Drunk driving accidents continue to be a major cause of motor vehicle injuries and fatalities in Arizona and throughout the rest of the country. The issue persists despite numerous initiatives to educate drivers on the dangers of driving while intoxicated. The ramifications of a drunk driving accident can be devastating to all involved. From physical injuries to the damage sustained to a vehicle, the impacts can be long-lasting and result in a bevy of financial consequences.
The Arizona Dept. of Transportation website indicates that in 2020, these are the Arizona accident statistics:
If you are not sure how to handle the fallout of such an accident, the best place to turn is to a Prescott drunk driving accident lawyer who can tell you about your options. Jensen Phelan Law Firm, P.C. specializes in helping those injured in drunk driving accidents recover damages because of the carelessness of those who chose to get on the road impaired.
Arizona takes a tough stance on drunk driving. Causing a drunk driving accident typically buys all offenders jail time, even those with no prior criminal record. First offenders get a minimum of 24 hours in jail, and the time increases with subsequent offenses. In addition to large fines, those caught driving under the influence may also face the loss of their driving privileges and other penalties. Arizona law makes drunk drivers accountable for money damages in civil court.
This means that if you have been injured because of the negligence of a drunk driver, you may be entitled to compensation. Arizona’s tough stance on this issue provides a foundation to help you fight for compensation. Doing so can ensure that you are not left with the financial and emotional burden of injuries sustained in a drunk driving accident.
There may be a third party who should be included in a drunk driving accident claim in some instances. For instance, if the driver in question was obviously intoxicated before being served or leaving the restaurant or bar where they were over-served, this may qualify as a claim in which a third party has some accountability as well as the driver. This is the kind of nuance that requires the skill and experience of a qualified Prescott drunk driving accident lawyer like ours at Jensen Phelan Law Firm, P.C.
A blood alcohol level of 0.08% or higher qualifies a driver as too impaired to drive in Arizona. Law enforcement officers determine this level of intoxication through a field sobriety test or a blood alcohol test (such as a Breathalyzer). Often, law enforcement on the accident scene determines what level of assessment/testing is necessary to establish impairment. Other factors may play into a drunk driving determination in Arizona. They include:
Working with a qualified Prescott drunk driving accident lawyer can help you determine what factors might increase your chances of winning and how much you recover for damages for your harms and losses.
Compensation can go a long way toward helping with any expenses incurred due to a drunk driving accident. Damages from a successful claim can help with medical and rehabilitation expenses associated with any physical injury following the incident. It can also help compensate for the physical pain and the emotional and mental distress stemming from the accident. Any lost wages, short or long-term, due to injuries sustained in the accident might also help qualify you for damages from a claim. Past and future damages must all be proven specifically, for which Jensen Phelan Law Firm, P.C. will be vitally important.
There are many different types of damages available to those who have been injured in a drunk driving accident and opt to pursue legal remedies. One of the options is punitive damages, which may be awarded when it is clearly proven that the drunk driver engaged in willful negligence or intentional misconduct (an “evil mind guiding an evil hand”). However, to win punitive damages in a drunk driving accident claim, you need the help of a skilled drunk driving accident lawyer who can develop your legal strategy and proof in a manner guaranteed to give you the best possible outcome.
If you’ve been injured in a drunk driving accident, you need the help of specialists that understand your rights and how they intersect with the law regarding this injury type. Jensen Phelan Law Firm, P.C. is the ideal place to turn. We have years of experience helping people just like you who have been involved in life-changing drunk driving accidents.
Schedule a free consultation today by calling (928) 910-7268 or use our online contact form to learn more about how we might be able to assist you.