Let’s start off with some statistics.
- Between 2010 and 2019, over 10,000 people died in drunk driving accidents.
- 28 people die in drunk driving accidents every day.
- In 2019, 29% of all traffic fatalieties were due to alcohol impairment.
- Men accounted for 80.4% of all drunk driving fatalities.
- Alcohol-related crashes cost $68.9 billion in economic costs.
Statistics like this show that the average American still doesn’t seem to take driving under the influence of alcohol as a serious issue. The numbers only seem to be increasing.
These scary numbers shed light on the importance of seeking legal help when you’re injured in a drunk driving accident. You must immediately search for the best DUI accident lawyer in your area and consult them. Doing this not only helps you recover the right compensation for your losses but also puts the perpetrators behind bars.
Each DUI case is different. The parties involved vary. The circumstances vary. The injuries and losses vary. This is why a DUI accident claim is trickier than the rest. This article discusses common ways that you can strengthen your DUI claim.
Retain the Police Report
The police usually file a report after they have conducted an investigation. This formal report contains information like,
- Time and location of the incident
- Names and contact information of the people involved
- Names and contact information of the witnesses
- The nature of the accident
- A description of the events that transpired
- Any evidence gathered
- Officer’s assessment of the accident
- Citations and arrests, if any
This comprehensive report will be a vital tool in proving that the driver was intoxicated when the accident happened.
Eyewitness Testimony
The eyewitness version of what happened at the scene of the accident will be a crucial piece of evidence to consider when pursuing a DUI claim. Eyewitnesses can be anyone, from those who saw the accident happen to pedestrians who saw the wayward driving behavior of the perpetrator.
Photographs of the Event
Photographs and videos, either recorded by you or passersby, can be used as evidence in proving a DUI claim. Additionally, your lawyer may bring in experts who will be able to imitate what happened based on the damage the car has received.
It is recommended to snap pictures of your injuries, as they will be helpful when the seriousness of the injuries is discussed. More severe injuries can prevent a victim from going to work for extended periods and will contribute to the total value of the settlement claim. The images captured immediately after the accident count as evidence in determining the extent of your injuries.
The reconstruction of events and the photographic evidence will be vital tools your lawyer uses to strengthen your DUI accident claim.
Medical Records
Medical records hold a lot of weight in terms of evidence. Information like receipts for medicines, hospital logs, health insurance statements, and X-ray images will be crucial to proving your DUI claim. In addition to this, your lawyer will rope in experts who will provide their views on the injuries, their seriousness, their potential causes, and their recovery period. All this information plays a major role in swaying the DUI accident claim in your favor.
Taking Advantage of Dram Shop Laws
Although Dram Shop laws are used to punish irresponsible business owners who serve alcohol to visibly drunk patrons, they can be used to strengthen your DUI case as well. Officials can trace the perpetrators back to the establishment or place where they were intoxicated and use this as evidence.
Conclusion
DUI accidents can be traumatic, physically, emotionally, and financially. As a victim of a DUI accident, you are well within your rights to pursue the perpetrator(s) legally. The elements mentioned in this article will help you build a strong DUI case. You can put the perpetrators behind bars and claim the right sum with the help of an experienced DUI lawyer.
