by Zayed Al-SayyedWhat Happens If I’m at Fault in a Car Accident?
Were you the cause of a car accident? If so, it’s important you understand the implications of being found at fault in Arizona. There are numerous factors that go into determining fault status, including your driving record, the location of the accident, and if anyone was injured.
This blog will outline how Arizona handles fault, what it means if you are found at fault, and the potential consequences.
Is Arizona a Fault-Based State?
Laws surrounding personal injury lawsuits differ between fault and no-fault states. In fault states, the insurer of the person who is liable is responsible for paying damages. On the contrary, in no-fault states, both parties’ insurers can be held responsible for injuries and damages.
Arizona is a fault state, meaning you or your insurance company is responsible for paying out damages if you are found at fault. Bystanders, passengers, animals, and cyclists can all hold you responsible for damages in Arizona.
What Does Being at Fault Mean?
Being at fault means your actions directly contributed to the accident. This could be running a red light, texting while driving, trailing a vehicle too closely, or driving too fast. Even if you played a major role in the car accident, you might not be found 100% at fault. Arizona has a comparative negligence system, assigning a negligence percentage for each party’s involvement.
You will only be held responsible for the amount you contributed to the accident. Let’s say that you rear-ended someone, but their brake lights didn’t work. You aren’t on the hook for the entire liability since both parties contributed to the accident.
What are the Consequences of Being at Fault?
There are additional consequences for being found at fault outside of monetary fines. First, you might lose your license. If a judge found that you were acting carelessly, they could revoke your license. This doesn’t mean you lose your driving rights altogether, but they can be restricted.
Insurance is another consequence of being found at fault. Your insurance carrier might impose higher premiums or drop your coverage altogether. Your driving history is one of the main factors that go into your rate calculation.
The state of Arizona also enforces stiff fines and penalties for at fault drivers. Some car accidents can be classified as felonies, such as driving under the influence and causing bodily harm. Failing to yield, following too closely, and speeding are all punishable offenses with fines and penalties.
Finding a Qualified Arizona Attorney
The good news is that working with a qualified Arizona attorney can help you minimize the consequences associated with being found at fault. The best time to contact an attorney is right after the accident occurred, regardless of if you are at fault or not.
Having someone advocate on your behalf can result in reduced fines, fair comparative negligence percentages, and timely correspondence with regulatory officials.
Our team at The Law Office of Zayed Al-Sayyed is here for you. Contact our team to schedule a consultation today.
by Zayed Al-SayyedHow Long After Injury Can You Sue In Arizona?
Were you recently injured? If so, did you know that you have a limited timeframe to sue in Arizona? Whether you were hurt in a car crash, slip and fall incident, or freak accident, you should understand the legal implications of bringing a lawsuit forward.
Knowing how long after an injury you can sue and the benefits of contacting an attorney right are two key components of bringing a successful lawsuit against an at-fault party.
How Long After Injury Can You Sue in Arizona?
Arizona state’s statute of limitations gives inj ured parties two years to file a lawsuit after an injury. After the two-year period has lapsed, you lose your ability to bring a lawsuit against the at-fault party.
Arizona is very strict with enforcing this statute of limitation, making it difficult to bypass once the timeframe has expired. Both lawsuits and insurance claims should be filed well before the two-year deadline to avoid immediate dismissal.
Why is it Important to Contact an Attorney Right After You’re Injured?
Just because you can wait up until the two-year deadline to bring a claim forward doesn’t mean you should. In fact, you don’t want to risk dismissal by being anywhere near the expiration date. This is why it’s important to contact an attorney right after you’re injured.
Not only can you ensure you have enough time to bring a well-rounded case against the at-fault party, but you can also make sure everything is properly documented because the incident was recent. It’s much more difficult to piece together the circumstances of an accident that happened a year and a half ago compared to something that occurred just last week.
Moreover, contacting an attorney immediately yields countless other benefits. One of these advantages is not having to deal with the at-fault party’s lawyers and insurance agency. Your attorney will handle all communication between the at-fault party, giving you time to rest from your accident.
