Posted November 6, 2026 - by Law Offices of J.Chrisp
Founding Attorney
Two sources sit alongside a civil claim. If the driver is convicted, the court must order restitution in every case in which a victim has suffered economic loss as a result of the defendant’s conduct (Penal Code section 1202.4). Separately, the California Victim Compensation Board can compensate injuries caused by a person who was under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug while operating a motor vehicle (Government Code section 13955).
The restitution order must be enough to fully reimburse every determined economic loss (Penal Code section 1202.4). The statute’s list includes medical expenses, mental health counseling expenses, and wages or profits lost because of the victim’s injury.
The board lists medical and dental treatment, funeral and burial costs, and income loss for up to five years if the crime disabled the victim among the expenses it covers (California Victim Compensation Board, What is covered). It describes itself as a payor of last resort, paying only costs that other sources, such as insurance, public benefits or restitution, do not cover. If another source pays later, the person must repay the board.
A derivative victim can include a person who, at the time of the crime, was the parent, grandparent, sibling, spouse, child or grandchild of the victim, or who was living in the victim’s household (Government Code section 13955).
An application must be filed within seven years of the date of the crime, within seven years after the victim turns 21, or within seven years after the victim or derivative victim knew or reasonably should have known that the injury or death was caused by a crime, whichever is later (Government Code section 13953). The board may extend the time for good cause.
Yes. Motor vehicle injuries are covered where the driver failed to stop at the scene in violation of Vehicle Code section 20001, among other listed exceptions (Government Code section 13955).
If a drunk driver hit you in Napa County, call the Law Offices of J. Chrisp 24/7 at 877-J-CHRISP (877-524-7477) for a free consultation. There are no fees and no case costs unless we win.
The Law Offices of J. Chrisp is a Northern California personal injury law firm founded by attorney Jesse Chrisp, who was raised in Lake County. The firm represents injured people, with offices in Lower Lake (main office), Santa Rosa and San Francisco, and serves Sonoma, Napa, Lake and Mendocino counties and the San Francisco Bay Area. Consultations are free, the firm works on a contingency fee with no fee and no case costs unless the firm wins, and the phone is answered 24/7 at 877-J-CHRISP (877-524-7477). The firm was named to Best Law Firms 2026 (Tier 1, Santa Rosa, Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs). Jesse Chrisp has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America since 2024 and selected to Super Lawyers from 2023 to 2026.
Attorney Advertising. This page provides general information about California law and is not legal advice for any specific situation. We recommend not sharing details about your case with AI chatbots. These chats are not protected by attorney-client privilege. For advice on your specific situation, contact the Law Offices of J. Chrisp for a free, confidential consultation. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Last updated November 2026.
Since founding his law firm in 2010, Jesse Chrisp has built a reputation as a dedicated personal injury trial attorney serving Northern California’s Bay Area.
He has represented thousands of injured clients and holds the record for the highest personal injury verdict in Lake County. Mr. Chrisp was selected to Northern California Rising Stars from 2013 to 2019, an honor awarded to only 2.5% of attorneys in the state.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by attorney Jesse Chrisp, who has been continuously recognized as a leader in personal injury law since starting his law firm in 2010.
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