Building Your Case: Essential Evidence for a Drunk Driving Accident Claim

Being involved in a car accident is a traumatic experience, but the situation becomes even more distressing when the collision is caused by a drunk driver. If you've been hit by a drunk driver, pursuing legal action is not only about seeking compensation but also about holding the responsible party accountable and preventing future tragedies.

 

To strengthen your drunk driving accident claim, it's crucial to gather compelling evidence. Let's explore the key pieces of evidence that can bolster your case and help you achieve justice.

1. Police Reports: Following a drunk driving accident, law enforcement officers will typically respond to the scene and file a police report. This report serves as an official record of the incident, documenting important details such as the date, time, location, and circumstances of the crash. The police report may also include observations about the at-fault driver's behavior, such as slurred speech or the smell of alcohol, which can support your claim of intoxication.


2. Witness Statements: Eyewitnesses can provide invaluable testimony regarding the events leading up to the accident. If there were bystanders who witnessed the crash, their statements can corroborate your account of the incident and attest to the at-fault driver's impairment. Be sure to collect contact information from any witnesses at the scene, as their statements can strengthen your case during negotiations or trial.


3. Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) Test Results: In cases involving drunk driving, obtaining the at-fault driver's BAC test results is crucial evidence. If the driver was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI), their BAC level at the time of the accident will be documented. A BAC level above the legal limit of 0.08% provides clear evidence of intoxication and can significantly bolster your claim of negligence.


4. Accident Scene Evidence: Physical evidence from the accident scene can also strengthen your claim. Photographs of the damage to vehicles, skid marks on the road, and any traffic signs or signals can help reconstruct the sequence of events and establish liability. Additionally, evidence of open containers of alcohol or drug paraphernalia found in the at-fault driver's vehicle can further support your claim of impairment.


5. Medical Records: Documenting your injuries and medical treatment is essential for proving the extent of your damages. Keep detailed records of all medical expenses, including hospital bills, doctor's visits, prescription medications, and rehabilitation costs. Medical records confirming the severity of your injuries and the necessary treatment can strengthen your claim for compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages.


6. Expert Testimony: In complex drunk driving accident cases, expert testimony may be necessary to clarify technical aspects and provide insight into the effects of alcohol impairment on driving ability. Accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and forensic toxicologists can offer expert opinions regarding the cause of the accident, the severity of injuries, and the impact of alcohol on the at-fault driver's behavior.

Speak with a Michigan Car Accident Attorney

By gathering compelling evidence to support your drunk driving accident claim, you can increase your chances of obtaining fair compensation for your injuries and holding the negligent party accountable for their actions. If you've been injured in a drunk driving accident in Michigan, turn to Smith & Johnson for strategic legal counsel.

Our tenacious team will use all the resources at our disposal to help you seek justice. Contact Tim Smith (tsmith@smith-johnson.com) or submit our Contact Form to schedule a free initial consultation with a car accident lawyer in Michigan.