Additionally, delaying legal actions can result in missed opportunities, such as contaminated evidence, missing witnesses, and saying items you shouldn’t. You want to cross all your T’s and dot all your I’s when it comes to suing after an injury. After all, you may be depending on money from the at-fault party to cover medical bills and other fees.
How to Choose the Right Attorney
Working with the right attorney can make all the difference. When it comes to deciding on an attorney, you want to choose a professional that has your best interests in mind. Your prospective attorney should be willing to handle all correspondence with the at-fault party, negotiate settlements on your behalf, and make sure all your bases are covered.
The worst-case scenario is hiring an attorney that drops the ball when it comes to gathering information or reaching a settlement agreement. At The Z Lawyer, we have you covered. Our team works diligently to ensure your injury lawsuit is being handled correctly and with your best interests in mind. Reach out today to set up a consultation with our award-winning legal team.
by Zayed Al-SayyedWhat Is Aggravated DUI in Arizona?
In Arizona, there are many different kinds of DUIs. However, an aggravated DUI is a felony-level charge given to someone driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If you’re interested in learning more, today’s blog post is revealing what is aggravated DUI in Arizona, as well as the most common penalties.
What is Aggravated DUI in Arizona?
So, what is aggravated DUI in Arizona? Well, as we mentioned, this felony-level charge is given to those driving under the influence. Essentially, a regular DUI becomes aggravated under any of the following circumstances:
- A child under 15 years old is in the car
- Driving on the wrong side of the highway
- Driving on a suspended or revoked license
- The defendant has received 2+ DUIs in the last 7 years
- The defendant should be driving with an ignition interlock device
If you are charged with an aggravated DUI for any other reason (see above), it’s considered a class 4 felony in Arizona. That comes with the following punishments:
- At least $4,000 in fines
- A traffic survival school course
- A minimum of 4 months in prison
- At least 1-year driver suspension
- Alcohol or other drug screening, education, or treatment
- At least 2 years of an ignition interlock device (IID) – if the DUI charge only involved drugs, this duration might be lessened to 1 year
Criminal Defense Attorney for DUI in Arizona
If you were previously wondering ‘what is aggravated DUI in Arizona,’ we hope today’s blog post cleared the air. And if you or a loved one has been convicted of a DUI, the qualified criminal defense attorneys at The Law Office of Zayed Al-Sayyed are here for you.
Our legal team understands that mistakes happen and justice should be fair. That’s why we treat our clients with respect and compassion while aggressively defending their rights and freedoms. If you want a criminal defense attorney who will work with you to build a defense that protects your future, we’re the ones to call.
Contact our team to schedule a consultation today.
by Zayed Al-SayyedDUI Involving an Accident – Arizona
In Arizona, 4.63% of all car crashes (aka 5,620) are alcohol-related. And of those crashes, 215 were fatal. While first-time DUI offenses in Arizona are generally considered class 1 misdemeanors, offenders might be charged with a felony if someone is killed or injured.
When receiving a DUI involving an accident – Arizona, charges are determined based on the specific circumstances. Keep reading to learn what those are and how they affect you.
Potential Charges for a DUI Involving an Accident – Arizona
Facing a DUI involving an accident – Arizona? If that’s the case, there are a variety of potential charges that include:
- Manslaughter
- Endangerment
- Aggravated Assault
- Second-Degree Murder
The law regards a vehicle is seen as readily capable of causing serious damage and personal injury. When someone is charged with a dangerous felony offense, they are sentenced to time in prison without probation.
Can You Be Charged with Endangerment If No One Was Injured?
In short, the answer is yes. In Arizona, a person can be charged with endangerment if they recklessly endanger another person with a substantial risk of either a) imminent death or b) physical injury.
If someone is charged with endangerment due to a substantial risk of imminent death, it’s considered a class 6 felony. On the other hand, if someone is charged due to a substantial risk of physical injury, it’s considered a class 1 misdemeanor.
What Is the Punishment for Endangerment?
