An Arizona woman is facing a second-degree murder charge after she caused an accident that resulted in the death of a motorcyclist. Tori Gonzalez, 43, was accused of driving drunk on Sunday, April 29th after she made a left turn in front of 21-year-old Dylan Wilke without having the right of way. Police say Wilke had entered the intersection of Prince and First in Tucson on a green light when Gonzalez's 2002 Honda CRV turned left in front of him.

Tucson.com reported that Wilke attempted to stop but was unable to do so in time which resulted in the two vehicles colliding. Although Wilke was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, he suffered injuries that required immediate medical attention. After being transported to an area hospital, Wilke passed away from his injuries. The source says that a DUI officer was able to determine that Gonzalez was impaired at the time of the crash which resulted in her being booked into Pima County Jail.

Can I sue a drunk driver in Arizona if they caused a fatal accident?

Residents of the state of Arizona are well aware of what their responsibilities are as a driver. They know or are expected to know, that it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle while impaired and doing so could put the lives of others at risk of injury or death. When a driver in Arizona causes an alcohol-related accident, they not only risk being convicted of criminal charges, but they also open up the doorway to being sued. If a drunk driver in Arizona was responsible for causing your family member's death, you can file what is called a wrongful death lawsuit.

According to Arizona Revised Statute Section 12-612, the surviving husband, wife, child, parent or guardian, or personal representative of the deceased individual can file a wrongful death lawsuit against the negligent party who was responsible for the accident. The initiator of the lawsuit can demand that they receive damages, or money to serve as a form of relief, for the following:

• Medical expenses arising from the care that was rendered in an effort to save your loved one's life.
• Burial expenses
• Pain and suffering
• The loss of companionship

Important: It is worth noting that if you win your case and are awarded damages on behalf of your deceased relative, the "amount recovered in such action shall not be subject to debts or liabilities of the deceased" [Source: A.R.S. Section 12-613].

Depending on the circumstances surrounding your loved one's death, you might be entitled to additional damages, however, this is something an experienced Arizona drunk driving accident attorney can determine. If you would like to be connected with some of the best drunk driving accident lawyers in Arizona now, contact USAttorneys.com.

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