How to Build a Personal Injury Case If You Were Hurt in a Drunk Driving Incident
If you have been injured in an accident that was caused by a drunk driver, you may be entitled to damages. You can sue for medical expenses, lost income, repairs to your vehicle, and even emotional pain or suffering. But first, you need to build a strong case. Here’s what you can do to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
Step 1: Seek Medical Care
If you have been injured in an accident, you need to seek medical care right away. Your health is the first priority in any liability case. Being honest with your medical providers about pre-existing conditions allows them to accurately document your injuries and predict how they might affect your health in the future.
Step 2: Gather Evidence
Make a written record of the incident ASAP.
As soon as you can, write down or record all the details you remember about the incident. This will help you remember key facts later on and help the court determine who is at fault for the incident. Make sure to include the date and time of the incident, as well as the date and time you were making the record.
Save receipts for every purchase related to the accident.
- Pharmacy receipts (for things like prescriptions, bandages, Tylenol)
- Replacement clothing
- Repair invoices
Collect medical records for every treatment related to the incident.
Keeping copies of your medical records is the best way to prove that the medical problems you suffered were caused by the incident. If you missed work because of the accident, save a copy of your medical leave forms or paystubs from prior to the incident to prove lost income.
Collect any photos or videos of the incident.
Photos or videos of the incident will help prove the fault of the drunk driver. If you were unable to collect evidence at the time, consider asking around the incident site for copies of doorbell camera videos, or if anyone in the area was a witness to the incident.
Collect copies of all official reports.
- Insurance reports: Gather reports from both insurance companies. Make sure they contain the contact information of the agent who put together the report.
- Police reports: Get an official police report for the incident when available. It should include the date and time of the incident, the observations of the police officer, details provided by the parties and witnesses involved, and other important information. Typically, this can be done in the city of the incident, either online or in person.
- Witness reports: If there were any witnesses to the incident, be sure to ask for their contact information and record their observations. It may be helpful to have them sign a statement, or to find out if they are willing to testify in court.
Step 3: Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer
Hiring a personal injury lawyer for your case is the best way to ensure that your case has a favorable outcome. They will help you organize your evidence, keep track of court dates and deadlines, and help you calculate the appropriate amount to request in damages.
For instance, in a personal injury case you can sue for economic damages like lost wages, medical expenses, or property damage. You can also claim non-economic damages like pain and suffering or emotional distress.
In any personal injury case, the amount of damages awarded is ultimately up to the judge. Your lawyer should be well familiar with the court’s judges and what they generally think is fair, which gives you a better chance at winning your case.
VanNorman Law Firm Can Help You
Don’t let a drunk driver ruin your life! With a seasoned personal injury lawyer on your side, you can get the compensation you deserve. Here at Van Norman Law Firm, we offer the best representation for personal injury claims in Arizona. We have over 25 years of experience fighting for your rights and for fair compensation in the Arizona Civil Courts.
If you were hurt by a drunk driver and want to file a personal injury case, don’t wait. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (11/21/25). Photo by Clark Van Der Beken on Unsplash