What to Do if You Are Injured in a Car Accident Caused by a Drunk Driver
After a serious car crash, the stress of the injury, legal actions, and medical expenses can cause overwhelming feelings of stress. When you factor in the at-fault party being intoxicated, the seriousness of the situation increases. It is often difficult to avoid a reckless drunk driver, which is why it is vital to know what to do if such an instance occurs.
If you or someone you know is injured due to a drunk driver car accident, there are a few important steps that you should take. The top two are ensuring your safety and health, as well as obtaining a skilled car accident attorney to represent your case.
Contacting Authorities
After being in an accident caused by a drunk driver, you should first contact 911. The presence of authority at the accident scene is vital for numerous reasons. This ensures that you get a proper record and documentation of the situation and also provides you with medical assistance. In some cases, a drunk driver may flee the scene and the police could play a role in identifying the driver.
Ensuring Safety and Health
Whether your injury is apparent at the time of the incident or develops later down the line, it is important to seek medical assistance immediately after the crash. Your health and safety are a priority and should be among the first steps you take. Even if you feel fine initially, you should still seek out a doctor in case there are injuries that take some time to manifest, such as brain damage.
Documents and Information Needed for Legal Purposes
In a case like this, you will need some legal documentation to assist your argument for damages. If possible, you should gather the following documents:
- Police Report
- Insurance Claims
- Medical Records
- Evidence of Vehicle Damage
- Information of involved party(s)
- Witness Statements
A skilled attorney could gather up these documents and conduct investigations to secure other evidence that proves the defendant’s fault.
Contact an Attorney After a Drunk Driver Crashes into You
Aside from law enforcement, you will also need to contact legal representation as soon as possible who can assist you in seeking monetary support post-accident. A personal injury attorney is able to use the evidence and documents obtained for the case to place blame on the drunk driver. The Umansky Law Firm has dealt with numerous car accident cases involving drunk drivers and we will do all that we can to get you the financial relief that you deserve. Contact us today.
