There are a few key types of evidence that are important to establish liability in a drunk driving accident case. Evidence like police reports documenting the crash and signs of intoxication can be important. Witness statements from those who saw the collision and medical records showing injuries are also crucial elements of proof.
Our drunk driving accident lawyers in Phoenix at Zanes Law focus on thoroughly gathering the right documentation and employing strong evidence during our investigations. Read on to learn about other essential evidence and how a drunk driving accident lawyer can help you prove liability.
The Importance of Police Reports in a DUI Case
Police reports created at the scene of a drunk driving accident are extremely valuable evidence when proving liability. The officers responding to the crash will thoroughly document important details that can help establish the at-fault party was intoxicated.
Some key elements often recorded include:
- Injuries sustained and road conditions
- Vehicle damage and positions
- Signs of alcohol or drug impairment observed
- Results of any field sobriety tests
Having a detailed police report compiled immediately after the incident makes this evidence more reliable. Defendants will have a harder time disputing facts that were recorded on the scene by trained law enforcement.
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Witness Statements as Evidence in a Phoenix DUI Case
Eyewitness accounts of the events leading up to and during a car accident can serve as valuable forms of evidence, especially in DUI cases. Witnesses may be able to provide key details to substantiate claims of reckless or impaired driving.
In Phoenix, our lawyers make it a priority to gather witnesses’ contact information from police reports. We then work diligently to obtain written statements regarding the following:
- The at-fault driver’s actions before the collision, such as swerving, speeding, or drifting between lanes.
- Signs of impairment exhibited include failed maneuvers, slowed reactions, or trouble maintaining lane position.
- Estimations of vehicle speeds and distances at impact.
- Any incriminating statements made about drinking by the at-fault party at the scene.
When multiple independent witness statements align, it compellingly suggests liability. The defense has a harder time refuting consistent observational evidence from sober onlookers.
Our legal team at Zanes Law knows how to properly enter witness depositions into court proceedings to support claims of drunken negligence. Their recollections can prove pivotal in a personal injury case, especially when paired with other DUI evidence.
How Toxicology Reports Can Help You Prove Liability
After a vehicle accident involving alcohol, toxicology reports analyzing blood alcohol content (BAC) become critically important evidence. These scientific reports can help establish a driver was intoxicated in several ways:
- BAC test results: Numerical readings of the amount of alcohol present quantitatively show impairment levels at the time of driving.
- Extrapolation analysis: Experts can estimate BAC levels even higher at the time of the accident based on drink consumption, body weight, and known alcohol absorption rates.
- Long-term effects: Residual alcohol may still register hours later, disproving claims of sobriety or that only a few drinks were consumed.
- Drug combinations: Toxicology can detect substances like marijuana, which exacerbate impairment in combination with alcohol. They can also screen for prescription drugs that could have impaired the other driver. A Phoenix prescriptions drugs accident attorney can help you hold the liable party accountable.
Properly introducing these scientific reports aids in demonstrating to juries and insurance providers that the other driver’s judgment and abilities were compromised from intoxication at the time of the collision.
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How Can a Lawyer Help You Collect Essential Evidence for a DUI Accident?
After being injured in a drunk driving crash, it’s important to gather compelling evidence to prove liability. However, collecting all the necessary documentation and witness statements can be difficult to do alone in your recovery. This is where hiring an experienced personal injury attorney in Phoenix can help. Our lawyer will:
- Obtain full police reports and request records of BAC and toxicology results.
- Work to track down and interview eyewitnesses while recollections are fresh.
- Coordinate with medical providers to ensure proper treatment and documentation of all injuries.
- Consult DUI reconstruction experts to piece together speed estimates and impact details from vehicle inspection.
- Preserve other crucial evidence through FOIA requests and use of investigator resources.
In addition, an attorney will know how to use the evidence collected during negotiation with insurance providers most effectively or if litigation becomes necessary. We can also provide strategic guidance during the claims process.
Our legal knowledge and experience in assembling the strongest DUI accident cases will maximize compensation for injuries and suffering.
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How to Prove a Drunk or High Driver’s Liability for Your Injuries
While evidence gathering is crucial, proving liability in court or to insurance requires an effective presentation of your case. An experienced drunk driving accident lawyer will:
- File the necessary legal paperwork and complaints against the at-fault driver within the statute of limitation deadlines.
- Arrange for expert witnesses like reconstruction analysts and toxicologists to interpret evidence during depositions or trials.
- Provide thorough demand packages demonstrating liability to insurance companies using your evidence documents and expert analysis.
- Threaten litigation if reasonable settlement offers are not provided to motivate negotiations.
- Cross-examine any defense witnesses who contradict your evidence versions of events.
- Give opening and closing arguments at trial emphasizing the timeline of injury occurrence due to the other party’s intoxication and negligence.
- Personally represent you to protect evidence disclosure, object appropriately and advocate for full damages recovery.
Learn More About Important Evidence in a Phoenix DUI Accident Case
If you were injured in a DUI accident, our team of drunk driving accident attorneys in Phoenix at Zanes Law can help you prove liability. We’re ready to collect evidence that shows that the other driver’s impaired state was the cause of your accident.
Contact us to learn more about how our team can help you recover the damages you need and prove the at-fault party’s liability.
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