Were you involved in an accident caused by a drunk driver in Phoenix, Arizona? You may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and more. Rack Law Accident Lawyers can help you take legal action against the impaired driver and pursue the maximum compensation available to you.
With 40+ years of combined experience and $200 million won for our clients so far, our Phoenix DUI accident lawyers can handle your case from start to finish, allowing you to focus on healing.
Contact us today at (602) 661-6300 to schedule a free consultation. We can go over the details of your car accident and help you figure out what you can do next.
How Rack Law Accident Lawyers Can Help After a DUI Accident in Phoenix, AZ
Rack Law Accident Lawyers has spent years fighting for the rights of accident victims in Phoenix, AZ. Our team prepares cases as though they may go to trial because we believe in thorough preparation from day one.
Our car accident lawyers can:
- Conduct a full investigation into the circumstances of the crash
- Collect the evidence needed to establish liability
- Work with accident reconstruction specialists and medical professionals
- Calculate every category of damages you are entitled to pursue
- Manage all of the communications with the at-fault driver’s insurance company
- Negotiate aggressively to reach a settlement that reflects the true value of your claim
- File a lawsuit and prepare for trial if the insurer refuses to cooperate
Contact us today to get started with a free case review. Our Phoenix personal injury attorneys handle these cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you only pay attorney’s fees if we win compensation for you.
The Difference Between Criminal DUI Charges and a Civil Personal Injury Claim
Many accident victims are unsure how a criminal DUI case relates to their injury claim. While both cases may arise from the same accident, they serve very different purposes.
Impaired driving criminal cases are prosecuted by the appropriate government authority, which may include a city prosecutor or county attorney depending on the charges and jurisdiction. Their purpose is to punish the drunk driver through penalties such as jail time, probation, license suspension, or fines. Victims do not control the criminal case and generally do not receive financial compensation through those proceedings.
A civil personal injury claim is separate from the criminal matter. This type of case is filed by the injured victim against the at-fault party to recover compensation for losses related to the accident. A successful civil claim may include compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.
Civil cases also have a lower burden of proof than criminal proceedings. This means it may still be possible to recover compensation even if the driver is not convicted of DUI in criminal court.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a DUI Accident in Phoenix, Arizona?
The intoxicated driver is usually the primary party responsible for a DUI accident. However, additional individuals or businesses may also share liability depending on the circumstances of the crash.
Potentially liable parties may include:
- Bars or restaurants under Arizona dram shop laws
- Employers, if the impaired driver was working at the time of the crash
- Vehicle owners who knowingly allow an intoxicated person to drive
- Social hosts in limited situations involving underage drinking
Arizona also follows a pure comparative negligence system. This means an injured person may still recover compensation even if they are partially responsible for the accident, though the value of their claim can be reduced based on their percentage of fault.
Insurance companies sometimes attempt to shift blame onto accident victims to reduce payouts. Our Phoenix DUI accident attorneys can help you understand how Arizona’s comparative fault law may apply to your case and how to best proceed.
How Much Is My Phoenix DUI Accident Case Worth?
The value of a DUI accident case can vary significantly depending on the severity of the injuries and the long-term effects of the collision. Cases involving catastrophic injuries often result in higher compensation because the medical and financial consequences are greater.
Several factors may influence the value of your case:
- The severity of your injuries
- The extent of your financial losses
- Your future medical treatment needs
- Whether you are unable to return to work
- The impact the injuries have had on your daily life
- The strength of your supporting evidence
- Available insurance coverage
Our Phoenix car accident attorneys can review the details of your claim and help estimate what compensation may be available.
Common Injuries in Phoenix DUI Accidents
Drunk driving crashes often occur at high speeds or involve reckless driving behavior, which increases the likelihood of severe injuries. Some accident victims require months or even years of medical treatment following a collision.
Common injuries in DUI accident cases include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Neck and back injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Burns and lacerations
- Emotional trauma and anxiety
Prompt medical care is important after any collision, even if symptoms seem minor at first. Medical records can play a critical role in connecting your injuries to the accident and supporting your personal injury claim.
How Long Do I Have to File a DUI Accident Lawsuit in Arizona?
Arizona Revised Statutes Section 12-542 sets the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims at two years from the date of the accident. If you fail to file a lawsuit within that time frame, you may lose the right to seek compensation in court.
However, there are exceptions. For example, if your case involves a government entity, you generally must serve a Notice of Claim within 180 days after the cause of action accrues.
Building a strong case often requires immediate action. Evidence can disappear quickly, and witness memories may become less reliable over time.
Call Our Phoenix Car Accident Law Firm for a Free Consultation Today
Were you injured in a DUI accident in Phoenix, AZ? You should not have to deal with the financial and emotional consequences of someone else’s reckless decisions on your own. At Rack Law Accident Lawyers, our attorneys understand the challenges that follow serious crashes, and we are prepared to help you pursue compensation for your injuries and losses.
Contact our Phoenix DUI accident attorneys today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you move forward after a serious accident.
