MESA DRUNK DRIVING ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS
If you are searching for Drunk Driving Lawyers or DUI Accident Attorneys in Mesa because you were hit or rear ended by a drunk driver, The Bradshaw Firm is the best drunk driving lawyers for you! If you or someone you love was injured in a DUI accident due to the fault of a drunk driver that led to serious injuries, medical treatments or even death, give Mesa AZ drunk driver lawyers at The Bradshaw Firm a call today at 480-835-5553 for an initial case review.
Furthermore, if you found this page by Googling any of the following phrases; “I was hit by a drunk driver can i sue”, “hit by drunk driver settlement”, “drunk driver totaled my car”, “rear ended by drunk driver settlement” or “average drunk driver settlement”, you are in the right place!
BEST DUI ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS IN MESA, ARIZONA
In Arizona, victims of drunk driving accidents are entitled to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, and may also be entitled to punitive damages to reflect the willful nature of the drunk driver’s conduct. The most popular question we receive is “I was hit by a drunk driver, can I sue?”. The short answer is Yes! Read more about being hit by a drunk driver.
If you have been injured by a drunk driver in Mesa, Arizona, The Bradshaw Firm’s drunk driving lawyers can help you take the steps you need to file a successful injury claim. We also handle cases on behalf of those who have lost a family member as a result of drunk driving. Our law firm has the experience and resources necessary to successfully handle your injury claim resulting from drunk driving. Please give us a call for a case review if you have questions about how we can help you claim compensation. Read more about Arizona’s Top Rated Lawyers.
ABOUT DRUNK DRIVING ACCIDENTS
Drunk drivers are responsible for a majority of car crashes that take place in Arizona each year. When people drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, their level of mental awareness and physical coordination become impaired, significantly increasing their chances of causing a serious collision. Drunk driving can cause devastating injuries including broken bones, head injuries, spine injuries, paralysis, crushed limbs, burns, nerve damage, and death.
DRUNK DRIVING STATISTIC IN ARIZONA
- Arizona has some of the harshest penalties for a DUI in the United States.
- Arizona is ranked 7th for highest amount of DUI arrest in the US.
OTHER DRUNK DRIVING FACTS
- People drive drunk an average of 80 times before getting caught
- 28 people dies every day due to drunk driving accidents
- 63% of people will eventually be involved in some type of drunk driving accident
- 29+ million people reported driving drunk in 2015
- 239 children were killing in a drunk driving accident in 2015
- Over 50% of children that were involved in a drunk driving accident were riding with the offender
- 720 people are injured every single day due to drunk driving accidents
- Nearly 4,000 people are arrested a day for driving drunk
FIRST TIME DUI DEFENSES INCLUDE
- 24 hours jail time
- Minimum of $250 fine
- License suspension for 90-360 days
- Must install ignition interlock device
DUI RELATED DEATHS IN ARIZONA
Our of 893 total automobile related fatalities in Arizona, 272 of the them were DUI related accidents. 30% of all automobile deaths in Arizona for 2015 were due to DUI’s.
DUI ARREST IN ARIZONA
In 2015 alone, Arizona saw over 22,000 DUI arrests. This is the 11th highest DUI arrest rate in the nation.
I WAS HIT BY A DRUNK DRIVER CAN I SUE?
The short answer is; yes you can! Auto accidents involving drunk drivers can have major penalties such as fines and jail time for the driver but they may also be facing civil charges as well. If you or someone you love was involved in an auto accident with a drunk driver, you can file a claim. As with any auto accident, you have the legal right to file claims for damages that insurance will not cover.
Filing a drunk driving lawsuit for damages is starting to become more common. Victims hit by a drunk driver are seeking compensation or a settlement from damages due to the accident, such as: loss of job, pain and suffering, etc. An experienced and knowledgeable Mesa personal injury lawyer can help you with determining the best plan of action to make sure you or your loved ones receive the compensation you deserve.
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE DRUNK DRIVING SETTLEMENT?
