Drunk Driving Accidents in Arizona: Causes, Consequences, and Solutions

Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of accidental injuries and deaths in Arizona each year, and drunk driving accidents in Arizona are some of the most damaging. If you have been injured by a drunk driver, you could face a difficult series of legal proceedings in your efforts to recover. You should hire a Mesa drunk driving accident lawyer who can help you recover compensation for the damages.

Resolving Drunk Driving Accidents in Arizona

Drunk driving is a pervasive issue throughout the United States each year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that 12,429 people died in the United States from drunk driving accidents in 2023, making drunk driving a leading cause of preventable deaths. Each state has unique laws for handling drunk driving and prosecuting those responsible.

Arizona’s laws pertaining to drunk driving are similar to most other states, applying increasing penalties based on the number of past drunk driving convictions a defendant has, as well as the severity of any accidents they have caused. For example, a first conviction without causing an accident may lead to fines, driver’s license suspension, and possible jail time, but penalties for a second conviction or after causing a serious accident are likely to escalate substantially.

In addition to the penalties assigned by the state, the drunk driver also faces civil liability for the damages they caused to others. If you have been hurt in a drunk driving accident, it is important to understand that the criminal case against the defendant from the state does not seek compensation for you. The purpose of this case is to punish the defendant’s wrongdoing. You need to hire a drunk driving accident lawyer to claim compensation.

Recovering From a Drunk Driving Accident in Arizona

The process of claiming compensation for a drunk driving accident in Arizona will be much like what you could expect after most other types of vehicle accidents. However, the criminal case against the defendant will add a layer of complexity to the situation. While establishing fault for the accident may be somewhat easier than it would be in other types of accident cases, accurately determining the full extent of your damages and claiming compensation can be harder.

Your drunk driving accident lawyer can help you determine your most viable recovery options in the aftermath of your accident. Generally, filing an auto insurance claim is your first option for recovering compensation after any accident in Arizona. However, the defendant’s insurance policy may not fully cover the entire scope of the damages they are responsible for. The defendant could also be liable for more than just civil damages.

It’s possible for the court to require the defendant to pay you restitution or punitive damages in addition to your civil damages. The amount a plaintiff receives in punitive damages typically depends on the defendant’s financial status and the severity of their actions. Ultimately, you could recover much more than you initially expected, but it will be crucial to hire a drunk driving accident lawyer you trust to guide you through your case.

Bleaman Law Firm, P.C., has decades of experience representing accident victims throughout Arizona, and we have resolved many drunk driving accident cases for past clients. If you are unsure what to do in the aftermath of such an accident, reach out to our team right away to learn how we can help.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Penalty for Drunk Driving in Arizona?

A: The penalty for drunk driving in Arizona typically includes a fine, driver’s license suspension, and possible jail time. The court may also assign additional penalties based on the specifics of the case, and penalties for drunk driving automatically increase when a defendant has a record of previous convictions and/or if they have caused an accident resulting in injury or death.

Q: How Common Are Drunk Driving Accidents in Arizona?

A: Drunk driving accidents are, unfortunately, common in Arizona. In fact, Arizona has one of the highest rates of drunk driving fatalities in the United States. According to NHTSA statewide data, drunk driving fatalities increased a staggering 43% between 2020 and 2021 in Arizona. There were 295 drunk driving fatalities in 2020 and 421 in 2021. Each year, drunk driving ranks as one of the leading preventable causes of accidental injuries and deaths in Arizona.

Q: How Much Compensation Can I Claim for a Drunk Driving Accident?

A: The amount of compensation you can claim for a drunk driving accident will depend on the overall severity of your injuries. The drunk driver will be liable for your vehicle repair costs, the cost of any medical care you require for your injuries, compensation for lost income if you cannot work due to your injuries, and compensation for your pain and suffering. Hire a drunk driving accident lawyer to have the greatest chance of maximizing your recovery.

Q: Can I File an Auto Insurance Claim After a Drunk Driving Accident in Arizona?

A: Yes, you can file an auto insurance claim after a drunk driving accident in Arizona if the at-fault driver has insurance. If they do not, you can claim against your own policy if you have purchased uninsured motorist coverage, but you may need to pursue a personal injury case against the at-fault driver to maximize your compensation.

Q: What Is the Zero-Tolerance Policy for Drunk Driving in Arizona?

A: The zero-tolerance policy for drunk driving in Arizona applies to drivers under the age of 21 who are not legally allowed to purchase or consume alcohol. Any driver under the age of 21 caught driving with any detectable blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) can face fines, driver’s license suspension, or even jail time.

Drunk driving accidents in Arizona can be tremendously damaging, and injured victims need to know where they can turn for legal support in these difficult situations. Bleaman Law Firm, P.C., can help you understand your legal options after you have been injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver, and we are confident we can maximize your recovery. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our team and learn how we can help.

See Related Posts:

• Common Types of Catastrophic Injuries in Arizona
• Arizona Bicycle Safety Laws and Regulations
• Is Arizona a No-Fault State for Car Accidents?