Gathering Evidence of Liability in Drunk Driving Crashes – How drunk driving affects a claim?

If you happen to be the unfortunate victim of a drunk driving crash and are thinking of filing personal injury or property damage claims, you need to understand just how a DUI arrest can influence your settlement negotiations. Basically, such cases progress in the same way as any other injury or property damage claim, with one difference: the kind of proof that you need to establish liability.

This is why you need a Baltimore, MD drunk driving accident lawyer and they know how to earn their keep. Without them, your case is weak even if it is strong.

How does Drunk Driving Affect a Claim?

There are various levels of intoxication. Some states like Maryland classify the offense as DWI or Driving While Intoxicated or Impaired while others categorize the crime as DUI or Driving Under the Influence (DUI), but both are same in effect. The at-fault driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol which caused him/her to operate the vehicle negligently and these actions were the proximate and direct cause of the collision.

However, there is a subtle, but significant difference here, which you must be aware of and this, among many other reasons, are how Maryland drunk driving accident attorneys win their cases. Being intoxicated cannot be the real cause of the drunk driving collision, but his/her inebriation resulted in the negligent actions that caused the crash.

Using Intoxication in Your Claim Negotiations

If you are the victim of a drunk driving accident, and the at-fault driver was arrested for DWI/DUI or received a citation for an open container, you have a strong position while negotiating a claim. In addition, this is all the proof you need to convince the insurance claims adjuster that his/her insured driver was in fact negligent.

Some Tips for Establishing DWI or DUI

Inform the police officials if you smell marijuana or alcohol on the at-fault driver's breath since this might subject him/her to a field sobriety test. Watch whether the driver makes use of eye drops and tell the police officer about it, as this is sure sign that the driver is under the influence of medications, marijuana, prescription or other drugs.

If the other driver disposes of liquor bottles, beer cans, or drug paraphernalia, inform the police officers. Ensure that you know the person who was actually driving, as drunk drivers will change places with a passenger, who has not been drinking. Inform the police officers if you watched this happen and this will make your Maryland drunk driving accident lawyer that much happier!

Have not secured one yet? Too busy dealing with car rental agencies, your job, your life, your dog, and so on? Stop it! Go here and make a phone call to a legal representative who can help you dig yourself out of this hole. This lawyer may not be able to help you with your dog or work but they can help you with the legal issues which means you should have some much needed money coming your way.  

Gather Proof of Drunk Driving

Collecting evidence in a drunk driving accident is not so difficult. Police reports of the accident contain detailed information on every aspect of the accident. Therefore, make sure to obtain a copy of this important report which can be obtained for a fee of around $10.00. Besides, the claims adjuster of the insurance company is well aware that the at-fault driver’s arrest for impaired or drunk driving is sufficient evidence that a jury or judge needs to grant you a favorable verdict.

No matter how you look at you are a victim. It is unfortunate but you have seen it in movies and TV shows and now that fantasy world has hit home. There is a way out though and it is through: http://accident.usattorneys.com/maryland/. This is where you find that Baltimore, MD drunk driving accident lawyer that you need more than ever. No one is saying they are going to be your BFF but you need their legal assistance now!

This verdict will be for a much higher the sum of money than you are presently asking the insurance adjuster to pay. You can use this to negotiate and drive home a hard bargain with the insurance company. You can also use independent sources such as private and government studies that can support your proof.

Managing a drunk driving accident claim own your own can be a daunting task. Under the circumstances, the best alternative is to hire a stellar Baltimore, Maryland drunk driving accident lawyer immediately.