AZ DUI Victim attorneys represent clients throughout Arizona after they suffer injuries from DUI accidents. We understand how confusing and frustrating these situations are for victims, and we can help you recover your damages through a civil claim. Contact AZ DUI Victim attorneys today for a consultation about your recent DUI accident, and we can help you understand your options for legal recourse.
While the following FAQs can offer some general insights into Arizona DUI victim cases, an experienced Arizona DUI lawyer like those at AZ DUI Victim can help you understand the details of your individual claim.
A: The impaired driver who caused your DUI accident is liable for the resulting damages. While it is possible for a DUI victim to absorb some liability under comparative negligence laws, for example, if he or she was speeding when the drunk driver caused the accident, fault almost always falls to the impaired driver in an accident.
A: Arizona has some of the toughest DUI laws in the country. Most first-time DUI offenders face fines, a few days of jail time depending on their ability to make bail, license suspension, and mandatory enrollment in drug and alcohol educational courses or safe driving courses. The victims of a DUI accident can pursue compensation for their damages through civil claims in accordance with state law.
A: Arizona has a zero-tolerance policy for any type of driving under the influence, not just for alcohol. Although medical marijuana is now legal in Arizona, cardholders may not drive under the influence of medical cannabis. In some ways, it is easier to receive a DUI conviction for marijuana or other drug use simply because no standard testing method exists such as a breathalyzer; the “slightest hint” of impairment constitutes grounds for a drug-related DUI arrest in Arizona.
A: The police will handle arresting the DUI driver and he or she will face criminal prosecution from the state, but this ensures punishment for wrongdoing and not recovery for victims. You will need to pursue compensation for your losses through a civil personal injury claim against the at-fault driver, and succeeding with such a claim is much easier with a lawyer on your side.
A: Attorneys’ fees may be expensive, and an attorney who bills by the hour can accrue lots of billable time very quickly working on your case. Many attorneys offer contingency fee billing to ensure clients with limited assets can still secure legal representation when they need it. A contingency fee comes out of the net trial award or settlement, and the client does not pay legal fees if his or her attorney does not win the case.
A: Call the police right away unless someone else has already done so. Try to document as much as you can about the accident scene, and take photos with your phone if you can. When the police arrive, answer their questions honestly and concisely until they allow you to leave. Seek medical care as soon as possible, even if you think you only sustained minor injuries. Your next best step is to contact an attorney to assist with your recovery.
A: Having attorneys with experience in DUI forensics is tremendously beneficial; AZ DUI Victim attorneys can help verify the police’s forensic evidence against an at-fault driver such as breathalyzer results and blood test results to strengthen your case. You may also require a forensic investigation to prove the full extent of your damages.
A: The plaintiff in a DUI victim case may secure compensation for property damage, lost income from time spent out of work recovering from injuries, medical expenses, and the pain and suffering resulting from the ordeal. A DUI driver may also face punitive damages, effectively increasing the victim’s recovery.
AZ DUI Victim attorneys understand how challenging a DUI victim case can be, and we want to help you recover as wholly as possible. Contact us today for a consultation about your DUI victim case in Arizona, and we will let you know how our firm can help.