In the blink of an eye, a person’s life can change because of a drunk driver. One minute they are flying high and loving life, and the next, they face the harsh reality that they are the victim of a drunk driving accident. When life hits hard, victims need to hit back harder with the help of a Snellville drunk driving accident lawyer from John Foy & Associates.
What Happens Before a Drunk Driving Accident Claim is Filed
Before filing a claim, a drunk driving victim should do their best to compile the most information and evidence they can to support their case. To the victim, it is often apparent to them why they are not at fault for the accident and why the other party is. However, it is not wise to assume that the courts will feel the same way.
Knowing that no drunk driving accident case is a slam dunk, it is best to have plenty of evidence to back up a claim. The most important step is seeking medical attention and keeping copies of reports and receipts associated with that treatment. Reporting the accident to the proper authorities, securing the contact information of the other driver, speaking with witnesses, taking photos of the accident (as well as the injuries and damages it caused), and coming into possession of any security footage of the accident should be part of the evidence collection process.
Before filing a claim, a drunk driving victim should do their best to compile the most information and evidence they can to support their case. To the victim, it is often apparent to them why they are not at fault for the car accident and why the other party is. However, it is not wise to assume that the courts will feel the same way.
It is essential to recognize that a drunk driver’s intoxicated state might make them difficult to communicate with right after the accident. Worse yet, they might even try and flee the scene. To be safe, the victim should do their best to take photos of the drunk driver’s car and license plate before trying to engage them in a discussion of any kind. If the victim can wait until the police arrive, even better because they can create an official record of that exchange to use as evidence in court.
Assessing the Damages Caused
According to the Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 32 people die every day from drunk driving. Nearly 12,000 people die from drunk driving accidents annually. With a new person dying every 45 minutes from a drunk-driving accident, these preventable deaths are rising.
Not only are drunk driving accidents common, but the healthcare costs associated with them are significant. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has approximated that the total cost of these crashes is more than $44 billion, not to mention the emotional toll they take on the victims’ families.
What does a drunk driving accident victim need to consider when assessing the damages caused by another driver’s negligent behavior? Damages can include lost wages, the ability to earn, reduced quality of life, medical bills, and property or vehicle damage, just to name a few. Working with a drunk driving accident lawyer in Snellville is often the best first step in deciding which damages to include in a claim.
How to Prove Someone Is at Fault
Proving fault in a drunk driving case is sometimes easier said than done. Trying to navigate these treacherous waters alone is ill-advised. With the help of a drunk driving accident attorney in Snellville, a solid case can be built by taking the required steps to prove fault.
The victim must prove that the drunk driver owed them a duty of care. Once that is established, it must be shown that the driver failed to uphold that duty of care because of their negligence. Once it is clear that their negligence caused the accident, resulting in injuries and damages, a strong foundation for the case has been constructed. One driver’s disregard for the safety of those around them is not permissible. They must be held responsible for their dangerous and irresponsible behavior, including the damage they have done. But that only happens if fault can be proven.
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Using Evidence to Build a Strong Case
It bears repeating just how important evidence is to a case. Without it, a case is purely a he-said, she-said situation rather than one based on facts. If one party has a ton of evidence supporting their claim and the other does not, the one with the evidence will probably win. Therefore, to come out as the winner requires using evidence to build a strong case.
Evidence can take on many forms in a drunk driving accident. A police report, photos of the injuries and damages, security footage, witness statements, medical records, and healthcare bills are all valid forms of evidence. Even information as basic as the license plate number of the other driver is essential.
The victim must first prove that the negligent party was at the scene of the crime and then use the rest of the evidence to show how their negligence caused harm and damages. A Snellville drunk driving accident lawyer will ensure that no stone goes left unturned and that all evidence is included in the claim.
Drunk Driving Accident Damages
Those hit by a drunk driver in Snellville may wonder what damages they can claim. The first category to consider is medical expenses, including prescriptions, doctor’s appointments, physical therapy, visits to the ER, and other medical treatment.
Lost wages should also be noted because a person’s inability to earn money (now or in the future) because of the injuries caused by a negligent party are sizable damages. Pain and suffering and vehicle and property damage are worth including, and a Snellville drunk driving accident attorney will make sure they are part of a claim.
Contact John Foy & Associates for a Snellville Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
Victims of a drunk driving accident in Snellville should speak with a Snellville drunk driving accident lawyer. Stellar service, tenacity, and a passion for justice are what to expect from John Foy & Associates. As members of the Snellville community, we are committed to doing what is right for our clients. Get “The Strong Arm” on your side by contacting us now.
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