Drunk Driving Car Accidents in Phoenix, AZ

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2020, 11,654 people died in alcohol-impaired driving traffic deaths — a 14 percent increase from 2019. DUIs are a serious concern in the United States; every day, about 32 people in the United States die in drunk-driving crashes — that’s one person every 45 minutes.

Drunk driving fatalities can involve regular vehicles, trucks, motorcycles, and more. And sadly, over 10,000 Americans are killed by drunk drivers every year.

Motorists must be aware of the dangers associated with impaired driving. If you have been involved in an accident due to another person’s alcohol impairment, a Phoenix DUI attorney from Phillips Law Group is prepared to take on your case and help you get the justice you deserve.

We take cases on contingency, which means your first consultation with our trusted attorneys is free and you will not be charged legal fees unless we recover compensation. Your information will remain confidential, and you are under no obligation to move forward with our team should you decide to pursue a legal case.

Give us a call today or contact us via the form on this page to learn more about your legal options.

In Phoenix and elsewhere throughout Arizona and the United States, drunk driving has claimed thousands of lives. Deaths caused by drunk driving are needless and entirely preventable, and testing for drunk drivers on the road has become a necessity. Although many are against the methods of testing, as long as drunk driving continues, driver testing will be a necessity. Yet regardless of this necessity, DUI testing must verifiable, reliable and fair. If you would like to discuss your specific case or hire legal representation, please contact a Phoenix and Arizona drunk driving attorney at the Montano Arentz & Associates, PLLC to schedule a free consultation.

The History of Drunk Driving Testing

Alcohol intoxication is legally defined by the blood alcohol concentration level in a person at any given time. However, taking a blood sample in the field for later analysis in the laboratory was not practical or efficient for detaining drivers suspected of driving under the influence (DUI). What was needed was a way to measure something related to BAC without invading a suspect’s body. Urine tests for alcohol proved to be just as impractical in the field as blood sampling. In the 1940s, breath alcohol testing devices were first developed for use by police. In 1954, Dr. Robert Borkenstein of the Indiana State Police invented the Breathalyzer, one type of breath alcohol testing device used by law enforcement agencies today. If you have questions about the Breathalyzer, DUI, or wish to discuss your case, please contact the Phoenix and Tucson area drunk driving attorneys with the Montano Arentz & Associates, PLLC

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Principle of Testing for Drunk Driving

When a person drinks alcohol, the alcohol is absorbed by the mouth, throat, stomach and intestines into the bloodstream. Absorption of alcohol is not the same as digestion of alcohol, and absorption does not chemically change the alcohol that enters the bloodstream in this way. As this alcohol-laced blood circulates through the lungs, some of the alcohol moves across the membranes of the lung’s air sacs (alveoli) and evaporates into the air in the lungs, called the alveolar air. The concentration of the alcohol in the alveolar air is proportionally related to the concentration of the alcohol in the blood. As the alcohol in the alveolar air is exhaled, it can be detected by the breath alcohol-testing device. So instead of having to draw a driver’s blood to test his/her blood alcohol level, an officer can test the breath on the spot and determine whether there is a reason to arrest the driver for drunk driving. Because the alcohol concentration in the breath is related to that in the blood, it is possible to calculate the BAC by measuring alcohol in the breath. The ratio of breath to blood alcohol is 2,100 to 1. This means that 2,100 milliliters of alveolar air will contain the same amount of alcohol as 1 milliliter of blood. The mechanisms used to measure a persons blood alcohol level in this way are not foolproof however, and sometimes a Phoenix or Arizona drunk driving attorney is successful arguing against this test in certain cases. The legal standard for drunk driving across the United States was 0.10% for years, but recently many states have adopted the 0.08% standard either on their own or at the urging of the federal government. The standard 0.08% means that there is 0.08% gram of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood. The American Medical Association states that a person can become impaired when the blood alcohol level hits 0.05%.

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Types of Testing Devices

There are three major types of breath alcohol testing devices based upon different principles: A Breathalyzer uses a chemical reaction involving alcohol that produces a color change. An Intoxilyzer detects alcohol by infrared (IR) spectroscopy. The Alcosensor III or IV detects a chemical reaction of alcohol in a fuel cell. Each device has a mouthpiece or tube through which the drunk driving suspect can blow air and a sample chamber where the air goes. The rest of the device will vary depending on the type used. Each device has its own weaknesses, and a Phoenix and Tucson area drunk driving attorney may be able to use these weaknesses to your advantage. If you are arrested for drunk driving, please contact the attorneys with the Montano Arentz & Associates, PLLC

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Morgan W.

I felt they were more my friends than my personal injury lawyer and that isn't something you're taught it's something you have inside. If I ever needed a lawyer again Phillips Law Group Injury Lawyers would be my only choice. I can't recommend them enough. They are professional on every level and compassionate throughout. Thank you for everything.

Blanca D.

