Mesa DUI Accident Lawyer
Being hit by a drunk driver is painful and preventable. We’ll help you pursue accountability and financial support without added stress.
It’s normal to feel angry and overwhelmed after a DUI crash—especially when medical bills and missed work start stacking up. We’ll explain your options in plain language and help you move forward with a free, no-pressure consultation.
Criminal case vs. civil claim—what’s the difference?
The state prosecutes the crime; a civil claim helps cover your losses
If the driver is charged with DUI, that’s a criminal case brought by the state, and it focuses on punishment like fines or jail. Your civil claim is separate—it’s how you seek compensation for medical bills, lost income, and how the crash has affected your daily life. These cases often involve strong evidence, such as police reports and blood alcohol information, and we can help coordinate how that information supports your claim. We also handle the insurer communication so you aren’t pressured into quick decisions while you’re still recovering.
What we look at in a drunk driving injury case
Accountability can involve more than one responsible party
We focus on building a clear, well-supported claim that reflects the full impact of what happened. Depending on the facts, there may be multiple paths to recovery.
- The driver’s insurance: Even when alcohol is involved, liability coverage may still apply to compensate victims, and we help document damages and negotiate fairly.
- Uninsured or underinsured coverage: If the driver has limited insurance, your own policy may provide coverage, and we’ll help you understand what it can do.
- Dram shop liability: In certain situations, Arizona law allows claims against a bar or restaurant that served an “obviously intoxicated” person who then caused injury.
- Full damages documentation: We gather medical records, wage loss documentation, and evidence of daily-life impact so the claim reflects more than just initial bills.
Drunk Driving Accident FAQs
Straight answers to common questions
Hit by a drunk driver in Phoenix—what do I do first?
Get medical care and make sure the crash is reported so there’s an official record. If you can, document the scene and keep any discharge instructions, bills, and follow-up appointments organized. Avoid recorded statements until you understand what the insurer is asking for and why. When you call us, we’ll help you sort out the next best step based on your injuries and coverage.
Can I sue a drunk driver for damages in Arizona?
Often, yes. A civil claim is typically how you seek compensation for medical bills, lost income, and other harms caused by the crash. The criminal DUI case (if there is one) is separate and doesn’t pay your expenses. We’ll explain your options in plain language and help you understand what a reasonable outcome may look like.
Does insurance pay if the driver was drunk?
In many situations, liability coverage still applies to compensate injured victims, even when the driver was impaired. The insurer may still dispute fault, damages, or the value of the claim, which is where careful documentation and negotiation matter. We help manage those conversations and present the claim clearly. If coverage is limited, we’ll explore other options, including your own policy.
Arizona dram shop law—can I sue a bar for overserving?
In certain cases, yes. Arizona’s dram shop statute allows liability when a licensed establishment served someone who was “obviously intoxicated,” and that person then caused injury.
These claims are fact-specific and evidence-heavy, so early investigation matters. We can evaluate whether this is worth pursuing and explain what proof may be needed.
How much does a DUI accident lawyer cost?
We offer a free consultation so you can get clarity before deciding anything. If we take the case, we typically work on a contingency fee, meaning there are no upfront attorney fees and we’re paid only if there is a recovery. We’ll explain the fee structure plainly so you know what to expect. If it’s not the right fit, we’ll tell you that too.
Recorded-Statement Caution
Before you give a recorded statement or accept a quick settlement, we’ll help you understand what it could mean for your claim.
Calm, Clear Next Steps
We’ll listen to what happened, explain your options in plain language, and help you choose a path forward without pressure.
What compensation may include—and when punitive damages come up
We’ll be direct about what’s realistic
DUI crashes often cause serious injuries, and compensation may include medical costs, future care needs, lost income, reduced earning ability, and pain and suffering. We help document those losses carefully so your claim reflects the real impact—now and in the months ahead.
People also ask about punitive damages. In Arizona, punitive damages are not automatic and require a higher showing (often described as proving an “evil mind” by clear and convincing evidence), but they may be considered in some especially reckless situations, including certain DUI cases.
We’ll explain whether that’s something worth exploring in your case and what evidence would matter.
