Drunk driving accidents in Phoenix frequently cause horrific injuries, and those hurt in these crashes frequently face weeks or months of lost income and expensive medical bills. If you sustained injuries in a crash caused by a drunk driver, you need a skilled personal injury attorney from Triumph Law Group.
Our Phoenix drunk driving car accident lawyers understand your frustrations and the challenges you face. We can handle your legal case while you concentrate on healing. We know you’re facing financial stress because of the accident, so we don’t charge any upfront fees. Call 602-595-5559 now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
Why You Need an Attorney After a Phoenix Drunk Driving Accident
Rebuilding your life after a drunk driving accident can take a lot of time and money. However, you must also act quickly after a collision to maximize your chances of a successful claim, and you’re likely in no condition to handle a tough legal battle.
A Phoenix drunk driving accident attorney can fight on your behalf for fair compensation while you recuperate from the crash. They can investigate the accident, gather evidence to prove the other driver was intoxicated, document your injuries, file an insurance claim, and represent you in settlement negotiations. Lawyers know the tactics insurers use to avoid liability or reduce your compensation, and your lawyer can counter these strategies to help you get a better deal.
While most drunk driving accident cases end with an insurance settlement, your attorney can also represent you in court if your case goes to trial. Let a Phoenix drunk driving accident attorney from Triumph Law Group protect your rights and simplify your life during a stressful time.
Who’s Liable for a Drunk Driving Accident in Phoenix?
Under Arizona law, it’s illegal for any driver 21 or older to operate a car or other vehicle if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08 percent or higher. The legal BAC limit for commercial drivers is 0.04 percent, while drivers under 21 cannot have a BAC above 0 percent. It’s also illegal for drivers to operate a vehicle with any intoxicating substance system in their system if their ability to drive safely is impaired because of that substance. Taken together, these laws make drunk drivers liable for accidents they cause in nearly all circumstances.
However, the drunk driver may not be the only party liable for a collision. For example, Arizona law also makes bars, liquor stores, restaurants, and other alcohol vendors liable for accidents in certain circumstances. For this law to apply, the vendor must have served someone who was under 21 or who was obviously intoxicated, and then that person must have caused a crash that harmed someone.
Finally, there are instances where other parties contribute to drunk driving crashes. For instance, defective vehicle components can contribute to accidents if a component fails, and a wreck occurs because of that failure. While the drunk driver is the primary liable party in most cases, injured drivers and passengers can seek additional compensation by filing claims against other involved parties.
Evidence to Prove a Driver Was Drunk
One of a drunk driving accident lawyer’s key roles is to collect evidence showing a driver was intoxicated and caused a collision. Some evidence drunk driving accident attorneys commonly use in these cases includes:
- Police reports – If the police arrested the driver, the police report may include results from chemical tests showing the driver’s BAC. Even if there’s no BAC included in the report, the officer’s notes may include secondary evidence that the driver was impaired, such as the driver slurring their words or having trouble with their balance.
- Eyewitness accounts – Eyewitness testimony can provide a neutral perspective on what happened in a collision. If someone saw the driver’s car moving erratically or that the driver had a drink in their hand, that could be compelling evidence of intoxication. Someone at a bar, restaurant, or liquor store may also have seen the driver before the crash and could testify about their state at the time.
- Surveillance footage – Footage from traffic or surveillance footage sometimes captures drivers acting aggressively on the road or with drinks in their hands. Surveillance footage from a business can also show if the driver purchased alcoholic drinks and their condition when they left the business.
- Forensic accident investigations – Specially trained investigators can use crash scene photos, police reports, and other evidence to reconstruct the collision and demonstrate how it happened. For example, skid marks at the scene can show if and when the driver applied the brakes, which can indicate if the driver’s cognition or reflexes were impaired.
What To Do After a Phoenix Drunk Driving Accident
The most important thing to do after a drunk driving accident is to seek medical attention. However, you should also take whatever steps you can to protect your rights and increase your chances of a successful claim. Those steps could include:
- Calling 911 – Call the police immediately if you suspect the driver who hit you was drunk. The police can test the driver to see if they’re intoxicated and may arrest them. Even if the police don’t arrest the driver, you want to make sure the police file a crash report. You’ll need the report for your claim, as it establishes a basic set of facts for the insurance companies.
- Documenting the scene – If your injuries allow, use your phone to take pictures of your injuries, any damage your vehicle sustained, the positions of all the cars involved in the crash, the location of the crash, and other potentially helpful evidence (such as any skid marks on the road). This visual evidence can make a huge difference in your claim.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions – Once emergency responders take you to a hospital or you see a doctor, make sure you follow your prescribed treatment plan. Not only is following your doctor’s orders crucial for protecting your health, but failing to follow those instructions can also make your injuries seem less severe to the insurance companies.
- Save your medical records and receipts – You need thorough proof of your injuries and financial losses to recover maximum compensation after a drunk driving accident. Your medical records can show the nature and severity of your injuries, while your receipts demonstrate the crash’s financial cost.
- Don’t discuss your case – Avoid discussing the accident with anyone other than your attorney. Insurance companies can use your statements to weaken your case and reduce your compensation. Be particularly careful about what you post on social media, as insurance companies can find your posts and use them against you.
- Speak to an attorney – A Phoenix drunk driving car accident attorney can start your claim while you recover, which can help you get your money faster and give your lawyer time to preserve essential evidence.
Compensation in Drunk Driving Accident Claims
Depending on your injuries and other factors, your compensation after a drunk driving accident could include money for:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost income and reduced future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Damaged personal property
Deadline to File a Drunk Driving Accident Lawsuit
Generally speaking, you have two years from a drunk driving accident to file a lawsuit. Contact an attorney right away so they have ample time to build your case without the threat of impending deadlines.
Contact Our Phoenix Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers Now
Our Phoenix drunk driving accident attorneys can help you rebuild your life after a crash. Call the car accident lawyers of Triumph Law Group now at 602-595-5559 or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
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