If you are in a car accident and the other driver was drunk, you have a case for compensation. This will include money for your medical bills. You may also be able to claim monetary compensation for any financial damage. There is one catch – you must prove the drunken driver was at fault and that the drunken driving accident was the cause of your medical and financial problems.
What To Do Immediately After An Accident
The most important thing to do after an accident is to ensure you will have some record of the event. To ensure this occurs you must contact several people. Talk to
- The police – they need to have a complete record on the accident
- You insurance provider – he/she must know about the accident
- Any witnesses – make sure you have their names, e-mails and/or phone numbers
- Medical professionals – you will require documentation of any medical damage
If you are unable to do this, make sure someone performs these actions for you. They are necessary to prove the other driver was at fault and drunk.
How To Prove The Other Driver Was At Fault
In the case of a drunk driving accident, it is important to prove the other driver was driving while under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI). Indicates he/she was not functioning with care. He or she was driving with impaired judgment and ability. The driving was so reckless or negligent it resulted in an accident.
You, or your attorney, will need to establish several related things:
- The intoxication level of the defendant
- That the level was so high it impaired his judgment and ability to operate a vehicle safely
- He or she drove the vehicle with no reasonable care for the safety of the public
If the attorney or you are able to establish this, the defendant will be guilty of negligence and, therefore, be at fault for the drunk driving accident
Elements Of Evidence
In order to prove the defendant was guilty of negligence, the following material is required
- Police report on the accident including information on the state of the drivers and any indicators of fault
- Witness reports on the behavior of the drivers before the crash, indications of who appeared to be at fault
- Expert opinion
Call In A Lawyer
If the other driver claims not to be at fault, you will require the services of an expert car-accident lawyer. He or she can help you obtain the only verdict in a drunk driving accident.
