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Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Boiling Springs

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When a drunk driver shatters lives in Boiling Springs, the road to justice can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to face it alone. At Langley Law Firm, we understand the devastating impact these reckless choices have on victims and their families, and we’re here to help you fight back. As a drunk driving accident lawyer, we are committed to holding impaired drivers accountable and securing the compensation you deserve. Call us today at (864) 667-6144 to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward recovery.

Proving Drunk Driving in a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Boiling Springs

When you’re injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver, the path to justice can feel complicated. Not only are you dealing with the physical and emotional impact of the crash, but there’s also the challenge of proving that the driver was intoxicated. If you’ve been injured in a drunk driving accident in Boiling Springs, understanding how to prove drunk driving in a personal injury lawsuit is key to holding the responsible party accountable and securing the compensation you deserve.

The Importance of Proving Drunk Driving

In any personal injury lawsuit, proving that the other party was at fault is essential. In cases involving drunk driving, the legal system holds the driver accountable for their impaired state and the injuries they cause. This type of negligence is serious and carries severe consequences.

If you’re the victim of a drunk driving accident, you’ll likely be seeking compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering, and possibly even punitive damages. However, the defendant (the drunk driver) may deny their level of intoxication or attempt to minimize the impact of their actions. In such situations, proving that the driver was under the influence at the time of the crash is critical.

The Role of Evidence in Proving Drunk Driving

To prove that the driver was intoxicated at the time of the accident, several forms of evidence can be gathered. Evidence typically falls into two categories: physical evidence from the accident scene and documentation or records related to the driver’s impairment. Here’s a closer look at each.

  1. Breathalyzer and Blood Tests

One of the most important pieces of evidence in a drunk driving case is the result of a breathalyzer or blood test. Law enforcement officers typically administer these tests at the scene of the accident or at the station. A breathalyzer test measures the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of the driver. In South Carolina, drivers with a BAC of 0.08% or higher are considered legally intoxicated.

If the driver’s BAC is tested and found to be over the legal limit, this is powerful evidence in your case. It not only proves that the driver was impaired, but it also establishes the level of intoxication at the time of the crash.

  1. Field Sobriety Tests

If the driver was pulled over or stopped by law enforcement, officers often administer field sobriety tests. These tests are designed to assess whether a driver is impaired and can include walking in a straight line, standing on one leg, and performing other coordination tasks. The officer’s notes regarding how the driver performed on these tests can serve as important evidence in court.

While field sobriety tests are not always conclusive, they can help establish that the driver was showing signs of impairment. If the officer documented signs of intoxication, such as slurred speech, lack of coordination, or the smell of alcohol on the driver’s breath, this evidence will be helpful in proving your case.

  1. Police Reports

A police report is an essential piece of documentation in any personal injury case involving a drunk driver. The report will include the officer’s observations of the accident scene, witness statements, and any arrests made. If the driver was arrested for DUI (driving under the influence) or DWI (driving while intoxicated), this will be noted in the report, and this can serve as crucial evidence in your case.

In addition to the officer’s observations, the police report may also include information about the driver’s behavior before and after the accident, any statements made by the driver, and the results of sobriety tests. These details can help strengthen your argument that the driver was impaired at the time of the crash.

  1. Witness Testimony

Witnesses who saw the driver’s behavior before or during the accident can provide valuable testimony. If someone witnessed the driver swerving, driving erratically, or exhibiting signs of intoxication, their testimony can be used to bolster your claim that the driver was impaired.

Witnesses can also testify about the accident itself. Their observations of how the accident occurred, the actions of the driver, and the surrounding circumstances can all help demonstrate that the drunk driver was at fault. If you can find witnesses who were at the scene, their testimony could make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

  1. Video Evidence

In some cases, video footage may exist that can help prove the driver was intoxicated. For example, nearby businesses, traffic cameras, or even pedestrians may have captured footage of the driver before, during, or after the accident. This footage can show the driver’s erratic behavior or even their condition at the time of the crash.

Video evidence is powerful because it provides an objective account of the events leading up to the accident. If available, video footage can be an invaluable tool in proving drunk driving in a personal injury lawsuit.

The Role of a Personal Injury Lawyer in Proving Drunk Driving

Proving drunk driving in a personal injury lawsuit can be complex, which is why it’s crucial to have an experienced personal injury lawyer by your side. A lawyer can help you gather and present the evidence needed to prove that the driver was intoxicated and at fault for the accident. They can also assist in negotiating with insurance companies, ensuring that you receive fair compensation for your injuries.

In addition to handling the legal complexities of your case, a personal injury lawyer can also help you navigate the emotional challenges of dealing with the aftermath of a drunk driving accident. They can guide you through the legal process, answer your questions, and fight for your rights every step of the way.

What You Need to Prove 

To succeed in a personal injury lawsuit involving drunk driving, you’ll need to prove the following:

  • The driver was intoxicated at the time of the accident: This is typically proven through BAC tests, field sobriety tests, police reports, and witness testimony.

  • The driver was negligent: Drunk driving is a form of negligence. Proving that the driver acted recklessly or failed to exercise reasonable care on the road is essential.

  • The driver’s actions caused your injuries: You must show that the driver’s intoxication directly led to the accident and your injuries.

Don’t Let a Drunk Driver Win: Call Your Boiling Springs Accident Lawyer Today

You’ve suffered enough because of someone else’s reckless decision—now it’s time to take action. At Langley Law Firm, we don’t just handle cases; we fight for justice and real results. If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving crash in Boiling Springs, let a drunk driving accident lawyer help you hold the responsible party accountable. Your recovery starts with a simple step: call us at (864) 667-6144 for your free consultation. We’re ready to listen, advocate, and help you move forward with confidence.