The Right Lawyer Can Help You Establish Liability in a DUI Accident Case

If you’ve been seriously injured in a car accident caused by a drunk driver, you’re likely facing more than just physical pain. You may be dealing with mounting medical bills, lost income, and emotional trauma. You deserve justice, and that starts with holding the impaired driver accountable for their reckless actions. 

But how do you prove fault in a DUI-related crash? And what steps must be taken to win the compensation you’re entitled to? 

At Morelli Law Firm, our experienced car accident attorneys know how to investigate drunk driving accidents, gather powerful evidence, and build strong legal cases that get results.  

What Is a DUI Accident? 

A DUI (Driving Under the Influence) accident occurs when a driver causes a crash while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. These cases are among the most serious motor vehicle accidents. 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about one-third of all traffic fatalities in the United States involve a drunk driver. 

DUI accidents often result in: 

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) 
• Spinal cord injuries 
• Internal bleeding 
• Broken bones 
• Permanent disability 
• Wrongful death 

The good news is that you have legal rights. Even if the at-fault driver faces criminal charges, you can pursue a separate civil lawsuit to recover financial compensation for your injuries. 

Is the Drunk Driver Automatically Liable? 

In most cases, yes. If a driver is found to be intoxicated at the time of the crash (typically defined as having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher) this is strong evidence of negligence. However, criminal charges alone do not guarantee compensation in a civil lawsuit. You still need to establish liability through evidence and legal arguments. 

That’s where an experienced car accident lawyer makes a major difference. 

How a Car Accident Attorney Helps Establish Liability 

Winning a DUI accident case is about more than proving the driver was drunk. You need to show: 

• The driver breached a duty of care by operating a vehicle while impaired 
• That breach directly caused your injuries 
• You suffered measurable damages (such as medical bills, lost income, or pain and suffering) 

Here’s how our attorneys help you build a solid case: 

 1. Investigating the Accident Scene

Immediately after taking your case, our legal team will begin a thorough investigation, which may include: 

• Visiting the accident site 
• Taking photographs of the vehicles, skid marks, and debris 
• Interviewing witnesses 
• Retrieving dash cam or surveillance footage 
• Examining the road and weather conditions 

We’ll help you preserve evidence, which is especially important in DUI cases where the driver or their insurer may try to shift blame. 

 2. Obtaining Police Reports and BAC Test Results

Police reports often include: 

• Field sobriety test results 
• Officer observations of slurred speech or odor of alcohol 
• Driver admissions 
• BAC testing data (from a breathalyzer or blood test) 

If the driver was arrested or charged with DUI, we can obtain those records as well. Criminal convictions can be used as strong supporting evidence in your civil case. 

3. Working with Toxicology and Accident Reconstruction Experts

In more complex cases, we may bring in: 

• Toxicologists to explain the effects of drugs or alcohol on the driver’s reaction time 
• Accident specialists to prove how the crash happened and why the impaired driver was at fault 
• Medical experts to demonstrate the full extent of your injuries and how they relate to the crash 
• Expert testimony, which can be incredibly persuasive to insurance companies, judges, and juries alike

4. Identifying Additional Liable Parties

In some DUI accident cases, the impaired driver isn’t the only one who may be held accountable. We will investigate whether other parties share liability. These potentially liable parties can include: 

• Bars or restaurants that overserved the drunk driver (under “Dram Shop” laws in many states) 
• Social hosts who provided alcohol to a visibly intoxicated guest (particularly if the guest was underage) 
• Employers who allowed a worker to drive a company vehicle while impaired 
• Vehicle owners who negligently entrusted their car to someone they knew was intoxicated 

Bringing in additional defendants can increase the compensation available to you and ensure every responsible party is held accountable.  

What Damages Can You Recover in a DUI Accident Lawsuit? 

If you were injured by a drunk driver, you may be eligible to recover compensatory damages for: 

• Emergency medical care, hospital bills, surgeries, and rehabilitation 
• Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity 
• Pain and suffering 
• Permanent disability or disfigurement 
• Property damage (such as a totaled car) 
• Emotional trauma or PTSD 
• Loss of enjoyment of life or loss of consortium

What If the DUI Driver Is Uninsured or Underinsured?

Unfortunately, some impaired drivers don’t carry enough insurance, or any insurance at all. In these cases, we’ll help you explore alternative avenues for recovery, such as: 

• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage through your own auto policy 
• Suing other liable parties like bars, employers, or vehicle owners 
• Seeking compensation through state victims’ compensation programs 

Our car accident attorneys will pursue every possible source of financial recovery to make sure you get the help you need. 

Get a Consultation with a Car Accident Attorney Today 

The aftermath of a DUI crash can be overwhelming. Insurance companies may try to downplay your injuries or shift blame. The driver may deny fault or try to delay your claim. 

At Morelli Law Firm, we’ve helped countless DUI crash victims recover the compensation they deserve. We understand the emotional and financial toll these accidents take; we’re here to help you rebuild your life. 

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a crash involving a drunk or drug-impaired driver, don’t wait to take action. Call today or visit us online for a free consultation.