When in pain because of an accident all you want to do is focus on getting better and that is what did thanks to this firm. My family and I were set up with a Dr and Chiro right away. The treatment we received was great. I am extremely thankful for all the help we received and the outcome on the cases. Thanks to everyone involved on my case. A special thanks the intake specialist Rosalba who was very kind on the phone when I first called. I highly recommend this firm to anyone, they treat you like family.

Erika A.

I am so thankful for Ruthann and Maria. They both were amazing throughout the process. When Maria took over my case, I felt like I was being treated with empathy about my pain and experiences while treating. She also made sure to answer my questions. Maria always responded to my communication attempts and answered questions I had as they came up. She helped me with things I needed in regards to my case and helped ease the anxiety as bills piled up and my injuries were still being treated. I was able to contact her as I was treating and she helped find providers closer to my home to make it more accommodating for me. This helped me juggle work...

Santana D.

Ruby, Jennifer, Angela did me great over at this law firm. I will recommend them to anybody that has been in an injury in Phoenix Arizona they are awesome 😎. Got paid 6 months after my accident. Then out of the blue a couple years later they still contract me with another check $$$$$🤑😎🤑. Thank you....

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Philips Law Group offers outstanding customer service and a profound knowledge of personal injury law. Right from the initial call through to your office visit, they ensure you feel well-supported. A special mention goes to Ilse, the client experience coordinator. Her expertise in insurance policies is remarkable, and she articulately explains them in both Spanish and English. She skillfully navigates you through the process with empathy and understanding. A heartfelt thanks for the exceptional experience!

Art R.

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Rebecca M.

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Vallery A

Throughout the most stressful time Carmen and Donato managed to get me to the correct doctors and get the correct care I needed to make the whole process smooth and less stressful. They always answered any question or concern with professionalism and courtesy. They always valued my time as I valued theirs. Definitely recommend this great firm!

Martin K.

I'm sincerely grateful to my noble Phillips Law firm legal experts for their integrity n intelligent work for making my accident to not go free in my paint injuries. God richly bless them, for bring settlement big cash to me.

Latosha E.

What can I say about Phillips Law group. I was involved in a major car accident and sustained injuries. I looked up for Law Firms in Arizona and stumbled across Phillips Law Group. I decided to give them a call about my accident, and they were very respectful and took in my case immediately. They assigned me Tim LeDuc to represent me. From the beginning, he was very responsive and made sure to give me the proper care I deserved from this accident. Him and his team fought tooth and nail to give me the best settlement I deserved. I am so thankful, and I highly recommend Phillips Law Group to represent anyone who has been in any accident and...

Emily N.

My case closed yesterday and I RAN to make this review because of how exceptional my experience has been with Phillips Law Group! I received the best settlement I could've hoped for and am extremely happy with the outcome; but I especially wanted to shout out and give praise to Julianna, the Litigation Paralegal on my case. From the moment Julianna was assigned to my case almost two years ago, until the completion of the settlement process yesterday, Julianna's commitment to exceptional customer service, clear communication, and unwavering support truly stood out. I had so many questions -- from the legal process, to where to seek medical treatment, to questions about medical bills, to the negotiation process, and more --...

Ari

I am very impressed by how much care and effort this group puts into helping the homeless. That’s not something you see enough, especially in this time of increasing need for community. It’s important to me to work with companies that align with my views, and I would definitely go to Phillips for any future personal injury lawyer needs.

Rich S.

Just would like to share my experience with Phillips And Associates. Ever since my accident in the first of the year, it was a life changing event for me and I finally decided to go with a personal injury attorney. I contacted Phillips And Associates and they made me feel like I was an actual person instead of a lot of other firms try to go with me like a number, Phillips And Associates has reached out to me in a kind, courteous and caring way they fully understand on the circumstances of the accident So far, Phillips And Associates has been absolutely wonderful. I truly recommend going with Phillips And Associates. Thanks (RuthAnn), your the Best!!! And Thank you...

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Blood Alcohol Level charts

The following are blood alcohol level charts for your information. Please note one drink is equal to either:

• One 12 oz. Light Beer with an alcohol concentration of .042%
• 1 oz. of 80 proof liquor or 1 oz. of 100 proof liquor
• A 3 to 5 oz. glass of wine

Blood Alcohol Concentration Chart for Males

Alcohol % in bloodstream for weight (lbs.) and number of drinks

Blood Alcohol Concentration Chart for Females

Alcohol % in bloodstream for weight (lbs.) and number of drinks If you have been arrested or cited for drunk driving, please seek the assistance of a Phoenix and Arizona attorneys at the Montano Arentz & Associates, PLLC or another experienced attorney.

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DISCLAIMER: Montano Arentz & Associates, PLLC and Phillips Law Group, P.C. are separate, independent law firms from other firms listed on this website. Phillips Law Group, P.C. handles only contingency fee cases. This includes automobile and vehicle accidents and all personal injury cases. We also handle medical malpractice, product liability, employment, wage and hour cases, Social Security disability, and workers’ compensation cases. Montano Arentz & Associates, PLLC handles criminal and DUI cases, as well as consumer bankruptcy and debt relief cases.