When a drunk driving accident takes place in Phoenix, the victims of that crash may be confused about what happens next and what options they possess for legal relief. In some cases, local or state police may arrive at the scene and assess the suspected intoxicated driver, potentially arresting that individual or otherwise issuing charges in the crash. In other cases, an impaired motorist may flee the scene before police have the opportunity to arrive and investigate. This can spurn a subsequent investigation into who the driver was, who owned the vehicle, and whether certain laws were violated prior to and during the crash.
If the police issue citations or criminally charge a suspected drunk driver, it is important for injury victims of that crash to understand that any penalties stemming from those charges are not designed to benefit the victim directly. Instead, fees, fines, and incarceration are possible punishments and are designed to benefit the State of Arizona and the community at large. If a victim wants to seek relief for his or her injuries, that victim may be entitled to do so but will have to take certain steps to initiate the process. Speaking with a personal injury attorney in Phoenix can help you understand whether you have a valid claim and, if so, whether you may be entitled to payment for your losses.
Police in Phoenix have confirmed a collision between a vehicle and a group of pedestrians that occurred on Wednesday morning and that left at least one person with significant injuries. According to reports, a 24-year-old male driver in a personal vehicle drove into a crowd of pedestrians in a bar parking lot, colliding with at least one individual and trapping that individual between the front of the vehicle and against a second car. The incident, which happened near Washington Street and 54th Street, caused police and emergency crews to respond to the scene and evaluate the pedestrian who was hurt but was expected to survive. That individual was taken to an area hospital with undisclosed injuries.
The driver of the car at issue remained at the scene and spoke with police. Reports indicate that the alleged assault may have started with a verbal altercation between the group of pedestrians and the driver though the exact exchange of words has not been confirmed. The 24-year-old driver was arrested and is facing charges including assault and suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol.
When a drunk driving accident happens in Phoenix or in the rest of the Valley, the fallout can be complicated as multiple parties may be liable for the injuries that result to a victim. In the event that a driver was over-served by an establishment providing alcohol, that establishment may be liable as well through a type of claim known as a dram shop action.
If you have been hurt due to the actions of a drunk driver or of your loved one was injured or killed, make sure you understand your options and whether you have a valid claim for your losses. The personal injury attorneys at Abels & Annes, P.C. are standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year to take your call toll free at (855) PHX-LAWYER or locally at (602) 819-5191 and we will offer all who call us a case consultation without cost and without obligation. Everything discussed will be kept confidential and we will speak about your specific accident and your resulting legal options.
If we can help you, do not hesitate. Call Abels & Annes, P.C. now and let us fight for the relief you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
Pedestrian Killed in Phoenix Car Accident, Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog, published March 16, 2015.
Resource:
Man drives into group at Phoenix bar parking lot, by Steve Stout, CBS5AZ.com, published March 18, 2015.