Driving under the influence (DUI) is extremely dangerous, and Arizona upholds some of the strictest DUI laws in the country. However, criminal charges do nothing to help victims of criminal acts recover, so if you or a loved one suffered injuries in a Mesa, AZ DUI accident, you will need to pursue a civil claim against the at-fault driver to recover your losses. Contact AZ DUI Victim attorneys today for a consultation about your recent DUI accident, and we will let you know how our firm can help you.
When you need an attorney to handle your DUI victim claim, you need one with the skills, experience, and resources to guide you toward a favorable result. DUI accident claims can be challenging, and the right attorney on your side will make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim.
Your attorney will have the responsibility of meeting all court filing deadlines, but they will also help with your DUI accident case in many other ways.
Your attorney will gather the evidence you need to prove the other driver’s fault for your damages. This is relatively simple for DUI accident cases; such a case will run alongside a criminal case from the state, and the standard of proof is much higher in a criminal case. If the criminal case ends in conviction, it is generally safe to assume your attorney can meet the burden of proof for a civil lawsuit. Your attorney can also handle correspondence and negotiation with insurance companies if necessary and represent your interests at trial.
Arizona upholds some of the strictest DUI laws in the United States, and all drivers should know these laws and the potential penalties for DUI violations. A zero-tolerance policy for DUI violations is in effect in Arizona. Any driver who tests above .08% blood-alcohol concentration on a breathalyzer test will incur a DUI charge, and if a police officer detects the slightest appearance of inebriation with an illicit drug, this will also lead to a DUI charge.
An individual arrested for DUI should expect the state to prosecute the case aggressively. He or she will also face civil liability for the victim’s damages. While the criminal case seeks to ensure punishment for wrongdoing, the civil case focuses on the victim’s recovery.
If another driver hit you while he or she was under the influence of alcohol or an illicit drug, the driver is liable for the resulting damages. Your civil claim will run parallel to the criminal case from the state, and you may need to testify as a witness during the criminal case proceedings. Your attorney can also refer to evidence in the criminal trial for use in your civil case, increasing the chances of securing recovery on your behalf.
It is vital to act quickly after a DUI accident to protect your interests. If you or a loved one recently suffered injuries and other damages from a DUI accident in the Mesa, AZ area, contact AZ DUI Victim lawyers to schedule a case review. Our attorneys will examine the details of your claim and let you know what kind of compensation you could expect from a successful lawsuit.