Injured In A Drunk Driving Accident? 5 Things To Do Right Away

injured drunk driving accident

Car accidents are terrifying events because of the injuries associated with them. And some of these accidents are caused by drunk driving. This falls under criminal law, and the state should prosecute such a driver.  

Apart from that, you can file a compensation claim if you suffer any damage in an accident caused by a drunk driver. The personal injury law requires the negligent driver and their insurance company to pay you for the pain, mental anguish, lost income, and even your vehicle repair.  

But you may ask, when do most drunk driving accidents occur? Most drunk driving accidents happen early in the morning and late at night. It’s important to be careful when driving during those times to protect yourself against accidents.  

But no matter how careful you’re on the road, safety isn’t always guaranteed since another driver can hit you. Therefore, it’s essential to be prepared for the steps to take if you get involved in a drunk driving accident.  

That said, here are crucial things to do immediately after being involved in such an accident.  

1.     Contact A Lawyer

Filing a car accident claim and getting the proper compensation is easier said than done. This is especially true if you walk alone and don’t know what steps to follow. Fortunately, you can hire a lawyer to guide you throughout the process to ensure you get better results.  

One of the most vital things a lawyer will assist you with is interpreting relevant laws and regulations surrounding your case. Remember that justice could be jeopardized by a slight mistake in law interpretation and application. A lawyer will be there for you to ensure you remain compliant with the state law and strengthen your lawsuit.  

Apart from that, a lawyer can assist you in determining the worth of your case. They know everything that needs to be considered to give you an accurate claim value. This will ensure that you receive the highest possible settlement for your claim. And because they’re trained and experienced in negotiation, the right lawyer will use their expertise to bargain for adequate settlement. Ensure you connect with an attorney who specializes in car accident claims.

2.     Take Pictures Of The Accident

Photos are valuable in personal injury cases as they’re the best way to show the exact conditions at the time of the accident. You can use them to document your evidence. For that reason, immediately after the accident, use your smartphone to take photographs of the damaged cars and the crash scene.  

Apart from that, ensure you take photographs of any injuries you sustain. That helps provide enough evidence for the accident. You must also understand that sometimes, a case may take longer to commence. And by the time it starts, you’re almost or entirely healed. So, it’ll be practically impossible to prove that you sustained injuries in an accident some time back.  Fortunately, photos will show what exactly your injuries looked like at the time of the accident. Therefore, you won’t be worried even if the case takes longer to begin.  

3.     Seek Medical Attention

Seeking medical treatment is critical for your health and personal injury lawsuit. Whether minor, major, or no physical injury at all, always consider visiting the nearest hospital. The doctor will examine your body internally and externally for any injuries and provide the proper medication or treatment. Doing this can hasten your recovery.  

The doctor will also document your injuries to ensure you maximize your compensation. You’ll present such medical records as evidence of the injuries and accidents during the hearing. Furthermore, the hospital will write medication bills, a necessary component when calculating the value of your case and total compensation.  

4.     Call Police Officers

Another important step after being involved in a drunk driving accident is to call police officers. That way, you can be guaranteed to document the accident, which will assist you in making a claim from auto insurance companies and filing your personal injury case.  

Any auto insurance provider will want you to produce a police abstract before honoring your claim. So, calling the police helps simplify your compensation process. They can also use alcohol breath test devices to confirm that the at-fault driver was drunk.  

5.     Obtain Witnesses

While police will help document the accident, finding witnesses is crucial. These people were there when the crash happened and can testify in courtrooms to provide additional evidence. Always search for people you can trust and take their contact information. This helps you to reach out to them when the case hearing commences.  

Takeaway

Filing a drunk driving accident claim can be difficult if you don’t know what steps to follow. And if you aren’t careful, you won’t get the appropriate justice. But with the strategies in this article, you can be assured of filing a successful lawsuit claim and obtaining adequate compensation. 

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