The time after a DUI car accident can be extremely stressful for victims. If you are considering filing a legal claim against the at-fault party, one of the most important pieces of evidence is a toxicology report. It contains crucial information about the driver’s level of impairment at the time of the accident. They can tell whether the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
These reports are so important because they can be a huge help in determining liability and shorten the length of the case. They help create a direct link between the driver’s negligence (intoxication), the accident, and your injuries. As a result, you get supporting evidence to secure your damages, such as medical expenses and lost wages.
For those unfamiliar with DUI accident law, handling a DUI case all alone can be difficult. The process of evidence collection, determining the correct time for conducting the tests, and choosing the right lab for testing can affect the outcome of your case. If you were in a similar accident, consult with an attorney from The Baer Law Office today.
What are toxicology reports?
A toxicology report is a document made by health professionals. It gives a complete analysis of various substances present in an individual’s biological samples, like saliva, urine, or blood. These reports contain the details of the samples collected and their level of concentration in your blood and urine.
The results of these tests include a list of the substances identified in the sample, such as alcohol and prescribed drugs, along with their concentration. The results of the report are important for legal investigations and impact the judge’s decision significantly.
Toxicology tests are conducted by various means. The doctor may collect your blood sample to identify the quantity of substances such as marijuana or cocaine in your body at that time.
Urine samples are often used because they are easy to collect and can show drug use over a longer period. Moreover, breath tests are performed to determine the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level in your body.
Why are toxicology reports important in DUI car accident claims?
Toxicology reports are crucial in DUI car accident claims. They serve as proof of intoxication levels. It helps professionals determine the blood alcohol content (BAC) or drug presence at the time of the accident. A blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is considered illegal, and the driver may face legal penalties.
These reports also help determine the liability of the driver by showing the cause of the accident. For example, if a car crashes into a pole and the driver’s BAC is found to be 0.10%, it may indicate that the cause of the accident was impaired driving.
Moreover, insurance companies greatly rely on toxicology reports to validate DUI-related claims. It is beneficial for the victim to receive a large amount of compensation. However, it can be problematic for the drunk driver as they might lose their insurance coverage.
How do you gather and use toxicology reports in DUI claims?
You can receive toxicology reports through several ways, such as from law officers, hospitals, and personal injury attorneys. Law agencies often perform these tests after an accident to understand the case better.
However, hospitals may have some other medical reasons for performing these tests. A personal injury attorney can collect these reports as a part of their investigation to strengthen their client’s case.
BAC levels can help determine the alcohol level in an individual, while other tests may indicate the concentration of other drugs during the time of the accident. To make sure the toxicology reports are accurate, it is important to ensure that the samples are collected, stored, and examined properly. This is why it is also important to choose the right lab.
Strengthen your case with good evidence!
Toxicology reports serve as excellent proof in DUI cases. To increase your chances of success, hire a DUI attorney today!
