Drunk Driving Victim Lawyers Serving Phoenix & All of Arizona
The Phoenix drunk driving victim attorneys at Burg Simpson stand firmly on the side of injured victims in devastating drunk driving accidents. Intoxicated drivers take the lives of others into their hands when they start the ignition. Our goal is to protect the rights of the innocent victims injured due to the selfishness and negligence of drunk drivers.
Drunk driving is a serious public safety issue in Arizona, which ranked 8th in the nation for alcohol-related traffic deaths from 2020–2021. Alcohol and drug use contribute to too many accidents, injuries, and fatalities each year. While 36% of traffic accident deaths in Arizona involve an impaired driver, not all accidents are fatal.
Thousands of victims sustain severe and life-altering injuries in drunk driving accidents. They are forever changed and grappling with their new normal—whether that be recovering from their wounds, mourning the loss of a loved one, or suffering through emotional trauma. Seeking justice and fair compensation for their losses is not just a right—it is a must.
At Burg Simpson, we are committed to fighting for the rights of drunk driving accident victims. For more than 45 years, we have dedicated our work to those injured by negligence. As Good Lawyers. Changing Lives.®, we devote our local knowledge and national resources to the pursuit of just compensation for the injured.
If you or a loved one has been harmed in a drunk driving accident, you may be entitled to substantial compensation for your losses. Reach out to one of our experienced Phoenix drunk driving victim lawyers today. Contact Burg Simpson online or by calling 602-777-7000 to schedule your FREE and confidential case evaluation with our Arizona office.
Can You Sue a Drunk Driver in Phoenix?
Drunk driving accident victims have the right to pursue legal recourse for their injuries, and family members have the right to seek justice for their lost loved ones. If you have been injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver in Phoenix, Arizona law allows victims to file personal injury claims against the at-fault driver.
A drunk driving lawsuit helps the victim obtain the financial support they need to recover and holds the negligent driver accountable for their actions. The drunk driving victim attorneys at Burg Simpson understand the devastation and heartbreak following a car accident. The knowledge that it could have been prevented had the intoxicated driver refrained from getting behind the wheel only adds to the dismay.
Contact us to set up a FREE consultation. We will evaluate the viability of your claim and make sure that you are pursuing every possible avenue to the justice you need and deserve.
Common Drunk Driving Accident Injuries
Drunk driving accidents are the most senseless. That is why we champion the rights of injured victims. Operating a motor vehicle is a privilege, partly because of the potential destruction should an accident occur.
Injuries can vary, but too many are extremely serious—if not fatal. These can profoundly affect victims’ lives for years to come. Understanding the extent of your injuries is important for seeking appropriate compensation.
Some common injuries suffered by victims of drunk driving include:
- Head injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries/paralysis
- Amputations
- Burns
- Facial trauma/disfigurement
- Broken bones/fractures
- Internal injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
When injured by a drunk driver, the trauma does not end with the accident. Next is the process of healing, and all the while, the medical bills start piling up. You did not ask for this, and you are not the one who behaved negligently. You deserve compensation for your injuries.
Reach out to the Phoenix drunk driving victim lawyers at Burg Simpson today for legal support. We will help you secure the compensation you need so you can focus on your recovery.
Compensation in Phoenix Drunk Driving Accident Claims
Victims of drunk driving accidents are entitled and encouraged to seek compensation for the extensive costs of these traumatic incidents. Understanding the different types of compensation you may be eligible to receive is necessary when building your claim. Your drunk driving injury attorney can ensure you are asking for the maximum available damages.
You could receive the following damages for your injuries:
- Medical expenses
- Out-of-pocket travel expenses for medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain & suffering
- Disability & disfigurement
- Loss of quality of life
- Loss of consortium
If your loved one was killed by a drunk driver, you may be eligible to receive the following damages:
- Medical bills related to the victim’s final injury
- Funeral & burial expenses
- Loss of economic support
- Value of household services
- Loss of society & companionship
Punitive Damages
In some cases, victims of drunk driving accidents may be awarded punitive damages. These are not designed to compensate the victim but rather to punish the intoxicated driver for their reckless behavior and deter others from acting similarly.
Under Arizona law, to be eligible for punitive damages, a plaintiff must first demonstrate that the defendant engaged in either intentional or negligent tortious conduct. Then, the plaintiff must provide clear and convincing evidence that the defendant acted with an “evil mind.”
This can be established by showing that the defendant’s actions were either (1) intended to cause harm, (2) motivated by spite, or (3) so outrageous that they created a “substantial risk of tremendous harm to others.” In a drunk driving case, establishing grounds for punitive damages requires demonstrating the third type of behavior.
Though awards of punitive damages are extremely rare, they are warranted when it comes to cases of intoxicated drivers injuring or killing unsuspecting victims. The attorneys at Burg Simpson have more than four decades of experience advocating for our clients’ rights and securing successful settlements and verdicts. We will utilize every tool and skill available to bring justice to you and your family.
What Is the Average Settlement for a Drunk Driving Accident in Arizona?
The average settlement for a drunk driving accident in Arizona can vary drastically depending on several factors. It is difficult to discern an exact average because each case is unique. Your Phoenix drunk driving victim lawyer will be able to provide more insight into potential settlement amounts in your particular circumstances.
