If you were involved in a DUI crash in Goodyear, you may be facing not only criminal charges but also a potential civil lawsuit. At AZ DUI Pros, we understand how overwhelming this situation can be. Our experienced legal team can help you navigate the legal consequences and fight for your rights. If you need immediate legal assistance, call us today at (602) 922-3755.
In Arizona, DUI-related accidents can lead to both criminal penalties and civil liability. Under A.R.S. § 12-611, if someone suffers injuries or property damage due to a DUI accident, they can sue the at-fault driver for compensation. This means that even if the court finds you guilty of a DUI, you may also be held financially responsible for any harm caused by the accident.
Can You Be Sued After a DUI Crash in Goodyear?
Yes, Arizona law allows victims of DUI-related accidents to pursue civil lawsuits against the responsible driver. This means that if you were driving under the influence and caused a collision, the injured party could seek damages for:
- Medical bills
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
Even if you are convicted of DUI under A.R.S. § 28-1381, the injured party does not need a conviction to file a personal injury lawsuit. Civil cases have a lower burden of proof, meaning the victim only needs to show that your negligence caused their injuries.
Criminal vs. Civil Liability for a DUI Crash in Goodyear
A DUI crash in Goodyear can result in two separate legal proceedings:
- Criminal Case: Prosecutors will seek penalties such as fines, license suspension, or even jail time under A.R.S. § 28-1381 (standard DUI) or A.R.S. § 28-1383 (aggravated DUI).
- Civil Lawsuit: The injured party may file a claim for damages under A.R.S. § 12-611, even if you are not convicted of DUI.
Since these cases are independent of one another, you could be found not guilty of DUI in criminal court but still be held liable in a civil case.
Criminal Penalties vs. Civil Consequences of a DUI Crash in Goodyear
A DUI crash in Goodyear carries two major legal consequences: criminal penalties and civil liability. While these two legal processes are separate, they can significantly impact each other. Understanding the difference between criminal and civil cases is essential for anyone facing a DUI-related accident.
Criminal Penalties for a DUI Crash in Goodyear
If you are arrested for driving under the influence in Arizona, you will face criminal charges under A.R.S. § 28-1381 or A.R.S. § 28-1383 (for aggravated DUI). Criminal penalties for a DUI crash in Goodyear may include:
- Jail time: Even a first-time DUI conviction can result in 10 days in jail, while aggravated DUI can carry years in prison.
- Fines: DUI fines can range from $1,250 to over $5,000, depending on the severity of the offense.
- License suspension: A conviction can lead to a one-year suspension or more.
- Mandatory ignition interlock device: DUI offenders must install and maintain an IID for at least 12 months.
- DUI classes and probation: Offenders may be required to complete substance abuse education programs and serve probation.
These criminal penalties are meant to punish and deter impaired driving, but they do not compensate victims for their injuries or losses. That’s where civil lawsuits come in.
Civil Consequences: Being Sued for a DUI Crash in Goodyear
A criminal conviction does not automatically result in a civil lawsuit, but it can make it easier for victims to file claims against the intoxicated driver. Under A.R.S. § 12-611, if a DUI accident causes injury, property damage, or death, the victim has the right to sue for damages.
Civil lawsuits can lead to significant financial consequences, including:
- Compensation for medical expenses (hospital bills, surgeries, therapy)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering damages
- Punitive damages (if gross negligence is proven)
Unlike criminal cases, where the prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, civil cases only require a preponderance of evidence—meaning the victim must show that it is more likely than not that the DUI crash in Goodyear caused their injuries.
How Criminal Convictions Affect Civil Cases
If you are convicted of DUI in criminal court, that conviction can be used against you in a civil lawsuit. A guilty verdict can serve as strong evidence that you were negligent. However, even if you are not convicted of DUI, you can still be held liable in civil court.
For example, if a driver is acquitted due to procedural errors in their DUI case but evidence still suggests intoxication, the injured party may successfully sue for damages in civil court. The lack of a criminal conviction does not mean you are free from civil liability.
Protecting Your Rights After a DUI Crash in Goodyear
If you’re facing both criminal charges and a civil lawsuit, it’s crucial to seek legal representation immediately. At AZ DUI Pros, our team defends clients against both criminal penalties and financial liability after a DUI accident. Contact us today at (602) 922-3755 to discuss your case and protect your future.
How Comparative Negligence Affects a DUI Crash in Goodyear
Many people assume that if they are involved in a DUI crash in Goodyear, the impaired driver is automatically 100% at fault. However, Arizona follows a comparative negligence system, which means that multiple parties can share responsibility for an accident. Even if a driver was intoxicated, the other party may still be assigned a percentage of fault, which can impact the amount of compensation they can recover in a civil lawsuit.
What Is Comparative Negligence?
Under Arizona law, A.R.S. § 12-2505 establishes pure comparative negligence, meaning that an injured party can recover damages even if they were partially responsible for the accident. However, their compensation is reduced by their percentage of fault.
