People suffer every day from the decisions made by drunk drivers. Unfortunately, drunk driving accidents are entirely preventable, which might make your situation all the most frustrating. Because of someone’s poor decision, you now have to suffer the serious and sometimes life-changing consequences.
Here are three important steps to remember if a drunk driver hits you.
1. Call the police
You should always call the police after an accident. An officer can help document the details of the crash from a third-party point of view.
Having the police on the scene can be even more helpful when the other driver is drunk. Drunk drivers can sometimes be volatile and aggressive, which can make your situation even scarier. Fortunately, police officers are trained to handle these types of circumstances. Even if the driver is not aggressive, an officer can prevent them from getting behind the wheel again.
Additionally, having an officer there to document that the other driver was driving under the influence of alcohol can confirm a crucial piece of evidence for you should you file a personal injury claim.
2. Get medical attention
Be sure to seek medical attention either at the scene of the accident or shortly afterward. Even if you don’t feel like you sustained any injuries, it can take days for symptoms to appear.
The sooner you receive the treatment you may need, the sooner you will be able to determine the cost of your accident injuries. It’s important to keep track of any accident-related expenses, like lost work wages or medical bills. Not only will this help you heal and recover as soon as possible, but it can also help you build strong evidence to support your case.
3. Take legal action
Car accidents can be physically, financially and emotionally harrowing experiences. It can be challenging to balance your recovery with the overwhelming task of trying to afford the damages you received. When you take legal action against the drunk driver, you may be entitled to received compensation for your injuries.
If you are considering taking legal action, you might want to speak to a personal injury attorney. Insurance companies will often try to settle your claim for as little as possible, even in drunk driving cases. An attorney can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
