Flagstaff Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys

Fighting For Drunk Driving Accident Victims in Arizona

If you or someone you know has been injured in a drunk driving accident, you need experienced legal help. At Evans Garrey PLLC, we have the skills and resources to effectively advocate on your behalf. Our team of compassionate and highly skilled Flagstaff drunk driving accident attorneys is ready to help you obtain the compensation you need to move forward with your life. Our lawyers have experience helping clients seek justice in motor vehicle accidents, bike accidents, pedestrian accidents, and boating injuries. If you were involved in an accident involving a drunk driver, our Flagstaff DUI accident lawyers can help.

Call (928) 589-0020 or contact us online today to speak to our drunk driving lawyer in Flagstaff.

What Is Involved in a Drunk Driving Accident Case?

A drunk driving accident case involves several stages and components. Here's a general outline of what you might expect:

Keep in mind that every case is unique, and the process may vary depending on the specifics of your situation. It's always best to seek legal advice from a qualified attorney to understand what's involved in your specific case.

• Investigation: This is the initial stage where evidence from the accident scene is collected. This could include police reports, witness statements, video footage, and any other relevant information. The blood alcohol content (BAC) of the driver is also determined at this stage.
• Medical Treatment and Evaluation: If injuries were sustained in the accident, immediate medical attention is required. Documenting your injuries and related medical expenses is crucial for your case.
• Filing an Insurance Claim: The victim or their Flagstaff DUI injury attorney will often file a claim with the at-fault party's insurance company. This includes presenting all evidence of the driver's negligence and the extent of the injuries suffered.
• Negotiation: After the claim has been evaluated by the insurance company, they may offer a settlement. There can be a period of negotiation here where your attorney will argue for a fair and adequate settlement based on your damages.
• Lawsuit Filing: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, a lawsuit may be filed against the at-fault driver. This initiates the litigation process, which includes discovery (exchange of evidence), pre-trial motions, and, potentially, trial.
• Trial: If a settlement is not agreed upon during litigation, the case goes to trial. Here, the evidence is presented before a judge or jury who decides the outcome of the case.
• Collection and Payment: If the verdict is in your favor, the final step involves collecting the judgment or settlement and paying for your medical bills, legal fees, and other expenses.

Common Causes of Drunk Driving Accidents

Common causes may include the following:

• Excessive Alcohol Consumption: When drivers consume too much alcohol, their judgment becomes clouded, and their ability to assess road conditions and make split-second decisions is impaired. This is a frequent cause of collisions where drivers lose control of their vehicle or misjudge distances between other cars.
• Slow Reaction Time: Alcohol slows down a person's reflexes. Drunk drivers are often unable to respond quickly to changing traffic signals, pedestrians, or other hazards, leading to crashes that could have been avoided if they were sober.
• Disregard for Traffic Laws: Impaired drivers often fail to obey basic traffic laws, such as stopping at red lights or yielding to oncoming traffic. These violations can lead to deadly collisions, especially at intersections or in high-traffic areas.
• Speeding: Alcohol consumption can make drivers overconfident, leading them to drive at excessive speeds. Speeding while under the influence of alcohol increases the risk of severe crashes, as drivers are less able to stop or swerve to avoid an accident.
• Driving the Wrong Way: Drunk drivers can become disoriented and, in some cases, end up driving in the wrong direction on highways or one-way streets. This behavior can cause head-on collisions, which are particularly dangerous and often result in fatalities.
• Fatigue and Drowsiness: Alcohol exacerbates drowsiness, making it harder for drivers to stay alert. Fatigued drunk drivers may fall asleep at the wheel, leading to rear-end collisions, lane departures, or veering off the road.

Common Injuries in a Drunk Driving Accident

Common injuries may include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Head trauma is common in high-speed collisions, especially if the victim's head strikes the steering wheel, dashboard, or windows. TBIs could result in memory loss, cognitive impairment, personality changes, and long-term disability.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord could result in partial or full paralysis, drastically altering a victim's life. Spinal injuries often require extensive medical care, physical therapy, and home modifications, leading to substantial costs.
• Broken Bones and Fractures: The force of impact in a drunk driving accident can easily cause fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, and other parts of the body. These fractures may require surgery and a lengthy recovery process in severe cases.
• Internal Injuries: Internal bleeding and damage to organs are often not instantly visible but can be life-threatening. Common internal injuries include punctured lungs, ruptured spleens, or kidney damage, requiring emergency medical attention.
• Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Even in lower-speed crashes, the sudden movement of the head and neck can cause whiplash, which affects the neck muscles and ligaments. While whiplash is often temporary, it can lead to chronic pain and discomfort.
• Burns and Lacerations: Victims may suffer from burns if a vehicle catches fire or from deep cuts caused by broken glass or sharp metal. These injuries can leave lasting scars and require specialized medical treatment, such as skin grafts.
• Emotional Trauma: Beyond physical injuries, victims of drunk driving accidents often experience emotional distress, anxiety, and even post-traumatic stress disorder. The psychological effect of such a traumatic event can take months or years to heal.