Drunk Driving Accident Attorney in Gilbert

Your Path Forward After a Drunk Driving Crash in Gilbert

A drunk driving crash can turn a normal day in Gilbert into months of pain, missed work, and medical bills. Whether the collision happened along the Loop 202 SanTan Freeway, near the Heritage District, or on a neighborhood road by Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, you deserve a path forward that holds the drunk driver accountable and protects your recovery.

The Law Office of Erik L. Mullins represents crash victims in Gilbert and throughout the East Valley. If you or a loved one was injured by a drunk driver, our team can help you file a personal injury claim, deal with insurance companies, and pursue full compensation for your losses.

Call (435) 268-3923 for a free case review with our drunk driving accident attorney in Gilbert. No fee unless we win. Hablamos español.

Your Right to Compensation After a DUI Crash in Gilbert

Arizona civil law allows an injured crash victim to seek damages from the at-fault drunk driver and any responsible insurance companies. While the state’s criminal DUI case focuses on punishment, your personal injury claim is about making you financially whole. Our firm builds cases that document every category of loss so the final result reflects the full impact of the crash on your life.

Compensation in a drunk driving accident case may include medical expenses, future treatment and rehabilitation, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, property damage, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. In severe cases, punitive damages may be available to deter egregious conduct like driving with a high blood alcohol concentration. If a loved one was killed, we can pursue a wrongful death claim to address funeral costs and family losses.

To strengthen your claim, we collect police crash reports from the Gilbert Police Department, obtain 911 audio when available, preserve body and dash camera footage, and move fast to secure surveillance video from nearby businesses or residences before it is overwritten. We coordinate with your treating providers to tie each diagnosis, bill, and restriction directly to the crash.

What to do after a collision with a drunk driver

• Safety and evidence come first. If you can, move to a safe spot and call 911. Ask the responding officer to evaluate the other driver for impairment and note witnesses. Use your phone to photograph vehicle damage, road conditions, skid marks, and the other driver’s plate. Keep medical appointments, follow your treatment plan, and avoid giving a recorded statement to any insurer before you have legal counsel.
• Tell your doctor about all symptoms, even those that appear minor. Soft tissue injuries, mild traumatic brain injuries, and internal injuries often worsen over days. Maintain a journal of pain levels, sleep problems, missed activities, and work limitations. Bring us your insurance information, medical records, and any claim numbers so we can coordinate benefits and stop adjusters from pressuring you.

How Our Gilbert Law Firm Builds a Strong Claim

When you hire The Law Office of Erik L. Mullins, you get a focused strategy tailored to Gilbert roads, intersections, and medical providers. We identify all insurance coverage, including the drunk driver’s liability policy, employer coverage if the driver was on the job, bar or restaurant liability under Arizona dram shop principles when applicable, and your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage if limits are low.

We manage communications with insurance companies so you do not have to. Adjusters often rush crash victims to quick, low settlements, especially when liability seems obvious because of DUI. Our job is to slow things down, quantify your losses, and negotiate from a position of strength. If the insurer refuses to be fair, we are prepared to file suit and present your case to a jury in Maricopa County.

Our investigation often includes:

• Downloading event data recorder information for speed, braking, and throttle
• Subpoenaing bar tabs, credit card receipts, and ride history when relevant
• Interviewing witnesses about driving behavior before the impact
• Working with accident reconstruction and medical professionals
• Building a day-in-the-life presentation to show how your injuries affect you
• When you are ready to choose a law firm, read our client testimonials to see how we have helped crash victims in Gilbert. 

Understanding Arizona DUI, Liability, and Comparative Fault

A DUI arrest is powerful evidence of negligence, but your civil claim can succeed even without a conviction. The standard in a personal injury case is a preponderance of the evidence, not beyond a reasonable doubt. We use field sobriety test results, blood or breath tests, officer observations, and witness statements to establish impairment and causation.

