Dedicated Injury Representation

Drunk Driving Accident in New Bedford for crashes caused by impaired drivers

Crashes caused by impaired drivers often produce severe injuries because impairment delays reaction time and eliminates the defensive driving behaviors that might otherwise prevent or mitigate collisions. Dussault & Gomes PC builds cases against drivers who operated vehicles while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, using police reports that document field sobriety test results, blood alcohol concentration measurements, and officer observations of impairment symptoms. When impairment is established, it strengthens liability arguments and may support claims for damages beyond standard economic losses, depending on the severity of the conduct and the resulting harm.

The legal process involves gathering evidence that proves impairment at the time of collision, including chemical test results, witness statements describing erratic driving behavior before the crash, and police narratives documenting the driver's condition at the scene. Attorneys also investigate whether additional parties may bear liability, such as establishments that served alcohol to visibly intoxicated patrons who then drove and caused injury.



Schedule an evaluation to discuss the circumstances of your collision and what evidence is available to establish impairment.

What Evidence Establishes Impairment in Injury Claims

Police reports provide the primary documentation of impairment through officer observations, field sobriety test performance, and chemical test results showing blood alcohol concentration or the presence of controlled substances. Attorneys review arrest records, obtain copies of breathalyzer or blood test results, and analyze dash camera or body camera footage that captured the driver's behavior and physical condition immediately after the crash. Witness statements describing the driver's operation before impact—such as weaving between lanes, excessive speed, or failure to stop at signals—further support impairment arguments.

Your case is built through documentation of medical expenses, lost income during treatment and recovery, and long-term impairments that affect your ability to work or perform daily activities. You receive representation that pursues full compensation for all documented losses resulting from the collision, including ongoing medical care needs identified through physician evaluation.



In situations where the impaired driver was served alcohol at a licensed establishment despite visible intoxication, attorneys may investigate whether the establishment violated Massachusetts dram shop laws. These claims require proof that the establishment served alcohol to someone who was already intoxicated and that the service contributed to the subsequent crash, adding a potential additional source of compensation beyond the driver's insurance.

Common Questions About Impaired Driver Claims

Clients facing recovery from injuries caused by impaired drivers often ask about the legal process and what factors affect their claims.

• What if the driver was arrested but not yet convicted? Civil injury claims proceed independently of criminal prosecutions, meaning you can pursue compensation even while criminal charges are pending or if criminal charges are ultimately dismissed.
• How does blood alcohol concentration affect my case? Higher BAC levels strengthen liability arguments by showing the degree of impairment, and chemical test results provide objective evidence that counters any dispute over whether the driver was actually impaired at the time of collision.
• Can I recover more damages because the driver was drunk? Massachusetts law allows recovery of all economic and non-economic damages caused by the collision, and evidence of impairment strengthens the case by eliminating comparative fault arguments the driver might otherwise raise.
• What happens if the impaired driver had minimal insurance? Attorneys explore all available coverage sources including your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, and in cases involving alcohol service at licensed establishments, potential claims against those businesses under dram shop liability principles.
• How long does it take to resolve a drunk driving accident claim? Timeline depends on injury severity and whether liability is disputed, but impairment evidence from police reports typically accelerates settlement discussions because it eliminates most factual disputes about who caused the crash.

Dussault & Gomes PC handles drunk driving accident claims in New Bedford using police reports, chemical test results, and witness statements. Contact the firm to begin the case review process and discuss what compensation may be available.

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