When a drunk driver injures you or your family in an accident, it presents a unique situation in which the other driver likely cannot dispute fault for the accident. How can you use this advantage to its maximum potential? As your injury attorney we can make a civil claim for you, but we can also appear for you as the victim in the criminal prosecution against that driver. As the victim of a crime, you have rights that you may not understand. The right attorney can inform you of these rights and help protect them.
You have the right to be consulted and have your say regarding any plea agreement with the accused. Often, we are able to negotiate a sworn statement from the defendant before sentencing as a condition of the plea acceptance, and this can help us to identify witnesses, identify the bar or bars where the defendant was served, or identify whether an employer or family member negligently allowed the defendant to drive their vehicle. This information usually cannot be obtained in any other way, and it can allow us to pursue additional claims against bar owners and vehicle owners.
The Rights Of Drunk Driver Accident Victims
Victims of drunk driver accidents typically experience several ways in which their lives are negatively affected by their injuries:
- Property damage
- Expensive medical bills
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Loss of income
- The possible death of a loved one
While the first affects are on the victim of the accident, they quickly spread to their loved ones, who have to pick up the pieces and nurse them back to health. When faced with an injured or deceased loved one, it is very difficult for the family to cope with the shock of these terrible events. This suffering and loss is made even worse when the victims’ family’s grieving is interrupted by the high cost of medical care, travel, counseling, lost wages, and funeral expenses, which must be attended to immediately, preferably by a drunk driver injuries attorney in Mesa, Arizona.
Victims of drunk driver injuries experience anger, confusion, and anxiety. These feelings can become incredibly difficult to deal with. The continuing psychological damage could affect the victim for years to come. The good news is that the victims of drunk driver injuries have rights. In many situations, they are entitled to compensation for the losses they have endured.
Drunk driver injuries victims or their families should contact an attorney in Mesa, Arizona to file a civil case against the perpetrator to receive compensation for the expenses and emotional damages suffered. Although a lawsuit cannot heal the wounds caused by injuries or the sudden loss of a loved one, it serves as a powerful tool to assist families and to hold implicated parties liable for their actions.
Who Can Be Held Liable For Drunk Driver Injuries?
Injuries and death by a drunk driver are completely preventable. It is important for those intending to drink to take responsibility for their subsequent decisions and to be aware that responsibility falls on others as well. It is required by law that employees in bars and nightclubs are aware of inebriated patrons and stop serving them alcohol. If they continue to serve these patrons, who later injure another, they may be held responsible for the damage incurred. Drunk driving affects and hurts the entire community, not just the driver and the victim.
If you have been the victim of a drunk driving accident, contact The Law Office of J. Ridge Hicks to schedule a free consultation about your case. It is very important to get the advice of an experienced Mesa, AZ drunk driver injuries attorney who can help you gain compensation for your pain and suffering. When you consult with our expert at The Law Office of J. Ridge Hicks, you will learn about Arizona’s laws regarding the victims of drunk drivers. You will also learn how to make sure that you receive any compensation that you may be entitled to under the law in Arizona. Contact The Law Office of J. Ridge Hicks today to see how a skilled drunk driver injuries attorney in Mesa can represent your rights.
