What Should I Do If I Was Hit By A Drunk Driver In Arizona?

Drunk Driving Accidents & DUI Law In Arizona

If you’ve been injured in a car accident with a drunk driver, you may be feeling lucky to be alive, but wondering how long it will take you to recover – and how you will pay for all of the treatments and therapies you will need, not mention how your family is going to pay your bills while you’re unable to work.

Fortunately, you have options to recoup the many financial losses that you may face after a car accident. This includes filing an insurance claim against the at-fault driver. A personal injury claim can be another way to recover lost wages and other damages. The best way to promote a successful outcome and the highest possible settlement is to work with experienced Mesa car accident attorneys  who can provide guidance and representation every step of the way.

Drunk man driving a car on the road in Mesa, AZ

What Are Arizona’s Drunk Driving Laws?

Arizona’s laws related to drunk driving are among the strictest in the United States and include steep financial penalties, jail time, and other consequences. Although these consequences can deter subsequent offenses, they do not directly help victims who have been injured by the negligence of a drunk driver.

Arizona law allows car accident victims to seek damages from a driver who is determined to be at least 51% responsible for the accident. In most cases, financial compensation can be obtained from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. When you work with trusted Mesa car accident lawyers, you’ll have the best chance of recovering the money that you are entitled to receive.

Working With Insurance Companies

Once you’ve filed a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company, the insurance adjuster may pressure you to accept an early lowball settlement in hopes of closing the claim, but doing this is not usually in your best interest. Accidents that may have seemed minor at first can cause serious injuries that are not fully apparent until weeks or even months after the collision. Additionally, once you’ve agreed to a settlement, you’ll be required to sign a liability release that prevents you from making any further claims related to the accident. Before you accept a settlement, you need time to be sure that the full impact of the accident is apparent.

Maximizing a Settlement After An Accident In Arizona

In most cases, the at-fault driver’s insurance will do whatever they can to avoid going to court. But waiting until the legal system has resolved any charges against the drunk driver can give your case more leverage that can maximize your settlement amount. However, Arizona has a limit on how much an insurance company can pay out to an injured claimant, and if there are multiple claims against the same driver for the same accident, the limit for each claimant will be decreased. Filing an accident lawsuit may be the only way to recover your full damages.

What Should I Do If I’ve Been Hit By a Drunk Driver In Arizona?

If you’ve been injured in an accident with a drunk driver in Arizona, there are several things you can do to protect yourself, promote your recovery, and work to maximize any financial compensation you may be entitled to receive. This includes:

  • Always call law enforcement to the scene of the accident. Not only is this required by state law, but the officers at the scene will write a report of the incident that will be critical to your insurance claim or lawsuit.
  • Never admit fault at the scene of the accident or to an insurance adjuster; allow the investigators to do their job and determine who is liable.
  • Accept an examination from the EMTs and paramedics who are called to the scene, and go to the emergency room for a full medical examination. Avoid saying things like, “I’m fine,” or anything else that may be used against you later to minimize the severity of your injuries.
  • Maintain records of all of your expenses, including medical bills, repair or replacement of your vehicle, lost time at work, and more.
  • Contact an experienced Mesa car accident lawyer right away for legal guidance.
  • Don’t talk with an insurance company until you’ve discussed the situation with your attorney. Your attorney can provide representation in conversations with insurance adjusters if you choose.
  • Keep all of your medical appointments as recommended by your healthcare providers.

What Damages Can Be Compensated?

Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to pursue general and special damages from the accident. You may also be able to recover damages from the business who served excessive alcohol to the drunk driver. In some cases, punitive damages against the drunk driver may also be pursued.

Damages that may be recovered from a personal injury claim include:

  • Medical bills, including ER visits, surgeries, hospitalizations, imaging, medication, therapy, and ongoing appointments related to your injuries
  • Lost wages if your injuries prevent you from working
  • Vehicle repair and other property damage
  • Childcare and other help you must hire due to your injuries
  • Pain and suffering

Get Help With Your Personal Injury Claim After An Accident In Arizona

If you’ve been injured in a car accident that was caused by a drunk driver in Arizona, contact Mesa Injury Lawyers to learn more about your options and next steps. As one of the most trusted personal injury firms in the Valley, we have developed a reputation for working closely with our clients to maximize financial compensation after car accidents. Don’t try to recover alone! Contact our office today to schedule your free, confidential case review.

Mesa Injury Lawyers
1731 West Baseline Road Suite #103
Mesa, AZ 85202
Tel: 602-600-6001
Email: [email protected]
Website: injurylawyersmesa.com