If you suffered a car crash provoked by an intoxicated person and wonder what the average settlement when hit by a drunk driver is, a quick answer says it’s $80,000. In California, as of 2025, the average settlement ranges between $10,000 and $125,000. These are approximate numbers to use as a reference and don’t apply to all settlements. Each amount will vary depending on the severity of the injuries, the damages, medical expenses, and the insurance coverage of the at-fault driver.
In this article, we’ll go more in-depth about these unwanted situations, the average settlements depending on the sustained injuries, and specific accidents involving drunk drivers in California. If you or a loved one has already been in this situation and is looking for compensation, we can help. DUI accident attorneys at Megeredchian Law have the experience and legal knowledge to seek maximum compensation for you.
Call (866) 359-0807 to speak to an attorney directly. Megeredchian Law offers free consultation and 24/7 availability. Hablamos Español.
Average Settlement When Hit by a Drunk Driver – a 2025 Update
In California, compensation for individuals struck by a drunk driver typically falls within a broad range, however, most DUI cases allow a victim of the drunk driver to recover maximum compensation and sometimes even punitive damages. Lower-end payouts are often associated with cases involving minimal injuries or where the evidence proving the intoxicated driver’s responsibility is weak. Conversely, when victims sustain significant harm, such as permanent disabilities, and there is solid evidence showing the driver’s fault, settlements can exceed $125,000.
The estimated average settlement is approximately $100,000, so long as insurance policies permit. As we mentioned before, although this provides a useful point of reference, the actual amount awarded in any given case can vary considerably depending on the specific facts, including how serious the injuries are, the clarity of liability, and the available insurance coverage.
Drunk Driver Settlements by Type of Accident
Rear-End Collisions
Payouts for being rear-ended by a drunk driver generally fall between $50,000 and $150,000. These crashes often lead to injuries like whiplash, spinal strain, or even more serious trauma, depending on the force of impact. Compensation in these cases usually includes medical bills, income lost during recovery, vehicle repairs, and damages for physical and emotional suffering. The total settlement will depend on how badly the victim was hurt and how the injuries affect their daily life.
Head-On Collisions
When a drunk driver causes a head-on crash, the settlement amounts are usually much higher, often between $100,000 and $500,000. These accidents are extremely dangerous and frequently cause life-threatening or permanent injuries. Settlements typically cover extensive medical care, future rehabilitation, ongoing wage loss, and compensation for severe physical and emotional harm.
T-Bone Accidents (Side-Impact Collisions)
Side-impact crashes caused by intoxicated drivers, especially at intersections, can lead to settlements ranging from $75,000 to $300,000. Victims often suffer broken bones, internal injuries, and concussions. These cases may involve disputes over traffic signals or right-of-way, but the involvement of alcohol usually strengthens the victim’s case.
Pedestrian Accidents
When a drunk driver hits a pedestrian, the results are often catastrophic. Settlements can range from $100,000 to over $1 million, depending on the injuries. Compensation for these pedestrian accidents typically includes emergency treatment, surgery, rehabilitation, psychological trauma, and long-term disability.
Hit-and-Run Incidents
If a drunk driver flees the scene, victims may still be able to recover damages through their uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Settlements in hit-and-run DUI cases vary widely but often fall between $50,000 and $250,000, depending on the available insurance and injury severity.
Fatal Drunk Driving Accidents
In wrongful death claims, families of victims may pursue settlements or jury awards ranging from $500,000 to several million dollars. If the at-fault driver was drunk, California law allows for punitive damages—additional money meant to punish the driver for gross negligence or recklessness. This can significantly increase the total settlement or verdict.
Drunk Driving Settlements in California
Here’s a breakdown of various accidents involving drunk drivers in different locations across California, along with their settlement amounts:
$45 Million Settlement – Los Angeles
A high-speed collision caused by a drunk driver left a victim with permanent spinal cord injuries and severe cognitive impairment. The defendant’s blood alcohol content exceeded twice the legal limit. The case settled for $45 million to cover future medical care, lost earnings, and pain and suffering.
$8.25 Million Settlement – Central California
A stop sign violation by an intoxicated driver caused a crash that killed three family members and left one survivor paralyzed. In addition to suing the driver, the victim’s family brought a claim against the county for failure to maintain safe intersection signage. The matter was resolved for $8.25 million.
$3.5 Million Settlement – San Diego
A passenger suffered a traumatic brain injury when the vehicle they were riding in was struck head-on by a drunk driver. After months of litigation and expert testimony, the case settled for $3.5 million to fund neurorehabilitation and psychological therapy.
$1.3 Million Settlement – California
In a case involving a car and semi-truck collision, the victim sustained back injuries and PTSD. The defendant was found to be under the influence at the time of the accident. The settlement amounted to $1.3 million, addressing medical bills, therapy, and emotional distress.
$1.2 Million Settlement – Sacramento
A woman suffered multiple fractures and PTSD after being hit by a drunk driver who ran a red light. She was unable to return to work for over a year. The settlement amount of $1.2 million covered her medical costs, lost income, and emotional trauma.
$1.2 Million Settlement – Los Angeles
A drunk driver collided head-on with another vehicle, resulting in the victim suffering a broken clavicle and facial nerve damage. The case settled for $1.2 million, covering medical expenses, pain and suffering, and future rehabilitation costs.
$915,000 Settlement – Fresno
A victim sustained severe neck pain and ongoing headaches after being rear-ended by a drunk driver. The case was resolved for $915,000, allowing for continued pain management therapy and income replacement.
$500,000 Settlement – Riverside
A man was permanently disabled after a drunk driver T-boned his vehicle at an intersection. Though the at-fault party carried limited insurance, a lawsuit against a third-party bar resulted in a combined $500,000 settlement.
$350,000 Settlement – Santa Barbara
A driver who failed field sobriety tests collided with a family vehicle, injuring two children. Both required orthopedic surgery and counseling. The total settlement reached $350,000, distributed between the children and their parents.
$301,000 Settlement – Orange County
A rear-end crash caused by a drunk driver led to chronic back and neck pain for the victim. After months of physical therapy and a missed career opportunity, the claim was settled for $301,000.
$100,000 Settlement – San Jose
A pedestrian was struck in a parking lot by a driver under the influence of alcohol. Though injuries were minor, the trauma led to ongoing anxiety and fear of public spaces. The settlement of $100,000 reflected the psychological toll of the event.
$75,000 Settlement – Bakersfield
A minor accident caused by a drunk driver left a passenger with soft tissue injuries and emotional distress. The insurance policy limit was reached, resulting in a $75,000 settlement to avoid litigation.If you or a loved one were hit by a drunk driver and seek compensation, call Megerechian Law at (866) 359-0807. Our lawyers have the knowledge, the experience, and the skills to fight for maximum compensation on your behalf. Don’t settle for less than what you deserve!