Who is Responsible for an Arizona Drunk Driving Accident?

Drunk driving accidents should just not happen. These accidents are completely preventable and there are numerous resources and statistics showing how devastating and dangerous drunk driving is. Yet even though the perils are known, drunk driving accidents still happen quite frequently in the United States. In 2015, there are close to 5,000 alcohol-related accidents in Arizona. Regardless of the multiple penalties associated with drunk driving such as jail time, fines, loss of license, and even potentially being fired from a job, a drunk driver who hits you may not have enough coverage to pay for the massive damages you sustain.

Who is Liable in An Arizona Drunk Driving Accident?

It is illegal to be operating a motor vehicle if your blood alcohol content is over .08%. Commercial drivers cannot have a BAC that is over .04%. When you are hit and injured by an Arizona drunk driver, you have the right to pursue a suit against them for compensation. When a driver is drunk they are liable for your damages. A driver must have at least $15,000 in bodily insurance as set by Arizona’s insurance requirements. Often, though, damages that victims endure are far beyond Arizona’s insurance minimums. 

In cases where the drunk driver came from a bar or restaurant, you may have other options when it comes to pursuing compensation. Arizona’s dram shop liability laws state that:

• A seller sold alcohol to a person who was obviously intoxicated.
• A seller sold alcohol to a person younger than the legal age of 21 because they did not ask for identification to confirm the age or they knowingly provided alcohol to an individual they knew was under the age of 21.
• The alcohol consumed was the reason for the accident and the cause for the resulting injuries or death.

If you can prove that the person who hit you came from a vendor that did any of the above, that vendor may be liable for your damages. Some of the types of evidence that a victim could use which would be very helpful to prove their case include:

• Bank statements showing that the individual paid for multiple drinks on the day of the incident and at the time before the incident.
• Witness testimony.
• Video surveillance.

Proving that a driver was overserved or served under-age at a place of business before your accident is a detail-intensive process. To ensure that your case is put together efficiently and properly so you have the best chance at success when you pursue a suit against a vendor a Phoenix automobile accident injury attorney should be utilized.

Where Can You Find an Arizona Automobile Accident Injury Attorney?

It is very unfortunate when you have been hit and injured by a drunk driver in Arizona and the driver’s insurance isn’t sufficient to cover your costs. When there exists another avenue to pursue financial compensation so you can obtain a fair settlement that maximizes how much you get paid, such as filing against a bar or restaurant the Arizona serious injury attorneys at ELG can help. Call the Phoenix car accident attorneys immediately to set up your free consultation at (623) 877-3600.