Alcohol causes drivers to develop a false sense of confidence, affecting their speed, judgment, reaction times, and ability to coordinate and concentrate. If a drunk driver hits you, the immediate actions significantly impact your ability to secure the compensation you require for your medical bills, injuries, lost wages, and any sustained damage. Follow the listed steps if you sustain injuries in an accident caused by a drunk driver.
Call the Police
Calling the police to access the accident scene is the first step you should take after an accident involving a drunk driver. Notify the police to guarantee that the accident is documented, which proves crucial when filing a lawsuit against the at-fault driver or a claim with the insurance company. Contacting the police prevents the drunk driver from escaping and preserves substantial evidence when victims seek compensation for sustained injuries and damage. Regardless of the damage and injuries, contacting the police after suspecting a drunk driver hits you is your civic duty.
Cooperate With the Police
Police officers arriving at the accident scene will want full details of the accident. It is essential to provide accurate detail regarding what happened to allow the police to develop a detailed police report. Avoid exaggerating or escalating what happened, use only facts, and minimize speculation as much as possible.
Avoid offering extra information than what you are being asked, and never say no if asked whether or not you sustained injuries. The aftermath of an accident causes the body to release adrenaline, which masks any feeling of pain at the moment.
Collect Information
Document as much information as possible from the accident scene. Obtain the other driver’s insurance and contact information, names and badge numbers of police officers at the accident scene, and contact information for any witnesses. Use your phone, if possible, to record video or take pictures of the accident scene. If you are uncomfortable conversing with the intoxicated driver, wait for the police to arrive at the accident scene and collect the at-fault driver’s information. Obtain a copy of the police report afterward and check if there are any errors.
Seek Medical Treatment
Seeking immediate medical attention after sustaining injuries from a drunk driver is crucial to your health and accident damage lawsuit. Never fail to seek medical treatment regardless of how you may be feeling after a crash, as some injuries take hours and others a few days before you start feeling the pain.
A health care professional diagnoses and treats your injuries before they become chronic. Ensure the damages are documented by the healthcare professional to act as evidence in your compensation lawsuit to obtain maximum compensation during the settlement process.
Get the at Fault Drivers Insurance Company Notified for Potential Claim
A personal injury lawyer will secure a copy of the police report once they arrive at the scene. The report allows you and your auto accident attorney to obtain relevant details, including time, date, witness statements, contact information, and pictures. The information collected is crucial as it allows your lawyer to build a strong case against the drunk driver.
Contact the at-fault driver’s insurance company to establish the amount of insurance the drunk driver has on the policy. The insurance company will offer a settlement once it is clear that you are planning to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you are vulnerable and injured, the insurance company may try to agree to a settlement to save money and time. Settling fast means you may be unable to cater to medical costs during recovery. Hire an experienced auto accident lawyer to have the required representation to secure fair compensation.
Hire a Seasoned Personal Injury Attorney
Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer before speaking with an insurance company to get the required legal advice. Victims who sustain injuries caused by a drunk driver have to be compensated for any injuries, damages, pain, and suffering usually caused by an accident.
Hire an auto accident attorney to assist you in securing the fair compensation you deserve. The personal injury attorney conducts a thorough investigation and confirms evidence of in the wreck and the other driver’s intoxication.
Contact a seasoned auto accident lawyer as soon as possible to gather evidence, negotiate with the insurance company, and interview witnesses. The lawyer uses the evidence to build a compelling case which boosts your chance of securing maximum compensation.