Evidence You Will Need to Prove That the Driver Who Caused Your Crash Was Intoxicated

Henderson Car Accident Lawyers Jones WilsonWere you the victim of a drunk driving accident in Henderson? Are you planning to file a claim for compensation with the negligent driver’s insurance company? If so, you have the burden of proving that the motorist was intoxicated and that this was the cause of your collision. It is important to keep in mind that you must prove both that the driver was drunk and that this led him to engage in actions, such as speeding, tailgating, or running a red light, that caused your accident. How do you prove this? By collecting certain types of evidence.

Evidence That Can Help You in a Henderson Drunk Driving Crash

In Nevada, a person can be arrested for DUI if his blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08 percent or higher. Even if a driver did not consume enough alcohol for his BAC to reach this level, key driving abilities, such as judgment, reaction time, and vision, can be significantly reduced and result in him causing a tragic wreck. Here are the types of evidence you can use to establish the driver’s intoxication as the cause of the crash:

Field sobriety tests.

Often the first test that law enforcement will administer at the crash scene is a field sobriety test. The driver is asked to perform certain basic tasks, and the officer notes the results of these tests on the police report. This evidence may help you establish the driver’s level of impairment and how this affected his driving abilities.

Breath or blood tests.

The police will administer a breath and/or blood test if he suspects that the driver who hit you was drunk. The results of these tests are strong evidence that can help you prove that the driver’s intoxication caused your wreck.

Police report.

The police report can contain valuable information, such as the results of field sobriety, breath, or blood tests, a narration of how the accident occurred, and the officer’s conclusions as to who was at fault. It can provide compelling evidence of the driver’s negligence and assist you in settling your case with the insurance company. If not, the police officer can testify as to the findings of his report at your trial, which will be very persuasive with the jury.

Witness statements.

Passengers, other drivers, and bystanders can all provide valuable evidence of how your auto crash occurred and the negligent actions of the driver who caused it. Third-party neutral witnesses can be extremely helpful because they have no stake in the outcome of your claim. Witnesses who observed the driver consuming alcohol at a bar or in a private home can also be helpful. It is important to obtain witness statements as soon as possible after your wreck while their memories are still fresh and you are able to locate them.

Driver statements.

If the negligent motorist made any incriminating statements admitting that he was drunk, you can use them against him in settlement negotiations with his insurance company or in court if your case goes to trial.

Previous DUI.

If the motorist was convicted of DUI, this can be powerful evidence of his intoxication. However, you still need to prove that this caused your accident if his insurance company disputes it.

Circumstantial Evidence May Also Be Helpful in a Las Vegas Drunk Driving Crash

Circumstantial evidence consists of facts that would lead a reasonable person to believe that the at-fault driver was drunk. This can include his actions, such as driving at excessive speeds, driving the wrong way on a highway ramp or street, or other especially negligent actions. You may have also seen signs that the driver was drunk right after the accident that you can testify to. Signs of intoxication include:

  • Slurred speech
  • Bloodshot eyes
  • Stumbling or swaying
  • Disheveled clothing
  • Slowness in answering questions
  • Secretive actions while he is still in his vehicle, such as trying to hide bottles of alcohol, using mouthwash, or eating breath mints

Other Evidence You Need to Prove Your Right to Compensation

There are additional types of evidence that can help prove fault in drunk driving and other car accidents. They include:

  • Pictures and videos of the damage to the vehicles involved in the collision, your injuries, the accident scene, and anything else you believe can help show the cause of your crash
  • Medical records and bills
  • Paystubs, tax returns, and other evidence of the lost wages you suffered while you were off work recovering
  • Expert witness testimony, such as medical experts, accident reconstruction expert, and economic experts

Have You Been Injured By A Drunk Driver?

If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident caused by a drunk driver, our experienced car accident attorneys are here to help. We will aggressively fight for the compensation you deserve. To learn more about your options and to see our track record in these cases, contact us online or call our Henderson office directly at 702.405.6000 to schedule your free consultation.

Why Work with us?

Finding the right lawyer to represent your injury case can be extremely frustrating. However, with 35 years worth of experience and insider knowledge of how insurance companies work, the Jones Wilson law firm stands out from the crowd. Other attorneys pick and choose their clients based on case notoriety, but we’re here to help you, no matter how large or small your case.
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