5 Steps to Take if You Were Hit by a Drunk Driver
If you were the victim of an Auto Accident and believe a Drunk Driver caused it, it is important to know what to do next.
When a drunk driver causes an accident to occur, it is not just criminal penalties they could face, but they could also be held liable for any injuries or damage resulting from the accident.
If you believe a drunk driver hit you, the actions you take immediately following the crash will have a significant impact on your ability to obtain the maximum amount of compensation that you deserve for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and any damage you sustained.
After being involved in an accident that was caused by a drunk driver, it is important to follow the steps below:
I met with Harry Brown personally and he sat with me for 20 minutes at our initial consultation to explain everything. He even called after my surgery to see how I was doing. I met with him several more times after that and was kept informed about my case throughout. I highly recommend Harry Brown as an attorney.
1. Call the Police
The first step to take after being hit by a drunk driver is to call the police.
By notifying the police, you guarantee that you will have the accident documented, which is crucial when filing a claim with the insurance company or lawsuit against the person who caused the accident.
If you fail to contact the police, not only will a drunk person get behind the wheel of a vehicle again, but you will also lose a crucial piece of evidence when seeking compensation for the damage and injuries that were sustained.
Regardless of the severity of the injuries and damage you sustained, if you suspect a drunk driver hit you, it is your civic duty to contact the police and let them know an intoxicated person is driving around.
2. Cooperate with the Police
A police officer will want to know exactly how the accident took place so they can make a detailed record in the police report. It is important to provide accurate details of what happened to the best of your ability.
Accidents are stressful and provoke a lot of emotions.
However, try not to escalate or exaggerate what happened. It’s important to inform the police only of the facts and leave out all speculation.
Do not offer more information than what is being asked for.
If you are asked whether or not you are injured, never say no.
You could have so much adrenaline that you do not feel any pain in the moment, but that does not mean you will not be hurting later. It is okay to tell the officer that you are unsure whether you are hurt or not.
3. Collect Information
If you can, it is always advised to document as much information from the accident scene as possible.
This includes the at-fault driver’s contact and insurance information, any information from witnesses, and photographs of the
accident scene, along with any visible injuries.
If you do not feel comfortable talking with the intoxicated driver, be sure to get their information from the police once they have arrived.
Also, be sure to obtain the accident report’s claim number so you can request a copy as soon as it is ready.
4. Seek Medical Treatment
It is crucial to your accident injury lawsuit and your health to seek immediate medical attention after being hit by a drunk driver.
Regardless of how you are feeling right after the crash, never refuse medical treatment.
Some injuries can take hours or even a few days before you begin to feel pain but that does not mean you have not suffered an injury from the crash.
A medical professional will diagnose and treat your injuries before they turn into a chronic pain condition.
You will also want to have your injuries documented by a medical expert as quickly as possible if you wish to obtain the maximum amount of compensation during the settlement process.
5. Hire an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
Before you speak with the insurance company regarding your accident, it is important to contact an experienced Personal Injury Attorney for legal advice.
When a drunk driver hits you, you deserve to be compensated for any damages, injuries, pain, and suffering caused by the accident.
Hiring a personal injury attorney to assist with your case is your best chance to obtain the amount of compensation you deserve.
Your attorney will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident, including securing evidence of the other driver’s intoxication and fault for the wreck.
Check out a related blog: How many accidents are caused by drunk drivers?
Ready to Talk to a Lawyer Who Has Your Back?
Choose The Brown Firm
When you decide who to hire as your Personal Injury Accident Attorney, contact the Brown Firm experts for a free consultation to see how we can help.
The Brown Firm Attorneys have been representing the victims of car accidents for over 30 years.
Our Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers have the experience and skills to represent you after being hit by a drunk driver.
We are dedicated to helping our clients receive the maximum amount of compensation they deserve for their injuries and losses.
To see how we can best assist when you have been involved in a drunk driving accident, click on the link below now.
Original Post at this link
Our Recent Personal Injury Articles
Slip and Fall Accidents in Hotels: Establishing Liability
A bus caught fire on Friday night at Ashford Dunwoody Road and I-285 West, causing delays during rush hour. The ramp was closed, and firefighters were able to put out...
Types of Nursing Home Abuse: Physical, Emotional, and Financial
A bus caught fire on Friday night at Ashford Dunwoody Road and I-285 West, causing delays during rush hour. The ramp was closed, and firefighters were able to put out...
Rabies and Other Infectious Diseases Transmitted by Dog Bites
A bus caught fire on Friday night at Ashford Dunwoody Road and I-285 West, causing delays during rush hour. The ramp was closed, and firefighters were able to put out...
Lane Splitting and Motorcycle Accidents: Legal Perspectives
A bus caught fire on Friday night at Ashford Dunwoody Road and I-285 West, causing delays during rush hour. The ramp was closed, and firefighters were able to put out...
Dog Bites While Walking or Jogging: What to Do if You’re Attacked in Public
A bus caught fire on Friday night at Ashford Dunwoody Road and I-285 West, causing delays during rush hour. The ramp was closed, and firefighters were able to put out...
The Role of Expert Witnesses in Wrongful Death Litigation
A bus caught fire on Friday night at Ashford Dunwoody Road and I-285 West, causing delays during rush hour. The ramp was closed, and firefighters were able to put out...
Drunk Driving Accidents: Building a Strong Case to Hold Intoxicated Drivers Liable
A bus caught fire on Friday night at Ashford Dunwoody Road and I-285 West, causing delays during rush hour. The ramp was closed, and firefighters were able to put out...
Overloaded Truck Accidents in Georgia: Who’s Responsible?
A bus caught fire on Friday night at Ashford Dunwoody Road and I-285 West, causing delays during rush hour. The ramp was closed, and firefighters were able to put out...
The Most Common Causes of Teenage Driver Accidents
A bus caught fire on Friday night at Ashford Dunwoody Road and I-285 West, causing delays during rush hour. The ramp was closed, and firefighters were able to put out...
Postal Worker Dog Attacks: Protecting the Rights of Delivery Personnel
A bus caught fire on Friday night at Ashford Dunwoody Road and I-285 West, causing delays during rush hour. The ramp was closed, and firefighters were able to put out...
Contact The Brown Firm
Get the Answers and Compensation You Deserve
You’ll notice the difference when you contact The Brown Firm! Our local dedicated attorneys want to help you recover and rebuild.
Schedule your free consultation by calling (800) 529-1441 or completing our simple online form.