Drunk Driving on Arizona Roads
Despite aggressive enforcement and harsh criminal penalties, impaired driving remains a leading cause of fatal and serious crashes in Arizona. Late-night collisions, wrong-way drivers on the freeways, and crashes near entertainment districts in Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale, and Tucson injure thousands of innocent people each year. A criminal DUI case punishes the driver, but it does not compensate you, that requires a separate civil injury claim.
Civil Claims and Punitive Damages
A drunk driver who injures you is liable for your damages, and because impaired driving is so reckless, Arizona courts may award punitive damages to punish the conduct and deter others. These claims are separate from any criminal prosecution and proceed on your timeline. A conviction or even an arrest can serve as strong evidence in your civil case.
Dram Shop Liability in Arizona
Arizona's dram shop law (A.R.S. § 4-311) allows an injured person to hold a bar, restaurant, or other licensed establishment responsible if it served alcohol to an obviously intoxicated patron or a minor who then caused a crash. Identifying a liable business can add a crucial source of compensation when the drunk driver's insurance is not enough to cover catastrophic injuries.
Protecting Your Claim After a DUI Crash
Get medical care and call the police so the impairment is documented. Preserve the police report and any evidence of where the driver had been drinking. Do not rely on the criminal case alone to make you whole. Contact us for a free review so an attorney can pursue every source of recovery, including the driver and any establishment that over-served them.
Injured in Arizona? Get a free, confidential case review today. There's no obligation, and you pay no fee unless you win. Call 973-566-5599.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The criminal case punishes the driver. Your civil injury claim is separate and is how you recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Possibly. Arizona's dram shop law allows claims against establishments that served an obviously intoxicated person or a minor who then caused your injuries.
Often yes. Because drunk driving is considered especially reckless, Arizona courts may award punitive damages in addition to compensation for your losses.
This page is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. For guidance on your specific situation, consult a licensed Arizona attorney.