Scottsdale Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Driving can be a dangerous activity even under ideal circumstances. At night, roads can be more dangerous, as visibility is limited. Driving through Old Town or leaving the Entertainment District leaves you vulnerable to potential drunk driving accidents when other drivers make the poor decision to drive while under the influence of alcohol. If you’ve experienced a car accident involving a drunk driver, you need a Scottsdale drunk driving accident lawyer.

Hire a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Car accidents caused by drunk drivers are more complicated than other types of car accident claims because drunk driving is a serious criminal charge. It could take longer to secure fair compensation if you have to wait for a criminal trial to conclude.

The drunk driving accident claim process can be complicated, but when you hire a drunk driving accident lawyer at the Bleaman Law Firm, P.C., we can help streamline your case with compassionate and fierce legal representation.

Drunk Driving Prevalence in Arizona

The Arizona Department of Transportation’s Multimodal Planning Division releases an annual statistical review of all motor vehicle crashes in the state. In 2024, there were a total of 5,520 alcohol related crashes. Of those crashes:

• 312 were fatal crashes
• 93 were single-vehicle fatal crashes
• 219 were multi-vehicle fatal crashes
• 347 total fatalities
• 3,576 total injuries
• 28% of all fatal crashes were alcohol related

If you are involved in a drunk driving accident and require court intervention to come to a settlement agreement, your case is likely to go through the Central Court Building at 201 W. Jefferson Street in Phoenix.

Steps to Take After a Drunk Driving Accident

When you’ve been hit by a drunk driver, it’s important to take the appropriate steps to ensure safety and to secure evidence. Drunk driving accident laws may be straightforward, but insurance companies commonly offer lowball settlement amounts or try to blame the victim for causing the accident. If you are involved in a drunk driving accident, you need to:

• Ensure your safety first. Pull off the road if possible.
• Stay at the scene of the accident.
• Call emergency services so police officers and paramedics are dispatched to the accident site.
• Collect names and contact information from any witnesses at the scene.
• Take pictures of the scene, the damage to the vehicles, and any unusual road or weather conditions.
• Do not leave until paramedics clear you to go.
• Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you feel fine.
• Inform your insurance company of the accident, but do not admit fault or exaggerate or minimize the extent of your injuries or damages. You are not obligated to speak to any insurance company other than your own.

An experienced Scottsdale drunk driving accident attorney can help gather evidence and present a strong case to ensure you get a fair settlement.

Possible Compensation After a Drunk Driving Accident

When you’re involved in a drunk driving accident by no fault of your own, there are certain types of damages that you can pursue. Either through negotiations with the at-fault party’s insurance company or through filing a civil claim, you could be entitled to:

• Economic damages, which include current and future medical expenses, lost wages, loss of future earnings, and the cost to repair or replace damaged property.
• Non-economic damages, including emotional distress, pain and suffering, loss of quality of life, and loss of consortium.
• Punitive damages, which may be awarded as a form of punishment and deterrent against future drunk driving incidents.

FAQs

How Much Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Cost in Arizona?

How much a personal injury lawyer in Arizona costs can vary greatly from one case to the next. Personal injury lawyers typically operate on a contingency fee basis. A contingency fee is a percentage of the total settlement amount. The fee is typically lower for cases that are negotiated compared with cases that require litigation. Clients do not have to pay any fees upfront, and they are not charged if they are not awarded compensation for their case.

What Is the Average Settlement for a Drunk Driving Accident in Arizona?

There is no average settlement amount for a car accident caused by a drunk driver in Scottsdale, Arizona, but there are several factors that can affect a potential settlement. The severity of the injuries sustained and the associated medical costs often influence the settlement amount. Lost wages and pain and suffering damages can also be compensated. In some cases, you may also be awarded punitive damages.

Can I File a Claim Against a Drunk Driver If They Have Been Tried in Criminal Court?

Yes, you can file a claim against a drunk driver even if they have been tried in criminal court. The criminal and civil court systems are separate, so a drunk driver can face charges in both without violating double jeopardy protections. Civil claims have a lower burden of proof, so you could win a civil claim even if the driver was acquitted in the criminal case. If the criminal case ended in a guilty verdict, that could help you win a civil claim.

What Are My Options if I’m Hit by a Drunk Driver Without Insurance?

If you are involved in a drunk driving accident and the at-fault driver does not have insurance, you still have options to pursue a settlement agreement. If your car insurance policy includes uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, it can be used to cover medical expenses and lost wages. You also have the option to file a personal injury claim in civil court to seek compensation.

What Is Arizona’s Dram Shop Law?

Arizona’s Dram Shop Law holds business owners liable when a person is overserved alcoholic beverages and then subsequently engages in an action that causes physical harm to another person or property damage. The person being served has to be obviously intoxicated, meaning they are physically impaired and that impairment is obviously visible to a reasonable person. The law also applies to anyone selling alcohol to a minor.

Contact Bleaman Law Firm, P.C.

Now working exclusively with injury victims, Bleaman Law Firm, P.C., offers straightforward, caring representation during challenging circumstances. Our clients are more than just a number, and you always receive individualized care and attention. Contact Bleaman Law Firm, P.C. to schedule your initial case review.

Scottsdale Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Reviews