Can Family Members of a Victim Pursue Legal Action in a Drunk Driving Accident Case?

You may feel confused and upset after a drunk driving accident involving a loved one in Arizona. This situation could lead you to wonder: can family members of a victim pursue legal action in a drunk driving accident case? 

You may have a chance to file a wrongful death claim if a drunk driving accident results in the loss of a family member. In this situation, you can seek help from a Phoenix drunk driving accident lawyer from our team at Zanes Law. 

Learn more about your family’s legal situation by calling or filling out our online contact form. We’ll provide you with compassionate answers to your legal questions.

Can You File a Wrongful Death Claim for a Drunk Driving Accident?

Arizona allows certain family members to pursue legal compensation following a fatal drunk driving accident. Generally, you can only file a wrongful death lawsuit if you lost your:

• Spouse
• Child
• Parent or guardian

A personal representative may also file a wrongful death claim in some situations. Generally, these individuals can only file a claim if the deceased had no immediate family members to handle this legal process.

Under Arizona Rev. Stat. § 12-611 (2021), you can file a claim against someone who causes a deadly accident through an act of negligence. A Phoenix wrongful death lawyer can review your situation to see if your family qualifies to file this kind of claim. 

For a free legal consultation, call 866-499-8989

What Damages does Your Family Get After a Drunk Driving Accident?

Your family may face heavy financial burdens after a fatal drunk driving accident. Your attorney may help you seek damages to cover the following:

• Your loved one’s medical expenses
• The costs for a burial and funeral
• Your loved one’s lost wages

Family members may also receive damages to cover noneconomic losses. These funds address:

• Lost household services
• Lost comfort, love, guidance, and affection
• Your pain and emotional suffering

We know that these funds cannot replace your loved one, but they can ease the financial strain faced by your family. Filing a legal claim can also help your family secure a feeling of closure after a fatal accident by holding the at-fault party responsible. 

How do You Pursue Legal Action for a Fatal Drunk Driving Accident?

A Phoenix car accident lawyer can help you file a claim for compensation after a deadly drunk driving accident. Your lawyer will review your situation and collect evidence that can support your family’s case. 

Depending on your situation, our legal team may: 

• Speak to eyewitnesses who saw the fatal collision
• Get copies of the accident report 
• Access the other driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) test results
• Look for photos and video from the accident
• Work with drunk driving accident experts 

A lawyer will fill out all appropriate paperwork to get the legal process started and handle all hearings and meetings with the at-fault driver and their legal representatives. 

How do Families Resolve a Drunk Driving Accident Case?

A lawyer can walk you through all your legal options after a deadly drunk driving accident. In many cases, our team advises families to settle out of court after a period of negotiations with the insurance company.

However, you may decide to file a wrongful death lawsuit if the insurance company refuses to take you seriously. We have the extensive experience and resources necessary to handle lawsuits confidently. 

We’ll go over all the factors surrounding a fatal drunk driving accident to provide you with personalized advice.

Click to contact our personal injury lawyers today

How Long do Families Have to File a Drunk Driving Accident Claim?

You must move forward with a wrongful death claim before Arizona’s statute of limitations expires. Typically, you have two years from the date of your loved one’s death to file the claim for damages.

Exceptions can impact the time available to handle your claim, so we recommend reaching out to a lawyer immediately after a collision. Our firm will review the facts of the collision and provide you with an exact deadline.

Getting help right away can make it easier for your lawyer to collect evidence, strengthening your family’s claim. We’re ready to take charge immediately. 

Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now

Find Out If You Can Pursue Legal Action in a Drunk Driving Case

Can family members of a victim pursue legal action in a drunk driving case in Arizona? If you lost a loved one due to the reckless actions of a drunk driver, you may have a chance to file a wrongful death claim. 

Our team at Zanes Law can provide you with compassionate support throughout your legal claim. We’ll stand up for you and discuss your eligibility to file a claim. 

Find out more about your legal options by calling or filling out our online contact form.

Call or text 866-499-8989 or complete a
Free Case Evaluation form