. But criminal charges against the at-fault driver are only one piece of the picture. As a civil victim, you have independent legal rights to pursue compensation — regardless of what happens in criminal court.
How a Fourth of July DUI Crash Affects You as an Injury Victim
Being injured by a drunk driver doesn’t just mean dealing with physical pain — it can upend every aspect of your life. Here is what victims in the greater Los Angeles area commonly face after a holiday DUI accident:
- Medical bills: Emergency room treatment, surgery, hospitalization, physical therapy, and ongoing specialist care can quickly reach tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars.
- Lost income: If your injuries prevent you from working — even temporarily — you are losing wages and potentially career advancement.
- Pain and suffering: California law allows injury victims to recover non-economic damages for physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, and reduced quality of life.
- Property damage: Your vehicle and personal belongings destroyed or damaged in the crash are compensable losses.
- Wrongful death: If you lost a family member to a drunk driving crash this July 4th, surviving family members in California may bring a wrongful death claim under Code of Civil Procedure §377.60.
California also allows victims to pursue punitive damages against drunk drivers. Under Civil Code §3294, courts may award additional compensation specifically designed to punish particularly reckless conduct — and driving drunk on a holiday qualifies. This means your total recovery could exceed ordinary compensation limits.
It is also worth noting that liability may extend beyond just the drunk driver. Under California’s Dram Shop laws and Civil Code §1714, social hosts who furnish alcohol to obviously intoxicated guests, and in some cases commercial establishments that over-serve patrons, may share liability for resulting accidents. An experienced attorney can identify every party responsible for your injuries.
What You Should Do Right Now After a Holiday DUI Accident
The steps you take immediately after a DUI crash in Los Angeles or surrounding counties can directly affect the value of your case. Follow these critical actions:
- Call 911 immediately. A police report documenting the crash, the at-fault driver’s impairment, and any field sobriety or breathalyzer results is essential evidence in your civil case.
- Seek emergency medical care. Even if you feel fine, get evaluated at a hospital. Adrenaline masks pain, and delayed diagnosis of internal injuries or concussions can be life-threatening — and can hurt your legal claim.
- Document everything. Photograph the accident scene, vehicle damage, your visible injuries, road conditions, and any nearby surveillance cameras or businesses that may have footage.
- Get witness information. Names, phone numbers, and statements from bystanders can be critical evidence.
- Do not speak to the other driver’s insurance company. Insurance adjusters work to minimize payouts. Do not give a recorded statement or accept any settlement offer before speaking with an attorney.
- Contact a personal injury lawyer immediately. California’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of injury under Code of Civil Procedure §335.1. However, evidence disappears fast — surveillance footage gets overwritten, witnesses forget details, and skid marks fade. Acting now protects your claim.
Why Choose Tez Law P.C. for Your DUI Injury Claim
At Tez Law P.C., managing attorney JJ Zhang (California Bar #326666) represents injury victims across West Covina, Los Angeles, Pomona, Ontario, San Bernardino, Riverside, and Anaheim with aggressive, client-centered advocacy. Here is why Southern California victims trust Tez Law:
- No fees unless we win. We handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
- Multilingual representation. Our team serves clients in English, Mandarin, and additional languages — critical in diverse communities across LA and San Gabriel Valley.
- Full-service legal firm. In addition to personal injury, we assist clients with immigration services — so if your accident raised immigration concerns, we can address those simultaneously.
- Local knowledge. We know the local courts, insurance carriers, and defense tactics used in Los Angeles County, San Bernardino County, Riverside County, and Orange County.
- Direct attorney access. You work directly with JJ Zhang and our legal team — not passed off to a case manager.
Time is critical. Request your free consultation today and let us begin protecting your rights immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fourth of July DUI Accidents in California
Can I sue a drunk driver even if they are facing criminal DUI charges?
Absolutely. Your civil personal injury lawsuit is completely separate from the criminal case against the drunk driver. In fact, a criminal conviction or guilty plea can actually strengthen your civil case by establishing the driver’s negligence. You do not need to wait for the criminal case to conclude before filing your civil claim, and in most cases, you should not wait — evidence preservation and the statute of limitations make early action essential.
What if the drunk driver who hit me had no insurance or limited insurance?
This is more common than people realize, especially during holiday weekends. California law requires you to carry uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, and if you have it, your own insurance may compensate you for the at-fault driver’s shortfall. Additionally, if a bar, restaurant, or party host over-served the driver, they may also be liable. Tez Law P.C. will investigate every possible source of recovery to maximize your compensation.
How long do I have to file a DUI injury claim in California?
California’s general statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident under Code of Civil Procedure §335.1. However, if a government entity — such as a city bus or county vehicle — is involved, you may have as little as six months to file a government tort claim. Wrongful death claims also carry specific deadlines. Do not assume you have time to wait. Contact Tez Law P.C. immediately after your accident to ensure your rights are fully protected.
This Fourth of July, do not let a drunk driver’s reckless decision destroy your financial future. Whether your accident happened on the 10 Freeway in West Covina, the streets of downtown Los Angeles, or anywhere across Southern California, Tez Law P.C. is ready to fight for the full compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation — available in English and Mandarin. There are no fees unless we win your case.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Contact Tez Law P.C. at 626-678-8677 or [email protected] for advice specific to your situation. Results may vary.