A drunk driving crash changes everything in an instant. One moment you are driving safely through Tempe, and the next, a reckless driver has upended your life. If this happened to you, a drunk driving accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
At Valley Injury Law, we know how devastating these crashes can be. Our founding attorney spent years defending insurance companies before switching sides to fight for injured people. That insider perspective gives our clients a real advantage.
Moreover, Arizona law allows drunk driving victims to pursue significant compensation. However, getting a fair settlement requires acting quickly and having the right legal team in your corner. Here is what you need to know.
Why Drunk Driving Accidents Are Different
Not all car accidents are the same. Drunk driving crashes involve a driver who chose to get behind the wheel impaired. Because of this, these cases carry legal and financial consequences that go beyond a typical collision.
In Arizona, driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is illegal. Additionally, drivers can face charges even below that threshold if impairment is evident. This matters for your civil claim as well as the criminal case.
Criminal Case vs. Civil Claim — What Is the Difference?
A criminal DUI case is brought by the state. It can result in fines, license suspension, or jail time for the drunk driver. However, a criminal conviction does not automatically pay your medical bills or replace your lost income.
A civil claim is separate. You file it to recover compensation for your injuries, losses, and other damages. Therefore, even if the driver faces criminal charges, you still need to pursue your own civil case to be made whole.
Punitive Damages May Be Available
In drunk driving cases, Arizona courts sometimes award punitive damages. These are damages designed to punish especially reckless behavior. Because drunk driving is considered willful misconduct, it can qualify for this type of additional award.
Punitive damages are not guaranteed. However, they are far more likely in a DUI-related injury claim than in a standard fender-bender. An experienced lawyer can evaluate whether your case may qualify.
Common Injuries in Drunk Driving Crashes
Drunk drivers often travel at unsafe speeds or fail to brake before impact. As a result, these crashes tend to cause severe injuries. Many victims in Tempe and across the Phoenix metro area face long recovery roads.
Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) — ranging from concussions to severe brain damage
- Spinal cord injuries — which can cause partial or complete paralysis
- Broken bones — including fractures to the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis
- Internal organ damage — often requiring emergency surgery
- Soft tissue injuries — such as whiplash, which can cause lasting neck and back pain
- Facial and dental injuries — from airbag deployment or dashboard impact
- Emotional trauma — including PTSD, anxiety, and depression after a violent crash
Furthermore, some injuries do not appear right away. Always seek medical attention after a crash, even if you feel fine at the scene. Documentation of your injuries is critical to your claim.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Arizona personal injury law allows drunk driving victims to pursue a wide range of damages. The goal is to put you in the financial position you would have been in had the crash never happened.
You may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses, including emergency care, surgery, and ongoing treatment
- Future medical costs if your injuries require long-term care
- Lost wages while you recover from your injuries
- Loss of future earning capacity if you cannot return to your previous work
- Pain and suffering, both physical and emotional
- Property damage to your vehicle
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Punitive damages in qualifying cases
Additionally, if a loved one was killed by a drunk driver, surviving family members may bring a wrongful death claim. Valley Injury Law handles these cases with compassion and dedication.
How Insurance Companies Handle Drunk Driving Claims
You might assume that a clear-cut DUI case means the insurance company will simply pay. Unfortunately, that is rarely how it works. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts, even when liability seems obvious.
For example, the insurer might dispute the severity of your injuries. They might argue you had pre-existing conditions. They could also claim you were partly at fault. These tactics are designed to reduce your settlement or pressure you into accepting less than you deserve.
Why Our Background Matters
Our founding attorney, Travis Meltzer, spent years working on the insurance defense side. He knows exactly how adjusters evaluate claims and where they look for weaknesses. Therefore, he can anticipate their strategies and build your case to counter them.
This insider perspective is something most personal injury firms simply cannot offer. We use that knowledge every day to fight for injured people in Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, and throughout the Greater Phoenix area.
Never Accept the First Offer
Insurance companies often make quick, low settlement offers shortly after a crash. They hope you will accept before you fully understand your damages. However, once you sign a release, you give up your right to seek more compensation later.
Always consult a drunk driving accident lawyer before accepting any offer. We review your case, assess your full damages, and negotiate aggressively on your behalf.
Steps to Take After a Drunk Driving Crash in Tempe
What you do in the hours and days after a crash can significantly affect your case. Following the right steps helps protect your health and your legal rights.
- Call 911 immediately. Get police to the scene so the driver can be tested for impairment. A police report documenting the DUI is valuable evidence.
- Seek medical care right away. Go to the emergency room or urgent care, even if your injuries seem minor.
- Document the scene. Take photos of the vehicles, the road, your injuries, and any visible damage.
- Gather witness information. Names and contact details from bystanders can support your claim.
- Do not speak to the other driver’s insurance company. Refer all communications to your lawyer.
- Contact a drunk driving accident lawyer as soon as possible. Evidence can disappear quickly, and Arizona’s statute of limitations applies.
Additionally, keep records of all your medical appointments, expenses, and any time missed from work. These details build the foundation of your compensation claim.
Arizona’s Statute of Limitations for Drunk Driving Injury Claims
In Arizona, injured victims generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline is known as the statute of limitations. If you miss it, you could lose your right to compensation entirely.
Furthermore, certain cases involving government entities or unique circumstances may have shorter deadlines. Therefore, it is always best to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after your crash. Waiting too long can hurt your case, even if liability seems clear.
Serving Tempe and the Greater Phoenix Area
Valley Injury Law proudly serves injured people across the Greater Phoenix metro area. We represent clients in Tempe, Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Scottsdale, and communities throughout Maricopa County and beyond.
Tempe’s busy roads — including Scottsdale Road, Mill Avenue, and the Loop 101 corridor — see a significant volume of drunk driving incidents, especially late at night and on weekends. If you were hurt on any of these roads, we are ready to help.
Moreover, we handle cases across Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Washington, and New Mexico. No matter where your accident occurred, Valley Injury Law is here to advocate for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drunk Driving Accident Claims
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?
Yes. Arizona follows a comparative fault system. This means your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. However, you can still recover damages even if you share some responsibility for the crash.
What if the drunk driver did not have insurance?
This is more common than many people realize. Fortunately, your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage may apply. Additionally, other parties — such as a bar that over-served the driver — may also share liability under Arizona’s dram shop laws.
How long does a drunk driving accident case take?
Every case is different. Some claims settle in a few months, while others take longer if litigation is required. We work efficiently and keep you informed throughout the process.
What does it cost to hire Valley Injury Law?
We work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront and nothing out of pocket. We only collect a fee if we recover compensation for you. There is no financial risk to getting started.
What if the drunk driver was arrested and charged with DUI?
A DUI arrest or conviction can strengthen your civil claim. It provides evidence of the driver’s negligence and may support a punitive damages argument. However, your civil case proceeds independently of the criminal proceedings.
Talk to a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Today
Being injured by a drunk driver is a traumatic and overwhelming experience. You should not have to navigate the legal process alone while you are trying to heal. Valley Injury Law is here to fight for you every step of the way.
Our team offers free case reviews with no obligation. We listen to your story, explain your options, and tell you honestly what we think your case is worth. Furthermore, because we work on contingency, getting started costs you nothing.
Do not let the insurance company take advantage of you during one of the hardest moments of your life. Contact Valley Injury Law today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward the compensation you deserve.