Victims harmed by a drunk driver have different legal protections available to them. A pedestrian in Phoenix recently suffered serious injuries after being struck by a vehicle while on the sidewalk. According to authorities, the driver is suspected of driving under the influence at the time of the pedestrian accident. According to witnesses, the suspected impaired driver was traveling west and crossed into the eastbound traffic and onto the sidewalk, striking the pedestrian and seriously injuring the victim.
The pedestrian victim was transported to the hospital with serious injuries. When a drunk driver has caused a car or pedestrian accident, they may face several levels of liability including criminal and civil liability. A victim of a pedestrian accident may be able to make a claim for damages suffered as a result of the accident. Pedestrian accident victims may suffer serious, catastrophic and disabling injuries in a pedestrian accident.
A pedestrian accident may unexpectedly disrupt the lives of victims or may have a lifelong impact on them. A claim for damages can help with physical, financial and emotional aspects of a pedestrian accident. Victims may be able to recover medical expenses, lost wages and damages for pain and suffering as the pedestrian accident and its aftermath can be traumatizing for victims.
Any victim injured by a drunk driver should be familiar with the legal protections available to help them seek damages so that they can better focus on the recovery process. It is important to keep in mind that drunk driving is considered negligent driving which can result in not only criminal charges but civil liability to victims as well.
Source: AZCentral, “Police: Vehicle strikes, injures pedestrian on Phoenix sidewalk,” BrieAnna J Frank, June 18, 2017