For example, if the court determines that a victim was 20% at fault for a DUI crash in Goodyear, their total compensation will be reduced by that percentage. This means that if their damages were $100,000, they would only receive $80,000 because of their share of fault.
How Could a Victim Be Partially at Fault in a DUI Crash in Goodyear?
Even if a driver was intoxicated, the other party’s actions could contribute to the accident. Common examples include:
- Speeding or running a red light: If the injured party was driving recklessly, they may share responsibility.
- Distracted driving: If a driver was texting or not paying attention, they could be found partially liable.
- Improper lane changes: If the injured driver made a sudden lane change without signaling, their negligence might contribute to the crash.
While driving under the influence is a major factor in determining liability, courts still examine all aspects of the accident before assigning fault.
Impact on Civil Lawsuits for a DUI Crash in Goodyear
Comparative negligence plays a crucial role in personal injury lawsuits. If an intoxicated driver causes an accident, their DUI conviction under A.R.S. § 28-1381 can be strong evidence against them. However, the at-fault driver’s legal team may attempt to reduce their financial liability by arguing that the victim was also negligent.
Because of these complexities, anyone involved in a DUI crash in Goodyear should consult with an experienced legal team like AZ DUI Pros to ensure their rights are protected. If you’re facing potential civil liability, call (602) 922-3755 for a case review.
Hypothetical Scenarios: When Someone Can Sue After a DUI Crash in Goodyear
Scenario 1: A Rear-End Collision with Injuries
John was driving home from a bar in Goodyear when he rear-ended a vehicle stopped at a red light. The other driver, Sarah, suffered neck and back injuries and had to be hospitalized. John was arrested at the scene and charged under A.R.S. § 28-1381 for driving under the influence.
A few months later, Sarah filed a lawsuit under A.R.S. § 12-611, claiming that John’s intoxication led to her injuries. She sought compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress. Even though John was convicted of DUI, Sarah did not need that conviction to prove negligence in her civil case. The court found that John’s intoxication directly caused the accident, and Sarah was awarded damages.
This scenario illustrates how a DUI crash in Goodyear can lead to civil liability, even if the criminal case is separate.
Scenario 2: A Pedestrian Hit by a Drunk Driver
Lisa was walking home one evening when she was struck by a car driven by Mark, who had been drinking at a local sports bar. Mark was arrested and charged under A.R.S. § 28-1383 for aggravated DUI because his BAC was over 0.15%. Lisa suffered a broken leg and required extensive medical treatment.
After Mark’s criminal case, Lisa pursued a civil lawsuit under A.R.S. § 12-611, arguing that Mark’s impairment made him negligent. Since Lisa was able to show that Mark’s intoxication directly led to her injuries, she was awarded compensation for medical expenses and pain and suffering.
This case highlights how victims of a DUI crash in Goodyear can hold the intoxicated driver financially responsible, regardless of the outcome of the criminal case.
What Damages Can Someone Seek After a DUI Crash in Goodyear?
If you are sued after a DUI crash in Goodyear, the injured party may seek compensation for:
- Economic Damages: Medical expenses, lost wages, property damage
- Non-Economic Damages: Pain and suffering, emotional distress
- Punitive Damages: Additional compensation designed to punish reckless behavior
In Arizona, if a driver is found grossly negligent—such as driving with an extremely high BAC—the court may impose punitive damages to discourage similar reckless behavior.
FAQs: DUI Crash in Goodyear
1. Can I be sued even if I wasn’t convicted of DUI?
Yes. Civil lawsuits operate under a different standard of proof than criminal cases, meaning you could still be held liable even if you weren’t convicted.
2. What happens if I don’t have insurance?
If you are found liable for damages in a DUI crash in Goodyear, and you don’t have insurance, the injured party may pursue your personal assets to recover compensation.
3. Can the victim still sue if they were partially at fault?
Yes. Arizona follows comparative negligence laws, meaning a victim can still sue, but their compensation may be reduced based on their percentage of fault.
4. Will a DUI conviction automatically mean I lose a civil lawsuit?
Not necessarily. However, a DUI conviction can be used as strong evidence of negligence in a civil case.
5. How long does someone have to sue after a DUI crash in Goodyear?
Under A.R.S. § 12-542, victims have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Relevant ARS Statutes for a DUI Crash in Goodyear
- A.R.S. § 28-1381 – Standard DUI laws in Arizona
- A.R.S. § 28-1383 – Aggravated DUI (more severe penalties)
- A.R.S. § 12-611 – Personal injury lawsuits related to wrongful death and negligence
- A.R.S. § 12-542 – Statute of limitations for personal injury cases
Conclusion: Get Legal Help After a DUI Crash in Goodyear
If you’ve been involved in a DUI crash in Goodyear, you could be facing both criminal and civil consequences. Whether you need a defense against criminal charges or a strategy to minimize civil liability, AZ DUI Pros is here to help. Our skilled attorneys will aggressively defend your case and fight for the best possible outcome.
Don’t wait—call (602) 922-3755 today for a free consultation and get the legal defense you need!
