Car Accident Lawyer
Steps to Take After an Accident With a Drunk Driver
A large number of accidents are caused by drunk drivers every year. Once you realize that the other driver is intoxicated, there are certain measures you need to take to protect yourself and to ensure you have excellent evidence for your claim. Drunk driving is an act of negligence that puts others, including yourself, at risk, and the accident is, therefore, almost always the fault of the intoxicated driver. Here is what you need to do after you’ve been hit by a drunk driver.
Make Sure Everyone Is Safe
Check for injuries. Pull over to a safe spot on the side of the road and make sure the intoxicated person does as well. Check for injuries. Get medical assistance if necessary. Call the police right away. It’s possible that the drunk driver won’t want you to call since they are breaking the law, but you should never let them talk you out of it. A police officer can ensure the intoxicated person gets home safely, and they can take your statement about the accident.
Gather Crucial Details
Photos, witness statements, even your own notes can be beneficial for filing a claim to recover damages from the accident. Since the driver is drunk, there’s almost a guarantee that you’ll be filing your claim with their insurance agency. There is no need to file a claim with your own, as you don’t want to take a hit to your premiums for an accident that wasn’t your fault. Therefore, exchange information with them (names, contact info, insurance info, etc.), and don’t discuss fault. Collect witness statements if you are able to (or at least get the contact information for witnesses) and snap pictures of the scene on your phone.
See a Physician
A doctor can check that you don’t have any more injuries and tell you how to deal with the ones you’ve incurred. They can also make a report proving that the accident caused your injuries, which can be another important piece of evidence for filing a claim. Keep all medical bills relating to the accident.
Contact Insurance
You should still inform your insurance company about the accident even though it wasn’t your fault. Then, you’ll need to file a claim with the drunk driver’s insurance. Be careful when discussing the case with them, as you want to protect your own interests.
Drunk driving cases can be very delicate and stressful situations. A car accident lawyer in Hillsville, VA from a firm like The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt can help when it comes to dealing with insurance and getting you compensation.