At the Law Offices of Zappettini and Bradley, we hold drunk drivers accountable. Let us help make sure get the compensation you deserve for your suffering.
Thousands of car accident victims are killed or injured every year in California by drunk drivers. If you were involved in an accident caused by a drunk driver, you are entitled to full compensation for your collision-related damages. While financial compensation will never erase your pain and suffering, nor bring a loved one back, it certainly can help ease the financial burden caused by medical bills, lost wages, funeral expenses and more.
At the Law Offices of Zappettini and Bradley, we make sure individuals driving under the influence are held accountable for their actions. However, before victims are able to receive compensation,it must be proven that the other driver was, in fact intoxicated.
As experienced car accident attorneys in Sacramento we work with toxicology experts, gather evidence from police reports, the scene of the accident, and from witnesses.
Proving Driver Intoxication
It can be easy to tell if an individual is intoxicated by the way they are speaking and behaving. If you are ever involved in an accident, make sure to note the behavior of the other driver if you are able to. Some obvious signs of intoxication are:
- Red or watery eyes
- Slurred speech
- Stumbling or swaying when they walk or stand
- Difficulty with balancing or standing in one place
- Not able to concentrate or listen
- Smelling of alcohol
- Difficulty remaining conscious
If it’s possible, try to make clear notes, or ask someone to help you, regarding your observations. Gather as much information about the other driver as you can. If there are witnesses, get their information so that they may be able to be contacted and they can corroborate your account.
Test Results and Police Reports
Police officers are trained to spot intoxication right away, and upon their initial survey of the accident scene, they will be addressing all parties involved. Sometimes the person suspected of being drunk is arrested then and there, and sometimes there must be evidence gathered in order to prove intoxication.
It is likely officers till perform a field sobriety and/or breathalyzer test, and may get a blood test in addition to those to determine if the driver’s blood alcohol level is over the legal limit. All of this data will be used to prove intoxication.
A comprehensive police report is going to be the most crucial piece of evidence in a DUI conviction. Typically that document alone contains enough evidence to convict a drink driver.
Eye Witness Accounts
Although the evidence in the police report is quite convincing, eyewitness accounts of the incident are still important. Everyone responds to alcohol differently, and their statements can help prove the driver was actually impaired at time time of the accident.
For instance, if the driver was drinking at a nightclub or bar, your lawyer may interview the the waitresses or bartenders to find out how much the driver had to drink. If an establishment won’t admit they served alcohol to someone who was drunk, credit card bills, receipts, and other documents can be used to prove how many drinks the driver was served.
Read 5 Things You Must Do After A Car Accident Here
Contact a Sacramento DUI Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one were hit by a drunk driver, contact our experienced car accident attorneys today. Let us help you obtain the full amount of compensation for your claim. While no amount of money will make things right, we can at least help you move on with your life after a drunk driving accident.
Call us today at (916) 457-5022 or fill out our online contact form.
