Phoenix Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
Arizona is a no-tolerance state when it comes to impaired driving. However, even the strictest of policies does not completely eliminate the threat of driving amongst drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In fact, the number of accidents involving drunk drivers in the United States remains lamentably high.
If you have been injured in an accident due to a drunk driver’s decision to get behind the wheel of a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you are owed compensation for your damages. A dedicated and knowledgeable Phoenix, AZ drunk driving accident attorney from Feller & Wendt can help you investigate your case and file a claim to get you the results you need for a happy and healthy future after your accident.
Common Mistakes Made By Victims of Drunk Driving Accidents
Navigating the aftermath of a drunk driving accident can leave you overwhelmed and confused with many questions. What are your rights? Who do you call? Should you sue, press charges, or both? To avoid some of the most common mistakes made by victims of drunk driving accidents, we have put together the following list:
Not Gathering Evidence
If it is safe to do so, it is encouraged that you have gathered some evidence after the accident. This can be as simple as photographs and video footage from your phone. A police report should be filed, where the blood alcohol concentration levels of the other driver will be recorded.
Without evidence, it can become extremely difficult to file a claim with the other driver’s insurance policy for compensation.
Not Filing on Time
The state of Arizona currently gives the victims of drunk driving accidents two years to file a personal injury claim. This two-year deadline begins on the date of the accident. If you happen to miss it, which can prove easy when you throw in obstacles like injury, you run the risk of having your claim dismissed.
Even if you are able to file on time, doing so without a Phoenix drunk driving accident attorney leaves you likely to receive a low settlement offer. This is most commonly due to not accurately representing the full extent of your injuries through your documentation.
Not Hiring a Dedicated Attorney
At the end of the day, the biggest mistake you can make after falling victim to a drunk driving accident is not hiring a dedicated Phoenix, AZ drunk driving accident lawyer. Feller & Wendt is here to use many years of experience and previously documented successes to guide you and your claim to victory. We’ll begin by collecting and assessing all relevant information, most of which is time-sensitive and requires dedicated resources. This can range anywhere from expert testimony to traffic camera footage. This evidence will be used to establish liability: the drunk driver owed you a standard of care, they breached it by driving drunk, and it resulted in an accident and your injury.
From there, we will ensure your claim is filed on time and includes everything you need to accurately demonstrate your losses. If a low settlement is offered, we are there to help negotiate and file for a reevaluation. We are even prepared to take your case to court if need be.
What Types of Compensation Are You Entitled to After Your Accident?
As the victim of a drunk driving accident, you are entitled to compensation for your damages. After establishing liability, your Phoenix, AZ drunk driving accident lawyer will fight for you to receive damages that may include the following:
- Past, present, and future medical bills
- Property damage
- Emergency trips to the hospital
- Any missed wages due to the inability to continue working
- Physical therapy for broken bones or strains
- Prescription pain medications
- Any endured emotional pain or suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- PTSD
Arizona does not currently have a cap on either economic or noneconomic damages. The state’s comparative negligence law allows you to receive damages even if you are found to be partially liable for the accident, though your compensation will be reduced based on the percentage of fault.
Fallen Victim to a Drunk Driving Accident? We Can Help Today
A drunk driving accident can leave a victim drowning in a pool of unpaid bills and long-lasting injuries. Feller & Wendt does not believe that anyone should have to suffer at the hands of another person’s blatant negligence. When you have fallen victim to the drunk driving of another person, Feller & Wendt is here to get you the compensation you need to move forward from your accident.
With a people-first approach to the world of personal injury, our firm ensures you have access to a dedicated Phoenix drunk driving accident lawyer throughout every step of the process. From the very first consultation to the final settlement agreement, our team is here to answer any questions or address any concerns. To get a better idea of how we can best help you and your case today, please call our office at (480) 702-2277 or use our contact form for a free consultation.
