Jami S. Oliver voted 2024 “Lawyer of the Year”, Columbus, OH
Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs by Best Lawyers in America
Jami S. Oliver also named Best Lawyers 2024 in three areas of practice:
Litigation – Labor & Employment, Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs, and Product Liability Law – Plaintiffs
614-220-9100 
614-220-9100 
Drunk driving is an extremely reckless and dangerous behavior. Despite the fact that Ohio has strict laws prohibiting impaired driving, too many motorists every year get behind the wheel after having too much to drink. When they do, they can cause very serious accidents that result in catastrophic injuries. Just like in other instances when a person is to blame for a crash, you can file a personal injury claim against any drunk driver who causes your injuries.
When filing a claim against a drunk driver, you should gather all of the evidence as quickly as possible. Below, our Columbus drunk driving accident lawyer explains the most important pieces of evidence to gather after a crash.
You may see signs at the scene of the accident that the other driver was drunk. For example, you may see bottles and other alcohol containers in the other driver’s front seat. Take pictures of these to show that the other driver was likely drinking just before the crash. Even if you cannot take photos of the evidence, such as the smell of alcohol on the driver’s breath, take notes before the memories start to fade.
Eyewitness testimony can greatly corroborate your claim that the other driver was drunk. Locate any witnesses at the scene of a crash and ask them for their names and contact information. If a witness can testify that the other motorist had slurred speech, a lack of coordination, or problems standing upright, you can use that as very valuable evidence in your claim.
You should call the police after any car accident, particularly if it resulted in injury, death, or extensive property damage. If you suspect the other driver is impaired, make sure you tell the police this when they arrive. A police officer will also know the signs of impairment to look for, which they will include in their report. Once you leave the accident scene, you can then obtain the police report and use it to develop evidence in your case.
If an officer suspects that the other driver is impaired, they may ask them to submit to a breathalizer test. The breath test will indicate whether the individual had a blood alcohol content over 0.08 percent, which is the legal limit in Ohio – and in the majority of states. If the driver has a blood alcohol content greater than this, the officer will include it in the report, charges will be filed, and this can strengthen your civil case.
Even though drunk drivers will face criminal charges, it does not always mean they are to blame for a crash. At Oliver Law Office, our Columbus drunk driving accident lawyer can prove the other motorist was at fault while helping you obtain the maximum damages you deserve for your losses. Call or text us now at 614-220-9100 or chat with us online to request an evaluation of your case and to learn more.
Sources:
codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-4511.19
codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-4519.46
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