Arizona law makes it very clear: it is illegal to drive under the influence of an intoxicating substance, regardless of what that substance may be. Most often, this emerges in the case where a driver drinks alcohol and then drives or where a driver uses illegal or prescription drugs before getting behind the wheel, but this is not the only way a driver can be guilty of driving while intoxicated. Huffing, or inhaling chemical fumes in an effort to get high, can also lead to a DUI charge as can legally taking drugs or supplements that impair your ability to safely operate a vehicle.
Despite the threats posed by driving while intoxicated, thousands of drivers choose to do so every year, placing not only their own safety but also the safety of everyone on the road at risk. Statistically impaired drivers are more likely to cause accidents and more likely to be involved in accidents with injuries than those drivers who refrain from operating a vehicle under the influence.
After an accident with an impaired driver leaves a personal injury victim with damages, a Phoenix lawyer can help you understand what your rights are and whether you can recover for your losses, including your medical bills. This means that impaired drivers may not only be subject to criminal complaints but also to the financial damages they inflict on others, leaving many to realize that it is never worth the risk to drive impaired.
Local police believe that a man involved in a Chandler hit-and-run crash on Saturday morning was impaired at the time of the impact and they are still investigating the scene at this time. Right now, the 43-year-old man is believed to have been driving a pickup truck in the area of Ray Road and Arrowhead when he lost control and left the road. The man then allegedly drove through some bushes lining the street and into a retention basin before emerging on the other side where the truck went airborne and collided with an SUV driven by a 61-year-old woman.
The driver of the SUV sustained minor injuries as did a 2-year-old girl in her vehicle but two 3-year-old boys were critically injured in the crash. They were taken to an area hospital for treatment where their current conditions are unknown.
The 43-year-old driver of the pickup allegedly fled the scene of the crash and traveled about one half mile before coming to a rest. Witnesses reported following the man from the scene of the crash as he fled so that police could respond. Authorities reported that the man had a female passenger, believed to be his girlfriend, in his truck at the time and that she was also injured in the accident.
Though it is early in their investigation, Chandler police believe that both impairment and speed were a factor, which lead to the male driver receiving citations for aggravated assault, endangerment, and leaving the scene of an accident. Additional charges may be levied in the coming weeks.
If you have been the victim of a car accident, call a Phoenix drunk driving injury lawyer at Abels & Annes, P.C. today at (602) 819-5191 or toll free at (855) PHX-LAWYER for a free, no obligation telephone consultation. Our legal team believes that you deserve answers after an accident so we keep a lawyer standing by 24 hours a day to take your call. Let us help you get a recovery you deserve today.
Prior Blog Entries:
Driver Sentenced to 7 Years for Hit-And-Run that Killed Chandler Boy, Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog, published October 22, 2013.
Pedestrian Dies After Car Crash with Elderly Driver, Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog, published October 21, 2013.
Resources:
PD: Driver impaired during rollover crash, 2 children critically injured, by Fox 10 News, published October 27, 2013.