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Legal Representation for Victims of Accidents Associated With Drunk Drivers
Arizona has enacted tough DUI laws that severely punish anyone who is driving under the influence. Drivers
may lose their licenses for at least 90 days, and they may also face
criminal prosecution, incarceration, and hefty fines. In Arizona, statistics have shown that someone is injured or killed in a car accident at one time per hour.
Despite the severe consequences of a DUI, many
drivers continue to drive under the influence of alcohol and other drugs
and cause accidents. Injury victims typically require hospital care and follow up treatment. A
driver who causes an accident while driving under the influence is said
to be grossly negligent and is responsible for punitive damages. The Lara Law Firm can help you pursue damages against the responsible party to fully compensate you for your losses.
Arizona DUI Laws
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs cannot be tolerated because the loss of life and property is too great. Under Arizona law, the legal limit for which a person can be considered intoxicated is 0.08% blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Any amount of any other drugs (such as marijuana) can also subject a driver to DUI charges. For commercial truck drivers, the BAC is lower--a 0.04% BAC limit. A DUI conviction can be used as former proof by another court (res judicata) that the opposing driver was impaired and negligent at the time of the accident.
Litigation in Drunk Driving Accident Cases
A civil lawsuit can be commenced even after the drunk driver has been convicted of a DUI in a criminal court. The
witnesses in the criminal case may be brought to testify at a trial in a
civil case, or at a deposition in preparation for trial. Accident
victims can request damages such as lost wages, pain and suffering,
reimbursement of medical expenses, and punitive damages. Our Tucson accident attorneys can help you recover damages in this type of case. Wrongful
death may also be a cause of action, or dram shop liability if the
driver was over served at a bar or any other facility with a liquor
license.
Please call The Lara Law Firm at 520-577-0707 if you have any questions regarding your accident case.