Drunk driving accidents are devastating and can leave victims with life-changing injuries, emotional scars, and financial burdens. If you or someone you love has been injured because a reckless driver chose to drink and get behind the wheel, you deserve justice.
A Phoenix drunk driving accident lawyer can help you hold the responsible party accountable and fight for the fair compensation you need to rebuild your life.
Arizona laws enforce strict penalties for drunk drivers, but when it comes to getting compensation for your injuries and losses, the road can still be long and difficult.
You shouldn’t have to face this alone. Whether you’re dealing with mounting medical bills, lost wages, or the trauma of the crash, our legal team is here to provide strong support and guidance every step.
Why Choose Kurtz Riley Law Group for Your Phoenix Drunk Driving Accident Claim
At Kurtz Riley Law Group, we understand how tough it can be to recover after a drunk driving accident. We’re more than just attorneys sitting behind a desk.
Our legal team Phoenix personal injury lawyers takes action, building strong cases for every client and fighting relentlessly for the compensation they deserve.
Here’s what sets us apart when you choose to work with us:
- Trial-ready attorneys who aren’t afraid to take your case to court if it means getting justice for you.
- A personalized approach, providing dedicated attention to every detail of your claim.
- A proven track record of standing up for clients and winning against tough opposition.
- No upfront costs or fees until we win your case.
When you’re ready to focus on healing, Kurtz Riley Law Group is here to handle the legal battle for you.
What To Do in the Days and Weeks After a Drunk Driving Accident
Recovering from a drunk driving accident often takes more than just immediate medical treatment. The days and weeks after the incident are critical for building a strong case and protecting your long-term well-being.
Here are important steps to take during this time to ensure your health, financial stability, and legal rights are properly addressed:
- Follow up with medical appointments. Even if you were treated right after the accident, follow-up care is essential. Some injuries may worsen over time, and routine check-ups can document your recovery process, making it easier to prove the extent of your injuries later.
- Keep detailed records of expenses. Keep receipts and invoices for all accident-related costs, including medical bills, vehicle repairs, ongoing therapies (like physical rehab), and assistive devices like crutches or wheelchairs. Also, record any lost wages or time away from work. These records are essential when calculating the compensation you’re owed.
- Document your recovery. Maintain a journal to track changes in your physical and emotional health. Note symptoms, pain levels, and how your injuries impact your daily life. This can be persuasive evidence when seeking compensation for pain and suffering.
- Limit discussions with insurance companies. It’s common for insurers to contact you in the days following the accident. Be cautious with what you say, as adjusters may use your statements against you to reduce your payout. Direct communication to your attorney is advised to protect your claim.
- Avoid posting on social media. The other party’s legal team or insurance company could scrutinize anything you share online. Posts showing physical activities, vacations, or anything that downplays your injuries may weaken your case.
- Gather additional evidence. Revisit the accident site, if possible, to take photos of lingering roadway damage, traffic patterns, or signage. You can also connect with witnesses to collect written or recorded statements while their memories remain fresh.
- Consult with an attorney early. The days and weeks after an accident are crucial for gathering evidence, filing claims, and meeting important legal deadlines. A Phoenix drunk driving accident lawyer can guide you through this process, handle communications with insurers, and focus on building a strong case while allowing you to prioritize recovery.
By staying proactive and organized in the weeks after an accident, you can protect your rights and improve your chances of securing the compensation you deserve.
If you have questions about your next steps, reach out to Kurtz Riley Law Group for personalized legal guidance.
Compensation After a Drunk Driving Accident
A drunk driving accident can leave you with more than just physical injuries. The financial and emotional toll can be overwhelming.
However, Arizona law allows victims to seek compensation for a range of damages, including both economic and non-economic losses.
Here’s what victims may be eligible to recover in a drunk driving case:
- Medical expenses for surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, therapy, and medication.
- Lost wages if your injuries prevent you from working or reduce your earning capacity.
- Property damage to repair or replace your vehicle or other personal items.
- Pain and suffering for the trauma and emotional distress caused by the crash.
- Punitive damages punishes drunk drivers and prevent similar reckless behavior.
Insurance companies may downplay the severity of your injuries, or the costs associated with your accident. Securing the full compensation, you’re owed often requires a strategic approach to prove negligence and document every loss you’ve suffered.
That’s where having dedicated legal counsel makes a difference.
Fighting the Insurance Company
Dealing with insurance companies after a drunk driving accident can feel like a battle you’re bound to lose. These companies don’t work for you. Their primary goal isn’t your recovery; it’s their profit margin.
Adjusters are trained to minimize payouts, and without legal representation, it’s easy to get short-changed on the compensation you need.
Here’s why it’s so difficult to handle insurers on your own:
- Downplaying injuries: Insurers may argue that your injuries aren’t as severe as you claim or even suggest they weren’t caused by the accident at all.
- Lowball offers: Initial settlement offers may seem generous, but they often don’t cover the full cost of medical treatment, lost income, or other damages.
