Attorney For Drunk Driving Accident Victims And Families
You have seen it on the news many times before. A drunk driver killed an innocent family. But you never thought it would happen to you. During an unimaginably painful time, it is important to have a legal professional there to protect your rights and best interests.
With over 30 years of experience helping serious injury and wrongful death victims, The Smith Fila Law Firm is here for you and your family every step of the way.
We believe in seeking justice for families after tragedies such as drunk driving wrecks and other fatal accidents. Talk to our attorney in Yuma, Arizona, today. Our personal injury law firm has a reputation for integrity, thoroughness and getting results for our clients. Since 1982, we have been there every step of the way for victims throughout Arizona.
We offer free initial consultations for drunk driving accident victims and their families. Call us at 928-328-1361 or toll-free at 877-386-6038.
DUI-Related Crash Or Injury
Unfortunately, injuries that result from a drunk driving accident are often very serious, catastrophic or even fatal. Having obtained millions of dollars in damages for our clients over the years, you can trust in our ability to seek maximum compensation.
What sets drunk driving accident cases apart from other injury claims is that there is the potential for punitive damages. These are damages sought due to the extremely reckless and careless actions of a drunk driver. The bad moral behavior, to plainly put it, that was so egregious merits additional damages.
We will use our extensive experience and skill to thoroughly investigate your case. There can be more than one potential defendant in a drunk driving case. From the driver to the bar or liquor establishment that provided the alcohol to the drunk driver (“dram shop” liability laws would apply), we will go after all potentially negligent parties.
Answers To Common Questions About Drunk Driving Accidents And Litigation
Below, we’ve answered some questions you may have after being hurt in an alcohol-related accident. After reading, we invite you to contact us for answers to any additional questions you may have.
How can a lawyer help me with a drunk driving accident case in Arizona?
A lawyer can be a vital ally in a drunk driving accident case. Among other things, a good attorney will work to:
- Gather evidence such as police reports and witness statements
- Negotiate with insurance companies to seek fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages and other damages
- Follow the progress of a separate criminal prosecution against the drunk driver, utilizing evidence such as blood alcohol content test results and a guilty plea, or conviction for DUI
Finally, a skilled personal injury attorney will guide you through the legal process, ensuring your rights are protected and helping you understand your full set of legal options.
What are punitive damages, and how do they apply to drunk driving cases?
Punitive damages, also called exemplary damages, are meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
It is rare for Arizona judges to award punitive damages, and there is not much statutory law spelling out when they are warranted. Guided by previous court rulings, however, judges may award punitive damages if the defendant acted with an “evil mind.” This means that they either intentionally inflicted harm or engaged in a highly dangerous activity despite knowing that it was likely to hurt or kill someone else. It is easy to argue that drunk driving is an example of the latter.
When you contact our firm, our lawyer can help determine if pursuing punitive damages is appropriate in your case and will strive to present the necessary evidence to support such a claim.
What if the drunk driver is uninsured or underinsured in Arizona?
It should come as no surprise that someone reckless enough to drive drunk would also be irresponsible when it comes to maintaining auto insurance. If you were hit by a driver who is uninsured or underinsured, you may have a few options for seeking compensation:
Option 1: Relying on UM/UIM coverage on your own policy. Drivers in Arizona have the option to include coverage for accidents involving uninsured or underinsured drivers. If you opted for such coverage, this would likely be the first option to consider.
Option 2: Suing the at-fault driver directly. This is a reasonable approach if the drunk driver has significant personal assets. If they don’t (which is often the case), it may not be worth it to pursue a direct lawsuit.
Option 3: Exploring other types of insurance coverage. If you have health insurance, you may be able to seek coverage for your injuries related to the accident. Unfortunately, you will be responsible for the deductible, copays, coinsurance and any other out-of-pocket costs.
No matter which option you choose, it’s a good idea to consult a knowledgeable lawyer who can protect your rights and interests throughout the legal process.
Tell Us Your Story Today
Each and every one of our clients who come to us receive catered and personalized injury representation. In addition, you pay nothing unless we recover damages on your behalf. Reach out to our law firm today to schedule your free initial consultation.
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