The punishment for endangerment varies depending on the specifics of the charge. For example, if the endangerment charge is considered a class 1 misdemeanor, the offender receives:
- Up to 180 days in jail
- A fine of up to $2,500
- Up to 3 years of probation
However, if the Endangerment charge is considered a class 6 felony, the punishment includes:
- A fine of up to $150,000
- Up to 3 years of probation
- A 1-year license revocation
- 4 months to 2 years in prison
And of course, the range of potential punishments increases for those with prior felony convictions.
What Happens When Someone Is Injured in a DUI Accident?
If someone is in a DUI Involving an Accident – Arizona and seriously injures another person, the offender will likely be charged with Aggravated Assault. Generally, this is considered a class 3 felony, where the punishment is a mandatory prison sentence ranging from 5 to 15 years — even for first-time offenders. Not only that, but your driver’s license gets revoked for 3 years.
Best DUI Attorney in Phoenix, Arizona
If you or a loved one has been in a DUI involving an accident – Arizona, the criminal defense attorneys at The Law Office of Zayed Al-Sayyed are here for you. Arizona has some of the harshest sentencing standards in the U.S. However, our legal team brings the level of experience, aggressiveness, and knowledge to defend your case to the best possible outcome.
Ready to get started? Contact our team for your free, no-obligation consultation today.
by Zayed Al-SayyedInjured by a Drunk Driver in Phoenix?
If you or a loved one was injured by a drunk driver in Phoenix, then you know how frightening, exhausting, and overwhelming the experience can be. While Arizona’s DUI laws have reduced the number of drunk driving accidents that occur, not everything is preventable. And when a DUI accident impacts your family, The Law Office of Zayed Al-Sayyed is here to help.
Our personal defense attorneys are revealing what to do when you’ve been injured by a drunk driver in Phoenix in today’s blog post. Keep reading to learn what your next steps should be.
What To Do When You’ve Been Injured by a Drunk Driver In Phoenix
If you or a loved one has been injured by a drunk driver in Phoenix, follow these steps:
Step One: Call the Police
When a drunk driving accident occurs, you need to get the police on the scene as soon as possible. A person’s blood alcohol content (BAC) starts to drop when they stop drinking. So, if you wait too long, the other driver’s BAC might fall below the legal limit by the time the police arrive.
Once the police arrive, let them know that you think the other driver is impaired. Then, follow their instructions as you wait for other emergency personnel to arrive.
Step Two: Record Evidence
If you suspect the other driver is drunk, you’re going to want to keep an eye on them. Make note of any abnormal behavior and document it – either by writing it down or taking a photograph. Emotions have a tendency to run high post-accident, and documenting important information guarantees an accurate account.
Just like any accident, take photos of the scene. Make sure to record any property damage and injuries. Additionally, obtain contact information for any witnesses of the accident.
Step Three: Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
If you have been injured by a drunk driver in Phoenix, working with a personal injury attorney ensures you receive the compensation you deserve. Here at The Law Office of Zayed Al-Sayyed, we are relentless in our efforts to remove the stressful burdens of medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, loss of career and related wages, and quality of life losses.
Step Four: Be Cautious of Insurance Companies
You must report all accidents to your insurance company. However, we strongly advise you to speak with a personal injury attorney first. Car insurance companies have many tactics they use to devalue accident claims, and if you don’t know what they are — or how to handle them — they might hurt your claim.
Best Personal Injury Attorneys in Phoenix, Arizona
If you have been injured by a drunk driver in Phoenix, the skilled personal injury attorneys at The Law Office of Zayed Al-Sayyed are here to help. Not only are we well-versed in Arizona traffic law, but we represent our clients diligently as we pursue the maximum allowable compensation for their injuries.
If you’re interested in learning more about what we can do for you, contact our team for a free consultation.
by Zayed Al-SayyedWhat Pain and Suffering Damages Can You Claim in Arizona?
Were you injured in Arizona? Despite the beautiful red mountains and endless outdoor activities, you may have a slightly different view of Arizona: one that brings traumatic pain and suffering.
Like most states, Arizona gives you the ability to seek damages for your pain and suffering under what’s called a noneconomic loss. Noneconomic losses are designed to compensate you for nonfinancial injuries, such as disability, anxiety, loss of care, discomfort, and pain.