That being said, the following are some of the factors that influence settlement amounts:
- Severity of injuries
- Cost of medical treatment
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- The emotional impact of the accident and injuries
- Possibility of punitive damages
- Insurance policy limits
Consulting the attorneys at Burg Simpson is the first step toward recovering just compensation. Contact us today for a FREE and confidential case evaluation.
What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident?
A drunk driving accident is often traumatic and overwhelming. Being as prepared as possible by knowing what steps to take immediately after can help protect your well-being, legal rights, and potential claim for compensation.
When possible, follow these steps after an accident:
1. Safety First!
Move to safety and check yourself and your passengers for injuries. Should anyone be injured, call 911 for medical assistance.
2. Contact Police
Report the accident to the police immediately. The intoxicated driver needs to be held responsible for their egregious actions. The presence of officers and an official report will help to do this.
3. Document the Scene
If possible, take photos/video of the accident scene. This includes vehicle damage, road conditions, and visible—non-emergency—injuries. Visual evidence can be valuable in proving your case.
4. Exchange Information
Again, when possible, exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) involved. Talk to witnesses and take down their contact information as well. Should the intoxicated driver be belligerent, leave them be and gather their information from law enforcement.
5. Seek Medical Attention!
Even if you do not need to ride to the emergency room in an ambulance, you need to seek medical attention. Perhaps a visit to urgent care would be in order for less acute injuries. Even if you seem to feel okay, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider. Some injuries will not be immediately apparent.
6. Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
Every insurance company has different policies for filing accident claims. It is important to know what the deadline is for your own insurer. Still, it is always best to contact them promptly.
7. Gather & Preserve Evidence
Maintain a file with all documents related to the accident. This will include medical records, prognoses and treatment plans, police reports, communications with insurance companies, etc. In addition, keep a journal detailing your physical and emotional struggles following the accident. This can help illustrate the impact the accident has had on your life.
8. Consult a Phoenix Drunk Driving Victim Attorney
Contact a seasoned lawyer at your earliest convenience. A skilled and dedicated attorney can help in many ways, including:
- Guiding you through the legal process
- Gathering evidence
- Negotiating with insurance companies
- Calculating damages
- Filing a claim with the court
More importantly, hiring a drunk driving injury attorney means you do not have to face this alone. We have your best interest in mind and will fight to secure the maximum compensation in your case.
What Is the Statute of Limitations on Alcohol-Related Injury Cases in Arizona?
If you or a loved one has been a victim in a drunk driving accident, you must understand the statute of limitations on personal injury claims in Arizona. The statute of limitations sets a strict deadline for filing lawsuits related to the accident. Failing to file within the allotted timeframe may result in losing your right to pursue compensation.
In Arizona, the statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims, including those arising from alcohol-related accidents, is generally 2 years from the date of the injury or death. This may sound like plenty of time, but you must not delay action. It can take many months to assemble a case and many more to discover that negotiations with the insurance company are not going to work out.
You can rely on Burg Simpson to protect the rights of drunk driving victims. We have the deepest sympathy for the situation you have been forced into, and we will utilize every resource and skill we have to secure the compensation you deserve.
Drunk Driving Statistics to Know
Police arrested nearly 443,000 drunk drivers in 2021. Despite that, drunk driving accidents still managed to take the lives of 13,384 people on the roads that year—accounting for about a third of all traffic fatalities nationwide (SafeHome.org). In Arizona, drunk drivers killed 421 people (NHTSA).
Arizona consistently ranks as one of the toughest states when it comes to drunk driving penalties (WalletHub). Even first-time offenders have to serve at least 24 hours in jail and pay a fine of at least $1,250 while facing a license suspension that can range anywhere from 90 to 360 days.
If you or a loved one has been hurt by a drunk driver, you need to call a drunk driving victim attorney in Phoenix. You can reach Burg Simpson’s Arizona office at 602-777-7000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form to discuss your case with us now.
How Does Arizona Classify DUIs?
Like everywhere else, Arizona law enforcement classifies DUIs based on blood alcohol concentration (BAC), in addition to other circumstances surrounding the event. The classifications include:
- Standard DUI: Driving with a BAC of .08 percent or more (or with a BAC of .04 percent or more if a commercial vehicle is involved). For anyone under 21, driving with any amount of alcohol will result in an arrest.
- Extreme DUI: Driving with a BAC of .15 percent or more.
- Aggravated DUI: Driving with a suspended, revoked, or canceled license while intoxicated, a third DUI offense within 84 months, or driving under the influence with a passenger younger than 15 in the vehicle.
Has a drunk driving accident left you or a family member seriously injured? Contact one of our drunk driving injury lawyers in Phoenix for help with your case before it is too late.
Let Our Burg Simpson Lawyers in Phoenix Help You
If an impaired driver has seriously hurt you, reach out to Burg Simpson, your Phoenix drunk driving victim attorneys, as soon as possible. We are committed to helping all victims harmed by drunk drivers and want to help you on the road to recovery. We also want to keep these offenders off the road!
Call our Arizona office right away at 602-777-7000 or fill out our Free Case Evaluation Form. Schedule a FREE and confidential case evaluation and we will see what we can do to bring you and your family the justice you deserve. We are proud to represent clients in Phoenix and throughout Arizona.
