Tucson Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Tucson DUI Attorney

Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol is illegal, but this continues to be a major contributing factor to the number of accidents reported each year. Whenever a driver operates their vehicle under the influence, they are not only breaking the law but also putting themselves and others around them at grave risk. When an intoxicated driver causes a collision, the incident is likely to be far more damaging than an accident caused by a sober driver.

Helping Injured Victims Recover From Drunk Driving Accidents in Tucson, AZ

If you or a family member was recently hurt in any motor vehicle accident, it is natural to have lots of pressing legal questions about how you can recover and how you will hold the at-fault driver accountable.

Unfortunately, when you know the at-fault driver was intoxicated while driving, it can not only make the situation more frustrating but also more difficult to resolve. Successfully securing the recompense you legally deserve for a drunk driving accident is likely to entail criminal court proceedings against the at-fault driver.

Bleaman Law Firm, PC, can provide the compassionate legal counsel you need in this situation. Our firm has assisted many Tucson clients with all types of civil claims for damages, including those arising from vehicle accidents caused by drunk drivers.

We know how the criminal court case against the defendant may impact your recovery and that you are likely to have many concerns about the potential value of your case.

Rest assured that when you hire our firm to represent you, we will do everything we can to streamline your recovery process and help you secure as much compensation as Arizona law allows.

Why You Need a Tucson Drunk Driving Accident Attorney

It is possible for you to file a civil suit against another party in Tucson without hiring legal representation, but you would face several risks and challenges in doing so. Recovering from any car accident typically entails an auto insurance claim followed by a personal injury suit when insurance alone cannot repay your damages.

Dealing with insurance companies is rarely easy, and most insurance company representatives are trained to avoid paying out on claims whenever and however they can.

Having experienced legal representation on your side significantly reduces the chance of encountering any bad-faith handling of your auto insurance claim.

When it comes to filing a personal injury case, you will need to meet strict filing deadlines and other procedural requirements with the court, and any mistakes can endanger the success of your recovery efforts.

You might be able to meet these requirements, but even if you succeed with the claim, you risk settling for less compensation than a seasoned attorney could have secured for you. Additionally, you would be forced to contend with your legal affairs unassisted while also struggling with the medical issues and other effects of the accident.

Hiring a Tucson drunk driving accident attorney means you can rest and focus on your medical recovery while your attorney handles your case proceedings for you. When you hire Bleaman Law Firm, PC, as your legal counsel, we will strive to lead you through your case as swiftly as possible while helping you secure maximum compensation for the losses you suffered.

In addition, if you must testify as a witness against the drunk driver in a criminal case, we can help you prepare for this as well, and we will review the ways that the criminal case from Arizona could impact your final recovery.

Dangers of Drunk Driving

It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol in every state in the country, and each state has unique laws for DUI violations. Alcohol consumption diminishes reaction time, reduces spatial awareness, induces fatigue and drowsiness, and can make the intoxicated driver more inclined to engage in risky behavior.

Drunk drivers are more likely to speed and commit other moving violations, such as illegal turns and running stop signs and red lights.

When a drunk driver causes an accident, they are likely to be arrested at the scene of the crash, and the penalties for DUI conviction can fluctuate based on several variables. Even a first-time DUI can lead to fines, a driver’s license suspension, and jail time, but penalties increase automatically when a drunk driver has caused significant property damage or injured or killed someone with their actions. Many drunk drivers who cause severe bodily injuries face felony prosecution.

Recovering From a Drunk Driving Accident in Tucson With Auto Insurance

Arizona enforces the fault rule for all motor vehicle crashes. This means that when one driver causes an accident, they are liable for all the resulting damages they inflict on others. Proving fault for your recent drunk driving accident is generally a straightforward process, but you will still need to prove the full extent of the damages the defendant caused with their actions.

After you establish the fault for your accident, you can get on with an auto insurance claim against the at-fault driver. Every driver should have car insurance that includes at least $25,000 for bodily injuries to a single person, at least $50,000 for bodily injuries to multiple victims, and at least $15,000 for property damage.

If your losses fall within these coverage amounts, it’s possible to fully recover from your accident just by filing an insurance claim. However, you will need a Tucson drunk driving accident attorney’s assistance to maximize your claim, and if your damages exceed the scope of the at-fault driver’s coverage, you will need to compile a personal injury suit against them to recover the rest.

Building Your Personal Injury Claim for a Drunk Driving Accident in Tucson

After securing as much compensation as possible through the insurance claim process, you can get on with filing a personal injury claim against the drunk driver who caused your accident.

Success with a personal injury claim requires identification of the defendant or defendants bearing liability for your damages and proving the full extent of the harm they caused. You must also prove that your claimed damages solely resulted because of the defendant’s actions and not some other cause.

The objective of a personal injury claim is for you to secure the financial compensation you need to recover from your injury as fully as possible. Under Arizona’s personal injury statutes, the driver responsible for your accident must repay the total damages they caused.

Therefore, your claim is likely to involve several types of economic damages, such as:

• Medical bills. If you suffered serious physical injuries in the accident, the at-fault driver’s auto insurance might only cover a portion of the total medical bills you incur for treatment of your injuries. You can seek recompense for all medical expenses their insurance does not cover in your civil suit. This includes the cost of future medical care you require if your injuries are severe and demand ongoing rehabilitative treatments.
• Lost income. A serious car accident could leave you unable to work while you recover from your injuries. If this applies to your situation, the defendant who caused the accident is liable for your lost income. Your Tucson drunk driving accident attorney can help evaluate lost wages and lost future earning capacity if you are left permanently disabled and can’t go back to your job.
• Property damage. The at-fault driver’s auto insurance may cover some of your vehicle repair costs, but any property losses that can’t be recouped through insurance can be added as economic damages to your civil suit.

Arizona’s personal injury laws also allow you to seek recompense for the pain and suffering you experienced because of the defendant’s actions. There is no limit to how much you can claim, and your Tucson drunk driving accident attorney can help determine a reasonable figure based on the severity of your injuries and whether you face long-term or permanent harm from the accident. If you suffered any catastrophic injuries, your pain and suffering compensation is likely to eclipse the total of your economic losses.

The illegal nature of the defendant’s behavior can also influence your recovery. The judge overseeing your civil suit could award you punitive damages to further penalize the defendant.

When they are tried in criminal court, the judge who sentences them may add restitution to the victim as one of their punishments. Ultimately, you could be entitled to recover much more compensation than you initially expected, and having the right attorney handle your case enables you to unlock the full potential of your claim.

Bleaman Law Firm, PC, understands the stress, uncertainty, and frustration that can follow any drunk driving accident. You are likely to have many important questions in this situation, and the economic impact of the drunk driver’s actions can quickly create a desperate financial problem for you and your family.

Whatever your case entails, you have the greatest chance of recovering as fully as the law allows when you have a Tucson drunk driving accident attorney you can trust. Contact Bleaman Law Firm, PC, today and schedule your consultation with our team to learn more about the legal services we offer.