The end of the year brings with it the holiday season and many parties and celebrations. While most adults will engage in these activities responsibility, unfortunately some choose to partake in drugs or alcohol and then drive a car. This is one of the reasons that end-of-the-year accidents are so prevalent in Phoenix and across the Valley and why it is risky to get into your car during this time.
Car accidents can happen at any time and at any place, but the actions of drivers can determine whether a collision is more likely to happen. Among the most common dangerous activities while behind the wheel are speeding, following too closely, driving while distracted and driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. All of these conditions likely may occur as one year wraps and a new one begins, and unfortunately, police officers cannot stop each negligent driver before a crash happens.
If you are the victim of a drunk driving accident in Phoenix, you should know that you may be entitled to relief and to compensation against any and all responsible parties. In some cases, that means the drunk driver personally. In others, it may be the owner or a car or a bar or restaurant that served a driver too much alcohol. And still in some cases, relief may be possible against your own insurance company or an auto insurance policy owned by someone in your household through a type of claim known as an uninsured/underinsured motorist claim. The options can vary based on the unique facts of a case and therefore speaking with a personal injury lawyer in Phoenix may help you understand where you stand and the specific relief that may be available to you.
People across the Valley have expressed shock that a teacher at a Chandler elementary school was recently involved in a drunk driving accident that left another person dead. According to authorities, the woman was driving southbound on Arizona Avenue when she allegedly ran a red light and collided with a vehicle attempting a left turn at the intersection with the Loop 202. Emergency crews responded to the scene and attempted to help the driver of the second vehicle, a female, who was pinned in the driver’s seat from the crash but the woman’s injuries were too extreme and she was pronounced dead as a result.
Police at the scene noticed signs of alcohol and possible marijuana use and arrested the woman before conducting blood tests. Officers have reported that the woman had a blood alcohol content of .283 at the time of the crash, more than three times the legal limit of .08 in Arizona.
The driver is now facing charges of second degree murder for her actions and additional charges may be issued.
When a drunk driver’s actions threaten your safety or the safety of someone you love, it may seem like there is nowhere to turn or no one to help you. At Abels & Annes, P.C., our team of personal injury lawyers want you to know that it is not the case.
We offer a free case consultation to those who call us toll free at (855) PHX-LAWYER or locally at 9602) 819-5191 and we have a lawyer standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week to take your call. If we can help you, please do not hesitate; call us today and let us fight for the relief you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
General Motors Expands Ignition Recall, Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog, published January 2, 2015.
Resource:
Chandler teacher faces murder charge after drunken deadly crash, by Catherine Holland, CBS5AZ.com, published January 2, 2015.