As Tempe car accident attorneys, we were shocked to learn that a Tempe man deliberately hit his 19-year-old stepson with his car after an argument. The stepson had been trying to stop him from driving drunk and arguing with his wife, the teen’s mother, according to AZ Central. The three were in a car together when the mother, who was driving, pulled over and exited the car with her son. When they began walking away, the Tempe man jumped in the driver seat and hit the teen near Holmes Avenue and Alma School Road. He then fled, but was stopped by officers a few miles later when they saw him speeding past. The teen suffered bruising to his legs and face. We wish him a quick recovery.
Does the Stepson Have a Personal Injury Claim?
Many people are unaware that in situations like this the stepson may have a personal injury claim. Many times, passengers and others who are hit by the driver of the vehicle still have legal rights even though they may have chosen to ride with someone drunk or if they were trying to stop someone who was drunk from driving. In cases like these, it is important to remember to always take steps to understand your legal rights.
Contact a Tempe Personal Injury Attorney
A knowledgeable Tempe personal injury attorney knows that it is a serious crime to drive drunk and also a serious crime to deliberately hit another person with a car. The stepson and wife probably do not want to bring a criminal claim against the dad/husband. That being said, a claim against the insurance could always be made depending on the seriousness of the stepson’s injuries. If the stepson did not require any medical care, it is likely they would not want to bring a claim. We have had other cases like these where, in similar circumstances, the drunk driver seriously injured the other party. In cases like those, medical bills can sky rocket and lost wages can be incurred, bringing the person in a situation where they are best to bring a claim against the drunk driver’s insurance. If you have been injured in a scenario similar to this one, we are happy to answer all your legal questions. Contact us today for your free consultation.