There is no “average” drunk driver settlement for accident injuries due to a drunk driver. In Arizona, some personal injury settlements compensate the victim with more than $1,000,000, while other cases can settle for as little as $10,000. The compensation you can claim for your case depends on several factors. These factors include the permanence and severity of your personal injuries, the loss you have suffered, and the degree of fault. Furthermore, the drunk drivers insurance and income will play a role in the amount of the settlement as well.
HOW ARE DRUNK DRIVING SETTLEMENTS CALCULATED?
There are 2 different types of damages in drunk driving accident cases: punitive damages and compensatory damages.
PUNITIVE DAMAGES & SETTLEMENTS
Punitive damages punish the drunk driver for bad behavior or extreme neglect. To compensate for punitive damages, Arizona law states that the drunk driver conduct has to be guided by an evil mind. Meaning, you have to prove the driver was pursuing a course of conduct knowing they are putting others at risk to harm.
Driving under the influence alone sometimes isn’t enough to warrant punitive damages. Other circumstances along with the degree of intoxication surrounding the conduct will play a role in whether punitive damages will be awarded or not.
COMPENSATORY DAMAGES & SETTLEMENTS
Compensatory damages are the most common and compensate the injured personal for his/her loss. There are 2 types of compensatory damages including:
Special Damages include current or future medical bills, property damages, lost earnings or earning capacity, or anything else that cost you or your loved one money.
General Damages include mental anguish, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, etc. There is no specific formula to calculate these damages so your story and injuries make all the difference with determining the amount of the settlement.
CONSEQUENCES OF DRUNK DRIVING
- Suspended License
- Possible Jail Time
- Fees & Fines
- Ignition Interlock Device
SUSPENDED LICENSE
License suspension remove the threat of drunk driving by restricting privileges while an offender awaits their trial. However, some offenders still drive even with a suspended license. Arizona realized this was a big problem and started using ignition interlock devices that prevent someone that is under the influence from even starting their vehicle.
IGNITION INTERLOCK DEVICE
These devices prevent driving under the influence by making the driver breath into a breathalyzer that tests their Blood alcohol levels. Research has shown that ignition interlock devices reduce repeat drunk driving offences by 2/3. They have also helped reduce the number of alcohol related deaths by 15%. Interlocks are a long term solution and do not prevent legally driving to work or treatment.
WHAT IF A DRUNK DRIVER TOTALED MY CAR?
If a drunk driver totaled your care during a drunk driving accident, you are within your legal rights to file an insurance claim or lawsuit against the individual who hit you. However, making sure you file your insurance claim correctly can be tricky as most insurance companies want to settle for less than your vehicle is worth. Filing insurance claims and lawsuits against drunk drivers can be challenging. This is where an experienced Drunk Driving Attorney like The Bradshaw Firm can help! We can help make sure you file your claim correctly and determine if filing a lawsuit for damages would be worth it.
CLAIM YOUR RIGHT TO COMPENSATION WITH A DRUNK DRIVING SETTLEMENT IN MESA
If you were involved or injured in an auto accident due to the fault of a drunk driver, you may be entitled to compensation or a settlement for your pain and suffering, loss of wages, medical bills, etc. If someone the driver is proved to be negligent or at fault, we can help you receive the maximum settlement you are entitled to.
The Bradshaw Firm’s drunk driving accident attorneys have years of experience and success with winning drunk driving settlements in Mesa. These damages include but are not limited to:
- Settlements for Past, Present, & Future Medical Bills
- Settlements for Past, Present, & Future Lost Wages
- Settlements for Pain & Suffering
- Settlements for Permanent Disability & Disfigurement
CONTACT THE MESA AZ DRUNK DRIVER LAYWERS FOR PROPER GUIDANCE
If you or someone you love was injured in a drunk driving accident, is important that you contact us right away so your rights are protected and preserved. Make sure you do not give any statements to the other part or the insure to avoid prejudice of your case. Contact us today at 480-835-5553 to schedule a case review and consultation.