Being hit by a drunk driver is a traumatic experience. You may face serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and countless questions about what comes next. If you were injured in a drunk driving accident in Phoenix, you may have the right to pursue compensation from the at‑fault driver. An attorney can help you seek damages and work to hold the impaired driver legally accountable. At Triumph Law Group, the legal team understands the physical, emotional, and financial toll these crashes can have on injured people and their families and works to pursue compensation based on the facts of each case.
Why Choose Triumph Law Group for Your Drunk Driving Accident Claim
When you’ve been hit by a drunk driver, it can be important to work with an attorney who understands both the legal issues and the human impact of your situation. Triumph Law Group brings more than a decade of injury‑law experience to each case.
The firm was founded in 2011 and is led by Triumph Curiel, who has been selected to the Super Lawyers Rising Stars list in prior years. The attorney team focuses on personal injury litigation and has obtained significant results, including a reported $4.6 million settlement in a wrongful death case and a $2.135 million recovery in a truck accident matter.
What sets us apart:
- 24/7 availability to answer questions and address concerns
- Representation on a contingency fee basis—attorney’s fees are typically owed only if compensation is recovered
- Free consultations with no obligation
- A trial‑ready approach—cases are prepared as though they may go to court
The firm does not rush to settle. Instead, it investigates the accident, gathers documentation, and negotiates with insurers. If a fair resolution cannot be reached, the case may be prepared for litigation.
Understanding Drunk Driving Accidents in Arizona
Arizona takes impaired driving seriously and has strict DUI statutes intended to protect the public and penalize intoxicated drivers. In civil cases, a violation of these safety laws can be powerful evidence of negligence.
In many drunk driving injury cases, concepts similar to negligence per se may apply, meaning that proof of a DUI statute violation can help establish that the driver breached a legal duty. However, an injured person still must prove that the impaired driving was a proximate cause of the crash and the injuries. Arizona’s comparative negligence rules also apply, so any award can be reduced by the injured person’s percentage of fault, if any.
Evidence in drunk driving accident cases often includes:
- Blood alcohol content (BAC) test results
- Police reports and collision investigation findings
- Witness statements about the driver’s behavior and condition
- Medical records documenting injuries and treatment
- Expert testimony on impairment, accident causation, and damages
Even if you were found partially at fault, Arizona’s comparative negligence system may still allow you to recover compensation, with any award reduced in proportion to your share of responsibility.
Types of Compensation Available After a Drunk Driving Accident
Injury victims in drunk driving crashes may be able to pursue different types of damages, depending on the specifics of the case.
Economic damages can include:
- Medical expenses, such as emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and future treatment
- Lost wages for time missed from work during recovery
- Loss of earning capacity if you cannot return to the same work or hours
- Property damage to your vehicle and personal belongings
Non‑economic damages may address:
- Physical pain and discomfort
- Emotional distress, anxiety, or psychological trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life due to activity limitations
- Loss of consortium in appropriate cases
In some situations, Arizona law may allow punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages when there is clear and convincing evidence that the defendant acted with a particularly egregious mental state, such as a conscious disregard of a substantial risk of significant harm. Evidence that can be relevant to punitive damages may include a very high BAC, extremely reckless driving, or a history of prior DUI incidents, but the availability and amount of any punitive award depend on the facts and proof in each case.
Steps to Take After Being Hit by a Drunk Driver
The moments immediately following a drunk driving accident are important for both your health and your potential claim.
First, prioritize safety. If you can move safely, get yourself and your passengers out of the flow of traffic. Call 911 to report the collision and request medical and law enforcement assistance. Do not assume you are uninjured; some conditions develop gradually.
At the scene, document as much as you reasonably can:
- Take photos of vehicle damage, the surrounding area, skid marks, traffic controls, and any visible injuries
- Obtain names and contact information for witnesses
- Note the other driver’s license plate, vehicle description, and insurance details
- If police respond, ask for the officer’s name and badge number and the report number
Seek medical attention promptly, even if you feel relatively stable. Conditions such as concussions, internal injuries, and soft‑tissue damage may not be immediately obvious. Prompt evaluation creates a medical record linking your injuries to the crash.
Be cautious about discussing the accident publicly or on social media. Statements, photos, or comments can be taken out of context and sometimes used by insurance companies to challenge claims.
As soon as you are able, consider contacting Triumph Law Group for a free case evaluation. Early involvement allows the firm to begin investigating, identifying evidence, and helping to protect your rights.
How Triumph Law Group Handles Your Drunk Driving Accident Claim
Triumph Law Group follows a structured process designed to pursue fair compensation while keeping you informed.
- Free consultation: The firm listens to your account, reviews available information, and explains potential legal options. Your questions are answered, and there is no obligation to move forward.
- Investigation: The team obtains police reports, medical records, and BAC and toxicology information where available. Witnesses may be interviewed, and any available video or scene evidence is reviewed. Accident reconstruction or other experts can be consulted when appropriate.
- Case building and valuation: Using the gathered evidence, the firm assesses liability, documents your damages, and considers whether punitive damages might be supported.
- Negotiation with insurers: Triumph Law Group handles all communications with insurance companies, prepares a detailed demand letter, and negotiates for a settlement that reflects your losses.
- Litigation if needed: If the insurer does not offer reasonable compensation, the firm may file a lawsuit and prepare the case for trial, while continuing to evaluate settlement opportunities.
Throughout, you receive updates, so you understand the status of your case and the next steps, allowing you to focus on your recovery while the legal work is handled for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drunk Driving Accidents
How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Arizona?
In many Arizona personal injury cases, including those arising from vehicle crashes, the general statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident. Certain circumstances, such as claims involving governmental entities or minors, may affect this timeframe, so it is important to consult with an attorney promptly to determine the deadlines that apply to your situation.
Can I recover compensation if the drunk driver was arrested?
A DUI arrest or conviction can be powerful evidence in a civil case, but you may still bring a claim even if the criminal process is ongoing or does not result in a conviction. A DUI conviction can help demonstrate that the driver violated safety laws, though you must still prove that the impaired driving caused your injuries and resulted in damages. Civil cases use a different burden of proof than criminal prosecutions.
Do I need an attorney for a drunk driving accident claim?
You are not required to hire an attorney, but legal representation often helps injured people better understand their rights, gather and present evidence, and respond to insurer tactics aimed at minimizing payouts. Many personal injury firms, including Triumph Law Group, work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you generally do not owe attorney’s fees unless compensation is recovered.
Contact Triumph Law Group for Your Free Consultation
If you were hit by a drunk driver in Phoenix, you do not have to handle the legal process alone. Triumph Law Group is available to help evaluate your situation, explain your options, and pursue a claim on your behalf.
Call 602-595-5559 today to speak with an attorney who handles drunk driving accident cases. Free consultations are available with no obligation, and representation is generally provided on a contingency fee basis. The firm serves Phoenix and the surrounding areas and can assist English‑ and Spanish‑speaking clients.
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