Speak With a Phoenix Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Today
Drunk driving accidents remain one of the most devastating and preventable causes of serious injuries and fatalities on Phoenix roads. When a driver chooses to operate a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs, they put everyone around them at risk. These crashes often occur at high speeds and involve reckless behavior such as running red lights, driving the wrong way, or failing to brake before impact.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a DUI-related crash, speaking with an experienced Phoenix drunk driving accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. Drunk driving accident cases may involve both criminal and civil proceedings, and victims often face significant medical bills, lost income, and emotional trauma.
Farar & Lewis offers free consultations for victims of drunk driving accidents throughout Phoenix. Our legal team is dedicated to holding impaired drivers accountable and helping injured victims recover financially and physically.
Call us now for a free case evaluation at 800-615-6595.
Why Drunk Driving Is So Dangerous
Alcohol and drugs significantly impair a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. Even small amounts of alcohol can affect judgment, coordination, and reaction time.
Impaired drivers often experience:
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Reduced reaction time
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Poor decision-making
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Blurred vision
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Difficulty maintaining lane control
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Slower braking response
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Increased risk-taking behavior
These impairments make it far more likely that a driver will cause a serious crash.
Arizona DUI Laws
Arizona has some of the strictest DUI laws in the United States. A driver is considered legally impaired if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher. However, drivers can still be charged with DUI even if their BAC is lower if impairment is observed.
Arizona also recognizes:
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Extreme DUI for BAC of 0.15% or higher
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Super Extreme DUI for BAC of 0.20% or higher
Drivers convicted of DUI may face criminal penalties including fines, license suspension, and jail time. However, criminal charges do not compensate victims for their injuries—that requires a civil claim.
Common Types of Drunk Driving Accidents
DUI-related crashes often involve reckless driving behaviors.
Common types of drunk driving accidents include:
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Head-on collisions
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Wrong-way driving accidents
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High-speed rear-end collisions
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Intersection crashes
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Pedestrian accidents
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Multi-vehicle pileups
Because impaired drivers often fail to brake before impact, injuries in these crashes can be severe.
Injuries Commonly Caused by Drunk Driving Accidents
Victims of DUI accidents frequently suffer catastrophic injuries due to the violent nature of these crashes.
Common injuries include:
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Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
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Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
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Broken bones and fractures
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Internal organ damage
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Severe burns
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Neck and back injuries
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Permanent disability
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Wrongful death injuries
Many victims require extensive medical care, rehabilitation, and long-term treatment.
Proving Liability in a Drunk Driving Accident Case
To pursue compensation after a DUI crash, victims must demonstrate that the impaired driver’s negligence caused the accident.
Evidence used to establish liability may include:
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Police accident reports
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DUI arrest records
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Breathalyzer or blood test results
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Witness statements
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Surveillance or traffic camera footage
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Vehicle damage analysis
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Accident reconstruction reports
In many cases, a DUI conviction can strengthen a victim’s civil claim.
Dram Shop Liability in Arizona
In some cases, a bar, restaurant, or other establishment that served alcohol to an intoxicated person may also share responsibility for a drunk driving accident.
Under Arizona’s dram shop laws, alcohol vendors may be held liable if they knowingly served alcohol to someone who was already visibly intoxicated and that person later caused a crash.
These cases can involve additional investigation and legal complexity.
Arizona’s Comparative Negligence Rule
Arizona follows a pure comparative negligence system, meaning that multiple parties may share fault in an accident.
Even if a victim is partially responsible for a crash—for example, by speeding—they may still recover compensation. However, the final award may be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned.
Insurance companies often attempt to use this rule to minimize payouts.
Compensation Available After a Drunk Driving Accident
Victims of DUI accidents may be entitled to substantial compensation for their losses.
Economic Damages
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Emergency medical treatment
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Hospitalization and surgeries
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Rehabilitation and physical therapy
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Lost wages
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Loss of future earning capacity
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Property damage
Non-Economic Damages
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Pain and suffering
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Emotional distress
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Loss of enjoyment of life
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Permanent disability or disfigurement
Punitive Damages
In drunk driving cases, courts may award punitive damages to punish the reckless conduct of the impaired driver and deter similar behavior.
Why DUI Accident Cases Require Strong Legal Representation
Drunk driving accident cases often involve complex legal issues, including criminal proceedings, insurance claims, and potential third-party liability.
Insurance companies may attempt to:
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Delay the claims process
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Dispute injury severity
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Offer quick settlements that undervalue the claim
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Shift partial blame onto the victim
An experienced Phoenix drunk driving accident lawyer can ensure that your case is thoroughly investigated and that all responsible parties are held accountable.
How Farar & Lewis Handles Drunk Driving Accident Cases
At Farar & Lewis, we understand the devastating impact drunk driving accidents have on victims and families. Our legal team is committed to pursuing justice and maximum compensation for those harmed by impaired drivers.
