Depending on where you’re unlucky enough to have an accident with a driver who was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, there could be additional laws- called open container laws- in place to help protect you and your rights even further than simply placing blame. DUI accidents can be absolutely prevented, simply by discouraging people from drinking any alcohol before driving but sadly, many people think they will still be able to exercise the same judgment even after a drink.
Our dedicated attorneys are experienced with the Open Container Laws here in Arizona, sharing their own knowledge in the following blog that looks to discuss what they are and why they were introduced to help stop DUI and how they work from a legal perspective.
The injury attorneys at Phoenix Accident and Injury Law Firm in Phoenix have significant experience in helping clients who have been victims of DUI accidents, including those involving open container laws. If you need help filing a claim for one of these awful, life changing accidents, we are here to help you get the compensation you deserve. Our offices are conveniently located in Chandler, Peoria, and North Phoenix, and we can meet in-person or over the phone or video call. You can contact us for a free consultation, or read on to find out more.
By the way, we will also help with other problems that have cost you sleep, like getting a rental car very soon and finding a nearby doctor or psychiatrist who can help get your life back on track. Even the best legal team isn’t good enough if your quality of life isn’t sustainable while justice and compensation are on the way. The whole point of legal action is to regain quality of life, so we help you long-term as attorneys and short-term as your go-to people. Our familiarity with the local Phoenix courts and open container laws makes us confident that we can help you get the best settlement possible.
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What is the Open Container Law?
We’ve written another similar article that shares our insights to dram shop law which looks at placing some responsibility onto the bar or restaurant serving alcohol to someone but did you know there is an ‘Open Container Law’ too?
The ‘open container law’ in the state of Arizona, but it’s a law that prohibits anyone from drinking or even possessing an open container of alcohol inside any kind of vehicle except a commercial bus or train. It was brought in initially to stop people from freely drinking and driving and has since been adapted to further include passenger compartments of cars too- essentially the law states no open containers of alcohol in a vehicle. A container is anything that can hold liquor such as a can, plastic bottle, or even a cup.
This means there are no exceptions to the rule when it comes to alcohol inside your car, and passengers aren’t allowed to pass around open cans or bottles of alcohol while you or a friend drives.
How does the Open Container Law stop DUI?
The Open Container law is effective in many ways and can be enforced by police officers even if they were performing a routine stop and find an empty bottle or container that simply smells of alcohol. This empowers them to then perform a breath test on the roadside if they think it’s needed- or even simply use the Open Container Law to press charges should they see fit!
But, if the law is so strict on having alcohol at all, why are DUI accidents still happening? Sadly, this is a good question and isn’t as easy to answer, but as the state of Arizona continues to adapt and change the law to help reduce the huge numbers of people who simply drink and drive, causing accidents.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a DUI accident and you’re now wondering how on earth to start legal proceedings, why not call our team today. Our dedicated lawyers are very familiar with open container laws and DUI cases and can offer you and your family the reassurance you need. Speak to us today and find out how we could help you with your legal case.
At Phoenix Accident and Injury Law Firm near you, we have more than 15 years of experience helping clients obtain compensation for their personal injuries from DUI accidents in the Phoenix area, including those involving open container laws. When you’re ready to talk, please contact our office to arrange a free initial consultation by phone or at our Chandler office, conveniently located near you.
If you have been in a DUI accident, contact Phoenix Accident and Injury Law Firm in nearby Chandler, AZ to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney. We provide personal injury legal services to clients in your area including Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale, Tempe, and Peoria.