Arizona follows pure comparative fault. If an insurer argues you share some blame, your compensation can be reduced by your percentage of fault. We counter with roadway evidence, vehicle damage analysis, and medical causation to keep fault where it belongs. In many drunk driving cases, liability is clear, but we still document every element to eliminate excuses.

Time limits matter. Most injury claims must be filed within two years of the crash. Claims involving government entities have shorter notice deadlines. Contacting a drunk driving accident lawyer in Gilbert as soon as possible helps preserve evidence and protects your rights.

The Value Drivers in a Drunk Driving Injury Case

Insurers measure risk. We elevate case value by demonstrating that a jury would likely find the drunk driver responsible and award full damages. The most common value drivers include the severity of injuries, length and intensity of medical treatment, objective findings on imaging, permanent impairment, impact on work, and whether alcohol-related aggravating factors exist. Prompt care, consistent treatment, and clear documentation all contribute to stronger outcomes.

We also prepare you for the process. From demand packages to deposition prep to mediation and trial, we aim to remove uncertainty. Our team answers questions quickly and keeps you informed so you can focus on healing.

Medical Care and Billing After a DUI Crash

If you need emergency treatment, you can seek care at Mercy Gilbert Medical Center or another nearby facility. For ongoing care, we help coordinate specialists and physical therapy and, when appropriate, discuss lien-based treatment options so you can continue care even if insurance is slow to pay. We organize records and bills, confirm balances, and negotiate reductions to maximize your net recovery.

If you used health insurance, keep the explanation of benefits letters. If you missed work, save pay stubs and employer letters. If your vehicle was towed from the scene, we can address storage fees while your property damage claim is resolved.

Working With Insurance Companies

Expect early calls from insurance companies. They may request a recorded statement or medical authorizations that are broader than necessary. We handle those requests for you. We provide tailored medical releases and deliver evidence with context so adjusters cannot twist your words. We track claim reserves and ensure negotiations start only after your injuries are well understood, or we pursue a settlement structure that protects future care.

If the drunk driver is uninsured or carries low limits, your own coverage may apply. Many Gilbert residents carry UM or UIM benefits that can make the difference between a minimal and a meaningful recovery. We coordinate these claims carefully to avoid setoffs and preserve your right to stack benefits where allowed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a drunk driving accident attorney if the driver was arrested for DUI?

Yes. The criminal case does not pay your medical bills or lost wages. A civil personal injury claim is separate and focuses on your compensation. An attorney coordinates evidence, manages insurers, and pursues all liable parties.

How much is my Gilbert drunk driving case worth?

Case value depends on injury severity, medical treatment, recovery time, wage loss, future care, and how the crash changed your daily life. Drunk driving facts can support punitive damages in some cases. After reviewing your records, we will provide a personalized valuation range.

Will the insurance companies settle quickly because the driver was drunk?

Sometimes insurers offer quick, low settlements to close the file. Accepting early can leave significant money on the table. Strong results usually follow complete medical documentation and a well-supported demand.

What if I was a passenger in the drunk driver’s car?

Passengers injured by a drunk driver can bring claims against the driver and any other negligent parties. Coverage may include the driver’s liability policy and your own UM or UIM benefits. Fault arguments rarely apply to passengers, but we still document the facts.

What if I had a prior injury to the same body part?

You can still recover for aggravation or acceleration of a preexisting condition. Thorough medical records are key to distinguishing a new injury from prior issues and proving the crash made things worse.

How long will my case take?

Timelines vary with medical recovery, insurer responsiveness, and whether litigation is necessary. Many cases resolve within months after treatment stabilizes. If a suit is filed, additional time is required, but we work to move your case forward efficiently.

Take the Pressure Off and Start Your Gilbert Claim Today

Early action preserves evidence, protects your rights, and positions your personal injury claim for the best outcome. If you were hurt by a drunk driver anywhere in Gilbert, let us handle the legal work while you focus on recovery.

Schedule your free consultation with our drunk driving accident lawyer in Gilbert. Call (435) 268-3923 or request an appointment online. Hablamos español.