Understanding the specifics surrounding pain and suffering damages can help you determine if this is the right route for your situation.
What are Common Pain and Suffering Damages?
Pain and suffering damages can take on many different forms, depending on how the pain and suffering was established. Keep in mind that pain and suffering don’t mean just physical pain, but emotional turmoil as well.
Physical pain and suffering damages could occur from an accident, slip and fall incident, defective product, or intentional injury.
The damages associated with a pain and suffering case can vary based on each party’s negligence. For example, let’s say someone’s tire fell off in the middle of the road and you hit it, causing you injury. Even though you were the one that hit the tire, you could file a pain and suffering lawsuit because someone else’s negligence caused your pain and suffering.
Even if an accident was mostly your fault, you could still receive damages based on Arizona’s pure comparative fault rule. However, if you intentionally caused or contributed to the pain and suffering, you are unable to file a lawsuit.
How Do You Claim Pain and Suffering Damages?
Most pain and suffering damage claims are subject to the statutes of limitations, which is two years after the injury occurred.
The good news is that there are no state imposed caps on pain and suffering damages. This is beneficial if the jury decides to award you a large amount. It’s important to note that workers’ compensation claim damages cannot be a part of pain and suffering damages.
Choosing the Right Lawyer
If you’ve experienced pain and suffering, it’s important that you reach out to a qualified attorney immediately. You want to be sure your claim is filed within Arizona’s statute of limitations. Not to mention that the right lawyer can help you maximize your settlement.
At The Z Lawyer, we have the knowledge and expertise you need in an attorney. We work with you to file claims quickly and accurately. Ready to get started? Reach out to a team member today to set up a consultation.
by Zayed Al-SayyedArizona First Offense DUI
Getting charged with an Arizona first-offense DUI is overwhelming, confusing, and downright frightening. And if it’s your first time navigating the DUI process, you probably have a ton of questions (or concerns!) about what the future holds.
If this sounds familiar, the skilled criminal defense lawyers at The Law Office of Zayed Al-Sayyed are here to help. With ample experience handling Arizona DUI cases, we have what it takes to defend even the toughest of charges.
Without further ado, our team is diving into the Arizona first-offense DUI charge in today’s blog post. Keep reading for more info regarding DUI laws, penalties, and defenses.
DUI Penalties in Arizona
Simply put, it’s illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs in Arizona. Specifically, anyone caught driving with a blood-alcohol content exceeding .08% will be arrested for a DUI. Additionally, driving with any amount of illegal drug in your system warrants a DUI.
Arizona DUIs come in several different forms. Traditional DUIs are the least serious, followed by Extreme DUIs, and Aggravated DUIs (which are the most serious). Generally, the latter two require prior conviction of a DUI, making these charges highly unlikely for an Arizona first-offense DUI.
Consequences of an Arizona First-Offense DUI
Have you or a loved one been convicted of an Arizona first-offense DUI? This is considered a Class 1 misdemeanor that is punishable by:
- Community service;
- A fine of at least $1,250;
- At least 10 consecutive days in jail;
- Mandatory alcohol screening, education, or treatment; and
- Mandatory installation of a certified ignition interlock device on any vehicle you operate (for one year).
Possible Defenses
As Arizona criminal defense attorneys, ZLawyer has seen our fair share of DUI cases. Below are some possible defenses for your Arizona first-offense DUI:
Inadmissible Evidence
Believe it or not, obtaining a blood or breath sample does not automatically make you guilty of a DUI. In order to use that evidence against you, the officers must have legally obtained it. For example, if the officer pulled you over and administered a breath test for no reason, the judge may deem that test inadmissible.
You Weren’t Intoxicated or Driving Unsafely
If your DUI arrest involves marijuana, the prosecution must prove you were intoxicated at the time of the arrest. Furthermore, they must prove that your intoxication was the cause of your unsafe driving. If they fail to establish either of these, your charges could be dropped.
Chemical Testing Problems
The prosecution relies on chemical test results (like a blood or breath test) to prove you were guilty of driving under the influence. However, even labs make mistakes sometimes! When you hire an experienced DUI attorney, they will review your lab results to determine if any errors were made. If so, they have the expertise to use that info accordingly.
