How Much Is Your DUI Accident Case Worth?
Give us a call 24/7 to find out.
Arizona Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
Drunk driving accidents are entirely preventable, yet they continue to cause devastating injuries and wrongful deaths across Arizona. When someone chooses to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, innocent people often pay the price.
At Tinoco Law, we investigate every aspect of a DUI crash—from police reports and toxicology evidence to surveillance footage and witness statements—to build the strongest case possible for our clients.
Whether the impaired driver was arrested or not, you may still have the right to pursue compensation for your injuries.
Why Drunk Driving Cases Are Different
Unlike many other car accidents, drunk driving crashes often involve both criminal and civil proceedings.
While the State of Arizona may prosecute the impaired driver, a criminal conviction does not automatically compensate victims for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Future medical treatment
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability
- Wrongful death damages
A civil claim focuses on recovering compensation for the losses you’ve experienced.
Arizona DUI Laws
Arizona has some of the strictest impaired driving laws in the country.
A driver may face criminal charges for:
- Driving with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher
- Extreme DUI (BAC of 0.15% or higher)
- Super Extreme DUI (BAC of 0.20% or higher)
- Driving while impaired by drugs, prescription medications, or marijuana
However, you do not need a criminal conviction to pursue a personal injury claim. Civil liability is determined under a different legal standard.
What Evidence Can Prove Impairment?
One of the biggest advantages of a DUI investigation is the amount of evidence that may be available.
Tinoco Law may investigate:
| Evidence | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Police reports | Officer observations and crash details |
| Body camera footage | Driver behavior after the collision |
| Field sobriety tests | Evidence of impairment |
| Breath or blood test results | BAC and toxicology evidence |
| Toxicology reports | Drug or alcohol impairment |
| Dash camera footage | Events leading to the crash |
| Surveillance video | Confirms vehicle movements |
| Witness statements | Independent observations |
| Vehicle black box data | Speed, braking, and steering before impact |
| Cell phone records | Potential distracted driving in addition to impairment |
Rather than relying on one piece of evidence, our investigation looks at the complete picture.
What If the Driver Wasn’t Arrested?
Many people assume they cannot pursue a claim if the other driver wasn’t arrested.
That isn’t true.
A driver may still be civilly liable if evidence shows they were impaired or acted negligently, even if criminal charges were never filed or were later dismissed.
Our investigation focuses on the available evidence—not just the outcome of the criminal case.
Can a Bar or Restaurant Be Liable?
In some situations, yes.
Arizona’s dram shop laws may allow injured victims to pursue compensation from a business that unlawfully served alcohol to an obviously intoxicated person or someone under the legal drinking age.
Potential evidence may include:
- Credit card receipts
- Surveillance footage
- Witness testimony
- Employee statements
- Time-stamped transaction records
Determining whether dram shop liability applies requires a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Depending on your injuries, compensation may include:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospital bills
- Rehabilitation
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Permanent disability
- Wrongful death damages
Why Evidence Must Be Preserved Quickly
Critical evidence in a DUI case can disappear quickly.
Examples include:
- Security camera footage being overwritten
- Dashcam recordings being deleted
- Body camera footage retention limits
- Vehicle black box data
- Witness memories fading
- Alcohol receipts and transaction records
The sooner an attorney begins investigating, the greater the opportunity to preserve important evidence.
How Tinoco Law Investigates DUI Crashes
Unlike firms that rely solely on the police report, Tinoco Law conducts an independent investigation.
Our process may include:
- Reviewing the police report
- Preserving surveillance footage
- Obtaining body camera recordings
- Reviewing toxicology and BAC evidence
- Interviewing witnesses
- Analyzing vehicle damage
- Downloading black box data when appropriate
- Evaluating potential dram shop liability
- Building a comprehensive claim for damages
Every case is prepared as though it may proceed to trial.
Criminal Case vs. Civil Injury Claim
Many victims assume they must wait for the criminal case to finish before pursuing compensation.
That is not usually the case.
| Criminal DUI Case | Personal Injury Claim |
|---|---|
| Filed by the State | Filed by the injured victim |
| Seeks criminal penalties | Seeks financial compensation |
| Requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt | Requires proof by a preponderance of the evidence |
| May result in jail or license suspension | May result in compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering |
These are two separate legal proceedings, and one does not necessarily determine the outcome of the other.
Common Signs of Impaired Driving
Recognizing impaired driving can help explain how many DUI crashes occur.
Warning signs include:
- Swerving between lanes
- Driving significantly below or above the speed limit
- Delayed braking
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Driving without headlights at night
- Wide turns
- Following too closely
- Drifting onto the shoulder
- Nearly striking other vehicles
While these behaviors do not automatically prove intoxication, they are common indicators investigators consider alongside other evidence.
Why Choose Tinoco Law?
Drunk driving cases deserve more than a standard insurance claim.
Tinoco Law takes an investigation-first approach, examining police reports, toxicology evidence, surveillance footage, and every available source of evidence to determine exactly what happened and who may be responsible. You’ll work directly with your attorney—not a case manager—and we’ll fight to recover the compensation you deserve while guiding you through every step of the legal process.
My first case was handled by Jessica, and she was absolutely relentless. For a year and a half, she fought tirelessly for me and never stopped pushing until I received the justice I deserved. My second case was handled by Jose, who was just as incredible. Thanks to his hard work and dedication, my case was resolved in only five months.
What sets Tinoco Law apart is that they truly care about their clients. They never give up on you, and they never settle for less than what you deserve. From the very beginning of both cases, Claudia was an amazing paralegal who made the process smooth and welcoming.
During my second case, Samantha was my paralegal, and she was absolutely wonderful. She is incredibly knowledgeable, detail-oriented, and compassionate. She took the time to explain everything thoroughly, carefully reviewed every medical bill to ensure I was being charged correctly, and always provided reassurance during stressful moments. Her kindness and professionalism made a difficult situation so much easier to navigate.
The entire team at Tinoco Law goes above and beyond for their clients. If you are looking for a law firm that will fight for you, keep you informed, and genuinely care about your outcome, look no further. I will continue to recommend Tinoco Law to everyone I know. Thank you all for everything you have done for me!
DUI Accident Claims in Arizona
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. A criminal conviction is not required to pursue a personal injury claim. Civil liability is determined under a different legal standard.
A refusal does not prevent a civil claim. Investigators may rely on officer observations, witness testimony, body camera footage, toxicology evidence, and other evidence to establish impairment.
Yes. A criminal DUI case and a personal injury claim are separate legal matters. You may pursue compensation regardless of the outcome of the criminal proceedings.
Arizona generally imposes a statute of limitations for personal injury claims, but deadlines can vary depending on the facts of the case. Speaking with an attorney as soon as possible can help preserve evidence and protect your rights.
Free Consultation
Error: Contact form not found.