We focus on:
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Conducting thorough crash investigations
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Collecting evidence from DUI arrests and criminal cases
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Identifying all liable parties
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Working with medical and accident reconstruction experts
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Calculating full and future damages
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Negotiating aggressively with insurance companies
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Taking cases to trial when necessary
We represent clients on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Arizona’s Statute of Limitations for DUI Accident Claims
In Arizona, most personal injury claims must be filed within two years from the date of the accident. Claims involving government entities may require earlier notice.
Acting quickly allows your legal team to preserve evidence and protect your rights.
Call Farar & Lewis After a Drunk Driving Accident in Phoenix
If you or a loved one has been injured by an impaired driver, you should not have to face the legal process alone.
Contact Farar & Lewis today for a free consultation with a Phoenix drunk driving accident lawyer. Our team is ready to fight for your rights and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Call us now for a free case evaluation at 800-615-6595.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drunk Driving Accidents in Phoenix
What should I do after being hit by a drunk driver in Phoenix?
If you are involved in an accident caused by a drunk driver, your safety and health should be the top priority. Call 911 immediately so police and emergency medical personnel can respond. Law enforcement officers will investigate the crash and determine whether the other driver was impaired.
If possible, gather evidence at the scene. Take photos of the vehicles, the roadway, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses and obtain the other driver’s insurance details. Even if you feel fine initially, seek medical attention because some injuries may not appear right away.
After receiving medical care, contact an experienced Phoenix drunk driving accident lawyer who can help protect your rights and begin investigating the crash.
Can I sue a drunk driver after an accident in Arizona?
Yes. If a drunk driver causes an accident that results in injuries or damages, you have the right to file a personal injury claim against them. This civil claim is separate from any criminal charges the driver may face.
While the criminal case focuses on punishing the driver, a civil claim allows victims to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. A Phoenix drunk driving accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation through the civil justice system.
Can bars or restaurants be held responsible for drunk driving accidents?
In some situations, yes. Under Arizona’s dram shop laws, bars, restaurants, or other establishments that serve alcohol may be held liable if they served alcohol to someone who was visibly intoxicated and that person later caused a crash.
These cases can be complex because they require proof that the establishment knowingly overserved alcohol. A skilled attorney can investigate whether a third party may share responsibility for the accident.
What compensation can I recover after a drunk driving accident?
Victims of drunk driving accidents may be entitled to compensation for both financial and personal losses.
Economic damages may include:
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Medical bills and hospital expenses
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Ongoing medical treatment and rehabilitation
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Lost wages and lost earning capacity
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Property damage
Non-economic damages may include:
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Pain and suffering
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Emotional distress
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Loss of enjoyment of life
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Permanent disability or disfigurement
In many DUI accident cases, courts may also award punitive damages, which are intended to punish the drunk driver for reckless behavior.
How long do I have to file a drunk driving accident claim in Arizona?
Arizona law generally gives accident victims two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline is known as the statute of limitations.
If the accident involved a government vehicle or unsafe road conditions caused by a public agency, shorter deadlines may apply. Because missing a deadline can prevent you from recovering compensation, it is important to speak with a Phoenix drunk driving accident lawyer as soon as possible.
What if the drunk driver was uninsured?
If the drunk driver who caused the crash does not have insurance, you may still be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured motorist (UM) or underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage.
These policies are designed to protect victims when negligent drivers lack sufficient insurance. However, insurance companies often challenge these claims, which is why legal representation can be helpful when pursuing compensation.
Will the drunk driver go to jail?
Drunk driving is a criminal offense in Arizona, and drivers convicted of DUI may face penalties such as fines, license suspension, and jail time. However, whether the driver is jailed depends on the circumstances of the case and the outcome of the criminal proceedings.
It is important to understand that the criminal case does not provide financial compensation to victims. A separate civil claim is necessary to recover damages for injuries and losses.
Should I talk to the drunk driver’s insurance company?
After an accident, the at-fault driver’s insurance company may contact you and request a recorded statement. While the adjuster may appear helpful, their goal is usually to minimize the amount their company pays.
Before speaking with an insurance adjuster, it is wise to consult with a Phoenix drunk driving accident lawyer who can handle communication with insurance companies and ensure your claim is properly valued.
How much does it cost to hire Farar & Lewis?
Farar & Lewis represents drunk driving accident victims on a contingency fee basis, which means:
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You pay no upfront legal fees
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Your consultation is completely free
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You only pay attorney’s fees if compensation is recovered
This allows injured victims to pursue justice without financial risk.
How do I start a drunk driving accident claim?
The first step is to speak with an experienced attorney who understands DUI accident cases. During your consultation, the legal team will review the details of the crash, explain your legal options, and begin gathering evidence to support your claim.
Contact Farar & Lewis today for a free consultation with a Phoenix drunk driving accident lawyer. Our team is ready to fight for your rights and help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Sources
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Arizona Department of Transportation – DUI Statistics
https://azdot.gov -
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – Impaired Driving Data
https://www.nhtsa.gov -
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Alcohol-Impaired Driving
https://www.cdc.gov
