Campaigns warning of the dangers of drinking and driving have been around for decades and many major cities have taken substantial steps to curb this activity since the 1970s. Despite public awareness of increased enforcement efforts, more than 250 people are killed in a typical year in Arizona in car accidents involving a drunk driver. In addition to those victims that lose their lives, thousands survive but are injured and many of those are forced to undergo medical treatments from weeks to years after the crash ends.
The fallout from these accidents typically involves medical expenses as well as inflicting pain and suffering on a victim, preventing that victim from earning wages because he or she is unable to work for a time, and potentially leading to permanent injuries that may never resolve. Some accidents affect a victim’s ability to lead a normal life or to care for his or her family. The unique facts surrounding any collision in the Phoenix area can determine what relief may be available for those who are injured or for those left behind if a loved one is killed and speaking with a personal injury attorney can help those individuals realize their options for financial compensation.
At approximately 2:30 a.m. today, two men were seriously injured in a car accident that police suspect may have involved an impaired driver. Some traveling northbound on I-17 near Thomas Road reported seeing an SUV cut across all lanes of traffic before colliding with a median near the edge of the road, an impact that led the vehicle to roll over.
The two men inside the vehicle were both ejected and both landed on the ground with serious injuries. Emergency medical crews responded and took both victims to an area hospital for treatment.
At this time, officers believe the vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed and that the driver may have been under the influence of alcohol. The outcome of an ongoing investigation may determine what charges, if any, are brought against the driver.
When drunk driving accidents happen in Phoenix, it is often innocent victims who are harmed and who are forced to pick up the pieces and move forward with their lives. Though the State of Arizona may issue criminal charges against a drunk or impaired driver, any punishment stemming from those charges will be designed to benefit the State and not the victims who were harmed.
Instead, victims can pursue their own civil claims for help and can work with a personal injury attorney to make sure their rights are protected and their interests represented. At Abels & Annes, P.C., we are a law firm of attorneys who only represent accident victims and never insurance companies; if you have been hurt, we want to represent you as well.
We are standing by now to take your call toll free at (855) PHX-LAWYER or locally at (602) 819-5191 where one of our lawyers will discuss your particular accident and what options may be available to you. We will never charge you for taking advantage of our free case consultation and we will provide it without any obligation on your part so do not hesitate. Call us now and let us fight for the compensation you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
2 Seriously Injured when Car Hits Oregano’s Restaurant, Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog, published May 27, 2015.
Resource:
DPS: Alcohol suspected in rollover crash that injures 2 on I-17, by Steve Stout, CBS5AZ.com, published May 28, 2015.