Though three months remain in the 2014 calendar, Arizona has already experienced a number of high-profile car accidents this year, including several that proved to be fatal. Many of these collisions occurred on highways, freeways, and expressways in the Phoenix area and a number of them are believed to have been caused by drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Drunk driving accidents in Phoenix are a serious issue. Alcohol slows a motorist’s ability to make critical decisions, to focus on the road, to notice changing traffic trends and to obey traffic-related rules and laws. Drunk driving collisions affect not only impaired motorists but also those who may be in the same area because drunk drivers risk the safety of everyone when they take to the roads. When a collision occurs, an innocent victim is just as likely as the drunk driver to be injured and too often, the injuries sustained require medical treatment, surgical intervention, and rehabilitative care.
When you are involved in a car accident that is not your fault, it can seem like no one is on your side and that no one is working for your interests. But in Arizona, that does not have to be the case because Arizona laws enable victims to seek financial relief for their losses from a collision, including one caused by a drunk driver. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer may help you understand your accident and your options if you have been injured in a crash.
Michael Phelps, best known for his success as an Olympic swimmer, was arrested early this morning on charges of driving under the influence in Maryland. According to local authorities, Phelps was driving on I-95 in Baltimore when an officer noticed the vehicle speeding and crossing lane lines. Phelps was pulled over and reportedly showed signs of intoxication, leading to his arrest. According to the arresting officer, a radar gun clocked Phelps traveling 84 miles per hour in an area with a 45 mile per hour speed limit. The results of any blood tests performed have not been released at this time.
Phelps is the most decorated Olympian of all time with 22 medals, of which 18 are gold.
Phelps was raised in Maryland where he began swimming at the age of seven. It was quickly apparent that Phelps had talent as a swimmer and was confirmed when he broke his first world record at 15 years and 9 months, the youngest male ever to break a world record.
Phelps was arrested in 2004 on a charge of driving under the influence, also while in Maryland. In response to that charge, Phelps pleaded guilty to driving while impaired and was sentenced to 18 months of probation in addition to other penalties, including attendance at a Mothers Against Drunk Driving (“MADD”) meeting.
In this instance, a police officer noticed a suspected drunk driver and was able to stop that motorist before a collision occurred. But often, when alcohol or drugs are involved, the police are not aware of the issue until a crash happens and after victims are injured.
If a drunk driving accident in Phoenix has affected your life or has left your loved one injured, you may be entitled to seek relief that is separate from any traffic or criminal charges brought by local authorities. At Abels & Annes, P.C., we have experience representing victims of drunk drivers and we want to help you as well.
We offer a free case consultation to those who contact us toll free at (855) PHX-LAWYER or locally at (602) 819-5191 and we provide it 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There is no obligation on your part for speaking with us and everything discussed will be kept confidential.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., we believe that victims should not have to suffer due to the actions of those who drink and drive. If you are suffering, let us help you find the path of recovery. Call Abels & Annes, P.C. today and let us seek the relief you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
NFL Receiver Da’Rick Rogers Arrested for DUI, Released from Colts, Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog, published September 29, 2014.
Resource:
Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps arrested for DUI, by Ray Sanchez, CNN, published September 30, 2014.
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