What To Do If You See A Drunk Driver In Arizona
Regrettably, the occurrence of car accidents involving drunk drivers is on the rise. It is crucial to be aware of your rights, whether you are a driver or passenger involved in such an accident. According to the Arizona Motor Vehicle Crash Statistics in 2016, over 31% of fatal car accidents in Arizona were alcohol-related. This alarming statistic highlights the preventable nature of many of these accidents and the resulting fatalities if drivers choose not to drink and drive. What is even more disheartening is the fact that despite being aware of the dangers of driving under the influence, some individuals continue to engage in this reckless behavior.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident caused by a drunk driver, it is crucial to promptly seek legal assistance from a personal injury lawyer. At Klink Law PLLC, we provide a complimentary consultation and a guarantee of a favorable outcome, with no charges if we don’t succeed. Take the first step towards recovery by calling or filling out our online form. Your accident deserves the attention it needs, and we are here to help.
Legal Alcohol Limit For Driving in Arizona
In Arizona, the legal drinking age is 21 years old, granting individuals the right to consume alcohol once they reach this age. However, it is important to note that driving under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited. For individuals over the age of 21, the legal limit for blood alcohol content (BAC) while driving is 0.08%. Conversely, anyone under the age of 21 with any measurable BAC will be charged with a DUI.
In the event of an accident where there is suspicion of impairment, a police officer may request a breathalyzer test. It is within your rights to decline this request, although doing so may lead to arrest or suspension of your license. Similarly, a sobriety test is not obligatory and can be refused. If you find yourself in such a situation, it is highly recommended to seek immediate legal advice from an experienced DUI attorney. They can guide you on the best course of action to take.
What Are The Common Signs Of Drunk Driving?
Consuming alcohol significantly diminishes a person’s capacity to operate a vehicle in a safe manner. It hampers judgment, delays reaction time, and hinders the ability to appropriately respond to shifting road conditions. It is imperative for all drivers to be able to identify the indicators of an impaired driver.
- Erratic driving, such as driving too fast or too slowly
- Swerving
- Turning suddenly without signaling
- Driving along the lines in the road or taking up multiple lanes
- Driving on the wrong side of the road
- Stopping in the middle of moving traffic
- Failing to react appropriately to traffic signals and signs
It is important for any driver who witnesses such behavior from another driver to be knowledgeable about handling such situations. Taking prompt action has the potential to prevent car accidents and save lives. If you have been involved in an accident caused by an intoxicated driver, it is advisable to consult with a skilled car accident lawyer in Glendale to explore your legal options.
How to Report a Drunk Driver?
If a driver observes signs of impairment in another driver, it is crucial to promptly dial 911. The reporting driver should provide the 911 operator with comprehensive details regarding the suspected intoxicated driver.
- Identify the suspected drunk driver’s vehicle make, model, and color.
- Provide the license plate number, if possible.
- Provide the name of the street where the reporting driver witnessed the drunk driver, along with the direction of travel and any nearby landmarks.
- Provide a description of the suspected drunk driver’s behavior, including instances of swerving into other lanes, driving at an excessively slow speed, or abruptly stopping in the midst of moving traffic.
- Provide any additional information that could aid the police in locating and apprehending the intoxicated driver. For instance, if the reporting driver possesses dashcam footage capturing the erratic behavior of the drunk driver, the police will likely request to review the recording.
If you witness someone driving under the influence, it’s important to report it, even if you don’t have to provide your name. By providing as much information as possible about the suspected drunk driver, you enable the police to search for and apprehend the individual. This may involve conducting a traffic stop or making an arrest. Taking action against drunk driving helps keep our roads safer for everyone.
Filing A Personal Injury Claim Against a Drunk Driver
If you or someone you care about has experienced injuries or property damage due to a drunk driver, you may have the right to seek legal recourse against the driver for compensation to recover the losses you have suffered. These losses, commonly referred to as “compensatory” damages, encompass various forms of harm and seek to restore what was taken from you.
- Past and future medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Future wages
- Loss of consortium
Punitive damages represent a distinct category of court-imposed penalties aimed at punishing individuals for specific behaviors and deterring future repetition. Unlike compensatory damages, which aim to reimburse parties for their injuries, punitive damages are only awarded in rare and exceptionally egregious circumstances. Their purpose lies not in compensation, but in delivering a strong message of accountability and discouraging similar misconduct in the future.
Contact Our Maricopa County Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
At Klink Law, PLLC, our car accident attorney understands the grave danger posed by drunk driving accidents, which can lead to catastrophic injuries or even loss of life. If you or a loved one has been a victim of a drunk-driving car accident in Arizona, it’s crucial to seek legal assistance without delay. Our dedicated team specializes in personal injury claims in Glendale, Phoenix, and Surprise and will diligently work to help you pursue the compensation you deserve in your car accident case. To determine if you are eligible for compensation, please call us or reach out to us through our online contact form to request a free consultation.
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