- Delay tactics: Some companies delay, hoping you’ll accept less to put the ordeal behind you.
- Shifting blame: Adjusters may try to argue that you share fault, even if the other driver’s intoxication was the primary cause.
You don’t have to take on these challenges alone. The Kurtz Riley Law Group team has extensive experience dealing with Phoenix insurers. We know their strategies, and we know how to beat them.
When you hire us, we’ll gather evidence, consult with experts, and build a case demonstrating the extent of your damages. Our lawyers will fight relentlessly to secure a settlement—or take your case to court if the insurance company refuses to offer what’s fair.
Phoenix Drunk Driving Laws
Phoenix is known for its high traffic volume, especially in downtown, Tempe, and near major freeways like I-10 and Loop 202. Unfortunately, this also makes these areas hotspots for drunk driving incidents.
Arizona law takes a strong stance against impaired driving. Drivers with a BAC of 0.08% or more can face serious legal consequences, including fines, license suspension, and even jail time.
For commercial drivers, the threshold is lower at 0.04%. These penalties, however, don’t address the harm done to victims. That’s why civil claims are crucial for recovering damages.
Drunk driving accidents in Phoenix often occur late at night or on weekends when impaired drivers are most likely to be on the road. If you’ve been injured in an accident in the Valley, acting quickly and working with a local legal team that understands the nuances of Arizona’s laws and courts is important.
Arizona’s Dram Shop Laws and Third-Party Liability
When a drunk driving accident leaves victims injured, it’s natural to hold the intoxicated driver responsible. However, Arizona law also considers the role of those who may have contributed to the situation, such as bars, restaurants, or other establishments that over-served the driver.
This is where Arizona’s dram shop laws come into play. These laws allow victims to hold businesses or individuals accountable if they provided alcohol to someone who was visibly intoxicated or underage, and that person went on to cause harm.
What are dram shop laws?
Arizona’s dram shop laws create an avenue for victims to pursue additional responsibility against third parties that contributed to a drunk driving accident. Establishments that serve alcohol have a legal duty to act responsibly when serving customers.
According to Arizona law, an alcohol provider may be held liable if they served someone who either:
- Was clearly intoxicated, meaning their behavior or appearance showed obvious signs of impairment.
- Was under the legal drinking age (21 years old in Arizona).
If it can be proven that this over-serving directly led to an accident, the injured party is allowed to include the business or individual in their claim for compensation.
Examples of Dram Shop Liability
To understand how these laws work, consider the following scenarios in a Phoenix drunk driving accident case:
- A bartender continues to serve a patron who is slurring their speech, stumbling while walking, and clearly unable to drive. The patron leaves the bar, gets in their car, and causes a severe crash. Under Arizona’s dram shop laws, the bar could share responsibility for the injuries the victim suffers.
- A liquor store knowingly sells alcohol to an underage individual who later causes an accident. The store could be held liable since they violated the law by providing alcohol to someone under 21.
- A host of a private party continually serves alcohol to a guest who is visibly intoxicated. That guest drives home and causes a wreck. While dram shop laws are typically aimed at businesses, in some cases, private hosts can also face liability.
Why this expands compensation options
Including a third party in your claim can increase the likelihood of securing a full and fair financial recovery. This is particularly important if the at-fault driver doesn’t have enough insurance coverage to cover the extent of your damages.
Consider this example:
Imagine you’ve been severely injured, racking up hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical bills, but the drunk driver’s insurance limit is only $50,000. If the intoxicated driver was over-served at a bar, you could potentially seek compensation from the bar’s insurance as well. Dram shop cases essentially allow you to hold multiple parties accountable, increasing your chances of recovering the full value of your claim.
Proving Liability Under Dram Shop Laws
Cases involving Arizona’s dram shop laws require building evidence to show that the establishment acted irresponsibly.
This might include:
- gathering witness statements from other patrons who noticed the intoxicated person
- obtaining security camera footage
- providing expert testimony about how alcohol affects judgment and motor skills
This is not a simple task, and these types of cases are often difficult to pursue without legal representation.
A skilled Phoenix drunk driving accident lawyer can investigate thoroughly, gather the right evidence, and determine whether dram shop liability might play a role in your case.
Take the Next Step With Kurtz Riley
After a drunk driving accident, you need a strong advocate who can help you secure the justice and financial recovery you deserve. Trust Kurtz Riley Law Group to take on the legal fight so you can focus on healing.
Our experienced team has helped countless clients rebuild their lives after devastating accidents, handling every aspect of their claims from start to finish. Negotiating with insurance companies is tough, but we make it easier.
From gathering evidence to fighting for the settlement or trial award you’re owed, we’re with you every step of the way.
Don’t leave your future to chance. Call Kurtz Riley Law Group today at 623-303-5754 to schedule your free consultation. Getting justice might feel overwhelming, but we’ll make the process simpler, faster, and more effective.
A skilled Phoenix drunk driving accident lawyer is just a call away. Don’t face the storm alone. Reach out to Kurtz Riley Law Group today.