What Should I Do If I’m Hit By a Drunk Driver?
Getting into a car accident is distressing under any circumstances. When your accident was caused by a drunk driver, it can be an even more stressful situation. The steps to take after getting into a car crash caused by a drunk driver are similar to that of any car wreck, but with a few more notable aspects. To help you understand what to do if you’re hit by a drunk driver, our team offers the following list.
Please keep in mind that if a drunk driver hits and injures you in Kansas,Missouri, and Oklahoma, Patterson Legal Group is available 24/7 for immediate assistance.
Check Your Physical Condition and That of Your Passengers
The first thing that you should do after an accident with a drunk driver is to make sure that you haven’t suffered any injuries that can prevent you from exiting the car or assisting your passengers. If you have suffered any debilitating injuries and are able to do so, call 911 for immediate medical attention.
After you’re certain that you’re okay, check on any passengers in your vehicle. Get them medical attention if required. If everyone in your car is fine or minimally injured, then you can proceed to the next step.
Related topic: I Was a Passenger in a Car Accident. Now What?
Check on and Observe the Condition of the Drunk Driver
Before you exchange information with the drunk driver it’s imperative to make sure that they’re in a condition to do so safely. Alcohol can cause erratic behavior that can range from incoherent to violent. The last thing you want to do after getting hit by a drunk driver is put yourself and your passengers in additional danger.
To help build your case, it’s important to have details on the drunk driver’s condition. Take note if they smell like alcohol. Go one step further by taking video of them speaking in a slurred voice, moving awkwardly, and displaying other signs of drunkenness. These details can be important in establishing fault.
Contact the Police and Gather Witnesses
You should call the police after getting hit by a drunk driver, even if damages and injuries are minimal. Calling the law enforcement not only helps you document your car wreck with an official accident report, but it also provides assistance so that you can safely get the car insurance, license plate number, and other information you need to make an insurance claim from the drunk driver.
If people have stopped by to assist you then ask them if they’ll serve as witnesses. They can be invaluable in establishing that the other party was in a drunken state and caused the accident.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
Some people choose to handle car accident claims and interactions on their own. While that works fine in some cases, in many others it leads to getting a settlement that’s a fraction of what’s deserved.
In short, experienced personal injury lawyers like those at Patterson Legal Group can make the situation much easier to deal with while getting you much more money.
Related topic: Why It’s Important to Hire a Car Accident Attorney
Get a Medical Exam
Even if you feel okay immediately after a car wreck, you may have suffered injuries that are difficult to detect or may not manifest for weeks. This is why it’s so important to see a doctor after a car accident. Getting proper medical attention can help ensure that you’re in good health. It can also unearth any injuries you did not detect and deserve compensation for.
Get Help From Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers
The personal injury attorneys at Patterson Legal Group hope that this guide has given you a better understanding of what to do after you’ve been hit by a drunk driver. Please share this guide with your family and friends so that they’re aware of these steps.
Should you get injured in a car crash caused by a drunk driver, our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to serve you. You can reach Patterson Legal Group by phone at 888-687-2400 or connect with a representative online through LiveChat. Our experienced team of legal professionals has a proven history of winning the highest settlement possible for our clients.
Consultations are free and we have a “no win, no fee” policy, meaning that you’re not charged a cent unless your case is won. For compassionate and quality legal representation, contact Patterson Legal Group today.
The information on this blog is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to serve as legal advice for an individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship nor does viewing this material constitute an attorney-client relationship.