A drunk driving crash is not an accident in the ordinary sense. Someone chose to get behind the wheel impaired, and that choice can support a civil claim that goes beyond ordinary negligence. The criminal case the state brings is separate from your right to recover compensation, and a criminal conviction is not required for you to be made whole.
Valley Accident Law represents people hurt by impaired drivers across the Phoenix metro. Founder Charles Paglialunga has 29 years of Arizona accident experience, and every case is handled by Charles personally.
Request your free consultation or call 1-602-584-8054.
Arizona allows punitive damages when a driver’s conduct shows a reckless disregard for the safety of others, and driving while impaired often meets that standard. Punitive damages are meant to punish and deter, and they can be awarded on top of compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Under Arizona’s dram shop law (A.R.S. 4-311), a licensed bar or restaurant that serves an obviously intoxicated patron who then causes a crash can share responsibility for the harm. When the at-fault driver has little insurance, an over-serving establishment may be an additional source of recovery. We investigate where the driver was drinking and whether a dram shop claim applies.
Arizona law lets you recover medical bills, future care, lost wages and earning capacity, vehicle damage, and pain and suffering, plus punitive damages in the right case. If a death resulted, we also handle the wrongful death claim. We review every layer of coverage, including your own uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.
You do not have to wait for, or rely on, the outcome of the criminal DUI case to pursue compensation. The two move on different tracks. We coordinate with the criminal process where it helps your civil claim.
Most Arizona injury claims must be filed within two years of the crash. Earlier is always better.
Charles handles every drunk driving case personally. The first consultation is free, and there is no fee unless we recover for you. We have secured verdicts and settlements up to $6.1 million.
Request your free consultation or call 1-602-584-8054.
Often, yes. Arizona allows punitive damages where the conduct shows reckless disregard for others, and impaired driving frequently qualifies.
Possibly, under Arizona’s dram shop law, if a licensed establishment served an obviously intoxicated patron who then caused the crash.
No. Your civil claim is separate and does not depend on a criminal conviction.
Nothing upfront. We work on contingency, paid only if we recover for you.