Drunk Drivers

⚖️ Legal Representation for Victims of Drunk Driving Accidents

Injuries or deaths caused by drunk driving are among the most tragic personal injury cases. The fact that an innocent person has suffered because of another’s total irresponsibility often outrages the entire community.

At Lawyers for less, our car accident lawyers aggressively pursue claims against those who drive under the influence, as well as the bars, clubs, and restaurants that over-serve them. While no law can replace a loved one, the legal system provides a vital path for victims and their families to recover the financial support they need to move forward.

Understanding Arizona Drunk Driving Laws

In Arizona, it is strictly illegal to drive with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. For commercial drivers (CDL holders), that limit is even lower at 0.04%. However, you can still be convicted of a DUI even if your BAC is below 0.08% if you are "impaired to the slightest degree." Arizona also enforces a "Zero Tolerance" policy for drivers under 21. Furthermore, drugged driving is a serious crime; law enforcement now has the technology to prove impairment from illegal or prescription drugs just as easily as alcohol.

Criminal Prosecution vs. Civil Claims

When a drunk driver causes a crash, two separate cases usually follow:

• Criminal Case: The state prosecutes the driver to punish them with jail time, license suspension, and fines.
• Civil Case (Personal Injury): This is where Lawyers for less steps in. We file a claim in civil court to secure compensation for you. This isn't about state fines; it's about making the driver pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Insurance Claims vs. Personal Injury Lawsuits

Arizona is an "at-fault" state, meaning the person who caused the crash is responsible for the damages. You have two primary paths:

1. Insurance Claim: You can file against the drunk driver’s policy for immediate needs like vehicle repairs.
2. Personal Injury Lawsuit: This allows you to seek much higher compensation for long-term medical care, lost earning capacity, and punitive damages. While punitive damages (intended to punish the driver) are difficult to secure, a skilled lawyer knows how to build a case that demands them.

Proving Negligence and "Dram Shop" Liability

To win your case, we must prove the other driver was negligent. This is done using toxicology reports, police records, and eyewitness accounts of slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, or erratic driving (weaving, speeding, or running red lights).

Holding the Establishment Accountable (Dram Shop Laws)

If the drunk driver is uninsured or has low policy limits, we can often pursue a Dram Shop claim. Under A.R.S. § 4-311, a bar, restaurant, or liquor store can be held liable if they served alcohol to someone who was "obviously intoxicated" or under the legal drinking age.

Social Host Liability

In Arizona, "social hosts" (people throwing private parties) are generally not liable for accidents caused by adult guests. However, if a host serves alcohol to a minor who then causes an accident, that host can be held legally responsible for the resulting injuries or death.

Contact the Attorneys at Lawyers for less

Timing is critical. Evidence can disappear, and the statute of limitations limits how long you have to file a claim. If you or a loved one has suffered because of a drunk driver, contact Lawyers for less immediately.

Call us today at (602) 800-5762