Getting into an accident because of a drunk driver can be stressful, but you can do several things to make things easier for you.
When you get into an accident, you usually end up having to pay to repair or replace your vehicle and cover medical expenses if you’ve been injured. While it may seem like you don’t have a choice, you can get compensation to cover the expenses providing you weren’t at fault.
By doing a few crucial things after you’ve been hit, you can prove that the drunk driver was responsible for the accident. Talking to the right people, such as the police and a personal injury lawyer, will let you do this without running into problems.
Read on to learn 5 crucial things to do after you’re hit by a drunk driver!
1. Notify the Police
One of the first things you’ll need to do when you get into a car accident is to notify the police. This will be crucial because they can ensure that no one tries to get away from the scene. They’ll also help you with any problems you’re having, such as getting out of the vehicle or finding something.
The police will check both drivers to see if anyone was intoxicated at the time of the accident. Accidents usually cause a lot of damage, so they’ll want to make sure that no one was drinking and hold those that were liable.
When you notify the police, they’ll ask you where the accident happened. As they’re on the way, you’ll need to speak with the other driver, if possible.
2. Get Contact Information
If you’re able to get out of the car, check on the other driver to ensure that they’re okay. You must get their contact information because you’ll need it later. Write down their name, address, phone number, and insurance information.
When you have their insurance information, you can contact them to file a claim. The insurance company will then begin an investigation and you may have to take the case to court depending on how hard the other driver fights it.
3. Explain the Situation
If you get into something like a DUI accident, you’ll have a better time getting compensation because it will be easy to prove that the other driver was intoxicated.
When the police arrive at the scene, you’ll need to walk them through what happened so that they can get a better idea of how to approach it. Giving them the correct information is necessary because you’ll need it to get compensation.
You’ll also need to describe the same information to the insurance company because they’ll be the ones looking into it. Providing that you’ve described everything correctly, you shouldn’t have a problem building a case and getting compensated.
4. Gather Evidence
Most people don’t think about gathering evidence when they get into a car crash because they’re worried about what they should be doing. After you’ve notified the police and written down the contact information of the other driver, you can start gathering evidence in the form of photos, videos, and written info.
For example, if you notice that the other driver is drunk, you can describe their behavior or record them. While a written description won’t be enough to seal the deal, it will come in handy if the police discover that the driver actually was drunk.
When you get the chance, start taking photos and videos of the scene. You’ll want to show the location of the accident and all of the damages. If you have any injuries, take pictures of them so you can seek compensation for them later.
Many insurance companies will try to come up with a quick settlement to avoid having to pay too much. However, if you take the time to gather all of the evidence and take the case to court, you can get more.
5. Hire a Lawyer
Should you decide to take things to the courtroom, the best thing you can do is hire a car injury lawyer. These lawyers specialize in law that revolves around personal injuries, which are common in car accidents.
If you get into a DUI accident, there’s a good chance that you’ll get enough to cover expenses like medical bills and vehicle damages.
A lawyer will help you with various things such as contacting the right people, gathering evidence and representing you in court. Court representation is something that most people need if they’d like to win because you must ensure you’re saying the right things and presenting correct information.
Throughout the process, they’ll keep you updated about the things that are happening. Whenever you need to do something, they’ll let you know how to go about it.
Hit by a Drunk Driver? Work with a Lawyer Today
If you’ve ever been into an accident because of someone else’s negligence, you need to work with a personal injury lawyer to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
When a drunk driver hits you, you can take the case to court and get enough money to cover everything so that you don’t break the bank on medical fees and damages. Aside from that, you can ensure that the driver gets punished for breaking the law and putting the well-being of others at risk.
Contact us today to learn about our personal injury services!