Top-Rated Criminal Defense Attorney in Phoenix
Have you or a loved one been charged with an Arizona first-offense DUI? Don’t worry, ZLawyer is here to help. We bring the experience, aggressiveness, and knowledge of both state and local law that’s necessary to secure the best possible outcome.
Seeking a Phoenix criminal defense lawyer that you can trust? Contact our team today.
by Zayed Al-SayyedWhen Is a DUI Considered a Misdemeanor in Arizona?
Wondering when is a DUI considered a misdemeanor in Arizona? Because the answer might surprise you… While pretty much all DUI charges are classified as misdemeanors in Arizona, there are a few exceptions.
As Arizona’s leading criminal defense attorneys, our team at The Law Office of Zayed Al-Sayyed is revealing what constitutes a misdemeanor in today’s blog post. Keep reading to learn about DUI penalties, defenses, and the impact it could make on your future.
When Is a DUI Considered a Misdemeanor in Arizona?
So, when is a DUI considered a misdemeanor in Arizona? Well, a DUI is classified as a misdemeanor whenever you’re caught operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol. And to be “under the influence,” you must have a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher or any amount of illegal drug in your system.
Are All DUIs Considered Misdemeanors in Arizona?
Most first-time DUIs are considered misdemeanors in Arizona. However, there are a few exceptions. Your DUI will be considered a felony if any of the following occurs:
- Driving on a suspended license
- Having a passenger under the age of 15 in the vehicle
- Driving on the wrong side of the road (especially highways)
Penalties for a First-Offense DUI
When you get convicted of a first-defense DUI in Arizona, you’re penalized with the following:
- 10 days in jail
- Fines of at least $1,250
- Traffic survival school course
- Suspended driver’s license for 90 days
- Drug and alcohol screening, education, or treatment
- Installation of an admission interlock device on your vehicle for one year
What Are the Possible Defenses?
As skilled criminal defense attorneys who have handled numerous DUI cases, we have quite a few defenses up our sleeves. Below are some of the ones we’ll use to fight DUI charges:
- Not actually being in control of the vehicle
- The arrest wasn’t based on probable cause
- No reasonable suspicion to make the initial traffic stop
- Inaccurate instructions were given during the field sobriety test
- Blood samples were contaminated or the breathalyzer was incorrect
- The breath test was conducted without a 15-minute observation period
- A medical condition causes the breathalyzer to return inaccurate results
Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Phoenix
So, when is a DUI considered a misdemeanor in Arizona? The answer is most of the time. But even though a misdemeanor doesn’t affect your record as severely as a felony, you’ll want Arizona’s leading criminal defense attorneys by your side.
Here at The Law Office of Zayed Al-Sayyed, we understand that mistakes happen and justice should be fair. That’s why our Phoenix criminal defense attorneys treat every client with respect and compassion, while aggressively defending their rights and freedom.
Throughout the duration of your case, we’ll explain the status of your charges so you’re never left in the dark. Then, we’ll clearly define the implications of your alleged crimes and explore the best possible outcomes for your case.
Ready to get started? Contact our team for your free, no-obligation consultation today.
by Zayed Al-SayyedHow to Find a Personal Injury Lawyer in 2023
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries caused by someone else’s negligence, you might be entitled to compensation. And the best way to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve? Hiring a skilled personal injury lawyer to stand by your side.
With so many personal injury attorneys out there, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. However, our team is revealing exactly how to find a personal injury lawyer in today’s blog post. Stay tuned!
Steps to Find a Personal Injury Lawyer
Working with a skilled personal injury lawyer ensures you receive just compensation for your injuries or damages. Here is how to find a personal injury lawyer (in five steps):
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Find a Lawyer Who Practices in Your State
Every personal injury lawyer is eligible to practice law in a certain place(s). So, if you live and were injured in Arizona, you need to find a personal injury attorney who is legally allowed to practice law in Arizona.
