What To Do if I’ve Been Injured in a Drunk Driving Accident
Drunk driving accidents are serious events that often end in significant injuries, damage to property, and even fatalities in some cases. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says about 37 people die every day in drunk driving accidents in the United States. That’s equivalent to one person every 39 minutes.
Drunk driving accidents can be devastating, leaving you or a loved one with serious injuries or worse. A driver who chooses to drink and drive is a danger to themselves and other drivers. These accidents are avoidable, and yet each year, negligent drunk drivers claim thousands of lives. From 2013 to 2022, drunk driving crashes resulted in an annual average of about 11,000 fatalities.
According to drunk driving accident lawyer Brian Easton, drunk driving can have serious consequences. It can result in receiving criminal charges and being held responsible for damages in a civil case. Drunk drivers should be punished so that they don’t continue putting other people’s lives in danger.
If you have been involved in a drunk driving accident, here is a guide on what you should do right after the accident.
Seek Immediate Medical Assistance
Your health and safety are the top priorities in this situation. If you or anyone else involved in the accident is injured, it’s important to seek medical assistance right away.
Call emergency services or ask someone to call for you if you’re unable to do so. Even if you feel fine initially, some injuries may not be immediately apparent. The best thing you can do is visit a doctor. Remember, adrenaline can mask the pain of serious injuries.
Document the Accident Scene
If you’ve been injured in a drunk driving accident, the next step is to document the scene for legal and insurance purposes. It must be documented as soon as possible while there is still fresh evidence. Take photos of the accident from different angles to capture the vehicles involved, their positions, and any relevant road conditions.
Include close-up shots of any damages and injuries, such as skid marks, broken glass, or bruises. Make notes about the time of day, weather, and any traffic signs or signals present at the scene. In addition, collect contact information from those who witnessed the accident.
Contact Law Enforcement
Contact law enforcement immediately and hold the drunk driver accountable for their actions.
When you contact law enforcement, provide them with all the necessary details about the accident, including the location, time, and any injuries sustained. The police will arrive at the scene to investigate, gather evidence, and file a report.
A copy of this will be required for insurance claims, legal proceedings, and establishing fault in the accident.
Obtain Witness Information
After notifying law enforcement about the drunk driving accident, the next step is to gather information from witnesses at the scene. Witnesses play an important role in corroborating your account of the events and can provide valuable testimony in legal proceedings.
So, approach them calmly and ask for their names, contact information, and a brief statement regarding what they saw. If possible, request that they stay until the police arrive to give an official statement.
The importance of gathering witness information promptly cannot be overstated, as memories can fade over time and contact details may become harder to obtain over time. Try to document everything accurately, including any details that seem relevant to the accident. It would be beneficial to reach out to any individuals who may have observed the events preceding the accident. By gathering their accounts, it may be possible to ascertain the cause of the crash.
Consult With an Attorney
Once you have gathered witness information, consider consulting with an attorney to understand your legal options and rights after being injured in a drunk driving accident. An experienced lawyer can help you understand the legal process, assess the strength of your case, and determine the best course of action to seek compensation for your injuries.
He or she can also handle communication with insurance companies, gather evidence to support your claim, and represent your interests in negotiations or court proceedings.
When choosing an attorney, look for someone with expertise in personal injury law and specifically in cases involving drunk driving accidents. Schedule a consultation to discuss the details of your case, ask about their experience and success rate, and inquire about their fee structure.
Conclusion
If you’ve been injured in a drunk driving accident, you should take immediate action. Seek medical help, document the scene, contact law enforcement, and most importantly, consult with an attorney.
Your health and well-being are top priorities, so don’t delay in getting the help you need. Keep in mind that you have legal rights and options to seek justice for the harm a drunk driver caused.
