A drunk driving crash can change your life in seconds. One moment you are driving through Scottsdale, and the next, an impaired driver has caused serious harm to you or someone you love. You deserve justice — and a skilled drunk driving accident lawyer can help you get it.
At Valley Injury Law, we understand how devastating these accidents are. Our founding attorney, Travis Meltzer, spent years defending insurance companies before switching sides. Now, he uses that insider knowledge to fight for injured victims across the Greater Phoenix area.
If you were hurt by a drunk driver in Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe, or anywhere in Arizona, you have rights. Furthermore, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Read on to learn how the process works and how we can help.
Why Drunk Driving Accidents Are So Dangerous
Drunk drivers are impaired in multiple ways. Their reaction times slow down. Their judgment suffers. Their ability to control a vehicle drops sharply.
Because of this, drunk driving crashes tend to be more severe than other collisions. High speeds, failure to brake, and wrong-way driving are all common in DUI-related accidents. As a result, victims often suffer serious, life-altering injuries.
Common Injuries in Drunk Driving Crashes
Injuries from drunk driving accidents can range from moderate to catastrophic. Additionally, some injuries do not appear until days after the crash.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken and fractured bones
- Internal organ damage
- Severe lacerations and scarring
- Wrongful death
Each of these injuries carries significant medical costs. Moreover, many victims lose income while they recover. A drunk driving accident lawyer helps you pursue compensation for all of these losses.
What Makes a Drunk Driving Case Different
Standard car accident claims focus on negligence. Drunk driving cases are different. In addition to civil liability, the at-fault driver may also face criminal charges.
This distinction matters for your claim. First, a criminal DUI conviction can serve as strong evidence in your civil case. Next, you may be entitled to punitive damages — an additional award meant to punish especially reckless behavior. Finally, third parties like bars or restaurants that over-served the driver may also share liability under Arizona’s dram shop laws.
Understanding Dram Shop Liability in Arizona
Arizona law allows injured victims to hold alcohol vendors accountable in certain situations. For example, if a bar continued serving a visibly intoxicated person who later caused your accident, that business may bear partial responsibility.
These cases are complex. However, our team knows how to investigate vendor liability and pursue every available avenue of compensation. We leave nothing on the table for our clients across Scottsdale, Chandler, Gilbert, and the wider Phoenix metro.
How Insurance Companies Handle Drunk Driving Claims
Many people assume that a drunk driving case is easy to win. Unfortunately, insurance companies do not simply hand over full compensation. They still look for ways to minimize your payout.
They may argue your injuries are not as severe as claimed. They may delay the process. They may even try to shift partial blame to you. Because of this, having a drunk driving accident lawyer on your side is critical.
Travis Meltzer’s Insurance Defense Background
Attorney Travis Meltzer knows these tactics firsthand. He used them when he worked for insurance companies earlier in his career. Now, he uses that same insider knowledge to anticipate and counter every move insurers make against injured victims.
This unique perspective gives Valley Injury Law clients a significant advantage. Moreover, we are not afraid to take cases to trial when insurers refuse to offer fair settlements.
Steps to Take After a Drunk Driving Accident in Scottsdale
What you do immediately after a crash can affect your entire claim. Therefore, it is important to act carefully and quickly.
- Call 911 immediately. A police report is essential, especially in DUI crashes.
- Seek medical attention right away. Even if you feel okay, get evaluated. Some injuries are not obvious at first.
- Document everything. Take photos of the scene, your vehicle, and your injuries.
- Get witness contact information. Bystanders can be valuable later.
- Avoid talking to the other driver’s insurance company. They are not on your side.
- Contact a drunk driving accident lawyer as soon as possible. Early involvement protects your evidence and your rights.
Additionally, preserve any dashcam footage, medical records, and repair estimates. These materials form the backbone of a strong claim.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Drunk driving accident victims may be entitled to several categories of compensation. The total amount depends on the severity of your injuries, the strength of evidence, and how the case is handled.
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover your measurable financial losses. These include medical bills, future treatment costs, lost wages, and property damage. Furthermore, if your injury prevents you from returning to your previous job, future lost earning capacity may also be included.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages address losses that are harder to measure. Pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of companionship all fall into this category. In drunk driving cases, these awards can be substantial.
Punitive Damages
As mentioned, punitive damages may apply in drunk driving cases. Arizona courts award these damages to punish conduct that is especially reckless or malicious. On the other hand, not every case qualifies — our team will evaluate whether punitive damages apply in your situation.
Why Valley Injury Law Is the Right Choice in Scottsdale
Valley Injury Law is not a high-volume firm that treats clients like case numbers. We provide personalized attention to every client we serve. You will work directly with our team and receive honest, straightforward guidance throughout your case.
We handle cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. There are no upfront legal fees and no financial risk to pursuing your claim.
We serve clients across Scottsdale, Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe, and surrounding communities throughout Arizona. Additionally, our firm handles cases in Nevada, Utah, Washington, and New Mexico.
If you are ready to explore your options, contact Valley Injury Law today for a free case review. We are ready to listen and ready to fight for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drunk Driving Accident Claims
How long do I have to file a claim after a drunk driving accident in Arizona?
Arizona’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, exceptions may apply depending on your circumstances. Therefore, it is best to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?
Yes. Arizona follows a pure comparative fault rule. This means you can recover compensation even if you share some responsibility for the crash. However, your total award will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
What if the drunk driver did not have insurance?
This situation is more common than many people expect. Fortunately, your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage may provide compensation in this scenario. Additionally, dram shop claims against bars or restaurants may be an option. Our team will explore every available path to recovery.
Will my case go to trial?
Most personal injury cases settle before trial. However, we prepare every case as if it will go to court. Because of this, insurers take our demands seriously. We are fully prepared to litigate when a fair settlement cannot be reached.
How much does it cost to hire Valley Injury Law?
Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis. You only pay us if we successfully recover compensation for you. There are no hidden fees and no financial risk to getting started.
Contact a Scottsdale Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Today
Drunk driving accidents cause serious harm to innocent people. You should not have to fight alone against insurance companies and at-fault drivers. Valley Injury Law is here to stand with you.
Our team brings real insurance defense experience to every case we handle. We know the tactics insurers use, and we know how to defeat them. Moreover, we are committed to securing the full and fair compensation you deserve.
Do not wait to get help. Reach out to our team today for a free, no-obligation case review. There is no cost to speak with us, and no cost unless we win.