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Consider the Type of Cases the Law Firm Handles
You can’t expect every law firm to practice personal injury law. Therefore, you need to make sure the lawyers you consider are well-versed in personal injury settlements. If they aren’t? Well, they won’t be much help.
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Do Your Research
After you’ve confirmed that the lawyer can legally practice personal injury law in Arizona, you want to do your research. Browse the lawyer’s website to verify they’ve handled cases similar to yours. We also recommend reading their client reviews and checking their awards or accolades. As you can probably imagine, these are both excellent ways of verifying their expertise.
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Schedule a Consultation
After you’ve compiled a list of reputable personal injury lawyers, you’ll want to schedule a consultation with each of them. Most law firms have an online contact form you can fill out, or you could try calling them directly.
Here at The Law Office of Zayed Al-Sayyed, we offer free, no-obligation consultations for every client. We also have multilingual services available. Contact our team to schedule yours today.
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Verify Their Experience
The goal of personal injury claims is to seek just compensation for your injuries and/or damages. Therefore, you want to hire a personal injury attorney who is confident in their ability to reach the best possible outcome. Many personal injury attorneys don’t actually have experience taking personal injury claims to trial. So, look for a lawyer who has ample experience winning personal injury claims in court.
Best Phoenix Personal Injury Attorneys
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries or damages due to someone else’s negligence, we hope that today’s post helped you understand how to find a personal injury lawyer.
The Law Office of Zayed Al-Sayyed understands the life-changing impact personal injuries can have on individuals and their families. That’s why we’re relentless in our efforts to remove the stressful burdens of medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, quality of life losses, and more.
Ready to see what we can do for you? Contact our team today.
by Zayed Al-SayyedHow Are Personal Injury Settlements Paid Out?
Wondering what happens when you trip and fall on a broken piece of a sidewalk? If it’s located in front of a business, the business owner could be found negligent (that is if they’re required to upkeep the sidewalks). And if that’s the case, you are entitled to compensation for your injuries and medical bills.
Filing a personal injury settlement removes the stressful burdens of medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and quality-of-life losses caused by someone else’s negligence. However, it is often a long and confusing process. That’s why The Law Office of Zayed Al-Sayyed is here to clear any confusion.
If you’re wondering how are personal injury settlements paid out, our team covers everything you need to know in today’s blog post:
Filing a Personal Injury Claim
In Arizona, you can file a personal injury claim anytime within two years of the accident or injury. We first recommend seeking medical attention for your injury, then you should contact a skilled personal injury attorney. Your attorney (like those here at The Law Office of Zayed Al-Sayyed) will notify the other party that a claim has been filed. Then, the process of gathering evidence begins.
How Are Personal Injury Settlements Paid Out?
So, how are personal injury settlements paid out? Well, most lawyers will arrange for a contingency agreement. Essentially, this grants the attorney some percentage of the amount awarded by the court after they win your case.
After winning a personal injury case, your lawyer’s contingency fee will be deducted from the settlement money. Then, you must pay all medical and damage expenses incurred by the accident. After all of the fees are distributed, you’ll be entitled to whatever remainder is left. Most people opt for a lump sum, which means the remainder is distributed in one payment.
How Much Can I Ask For In a Personal Injury Settlement?
There are many factors that play into your personal injury settlement. When deciding how much to ask for, your injuries and damages should be the first to be taken into account. Then, consider any associated fees and costs (court fees, attorney costs, etc.).
Another factor impacting the settlement amount is the plaintiff’s percentage of the blame. The comparative negligence law applies whenever you (the plaintiff) are unable to prove the defending party was entirely responsible for the accident. In that instance, the court rules on your percentage of the blame and requires the defendant to pay accordingly.
Top Personal Injury Attorneys in Phoenix
So, how are personal injury settlements paid out in Arizona? Hopefully, today’s blog provided the clarity you were looking for. However, the best way to ensure you receive compensation for your injuries is to enlist the help of an experienced personal injury attorney.
The Law Office of Zayed Al-Sayyed is relentless in its efforts to remove the stressful burdens of medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and other expenses incurred by an accident. Contact our team to learn how we can help you receive the compensation you deserve.
