Being involved in a car accident caused by a drunk driver can be a terrifying experience that leads to some serious and devastating injuries. Following a drunk driving accident, here are five steps that you need to take immediately:
1. Check for Injuries and Call the Police
The very first thing you should do following a drunk driving accident is pull the vehicle over to a safe area if possible. Then, check to make sure that no one in the car, including yourself, is injured. The next step – regardless of whether there are serious injuries or not – is to call 911 and report the incident. If injuries have been sustained, make sure you tell the dispatcher about the injuries. Try to stay as calm as possible.
2. Gather Evidence
The second thing you should do after checking for injuries and reporting the accident is to gather as much evidence as you can. Evidence may include any information about the other driver (license plate number, vehicle registration number, driver’s license number, name, etc.), pictures of the accident scene and damages, as well as any testimony from witnesses. Record as much as you remember about the accident and request a copy of the police report before you leave the scene.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
After the accident, you will need to call your insurance agent as soon as possible. On the phone, the insurance agent will probably ask you a few questions about the collision. Stick to the facts, and if a drunk driver was involved, make sure to say so. As you move through the claim process, hold onto any pertinent documents about your case, including medical bills, accident reports, and receipts from repair costs.
4. Attend the Drunk Driver’s Hearings and Trial
If you were in an accident caused by a drunk driver, then the driver will most likely face criminal charges. In order to make a conviction, your testimony will be vital. During the drunk driver’s hearings and trials, make sure you attend and cooperate by providing any requested information, including details about how the accident happened.
5. Speak with an Attorney about Filing a Civil Lawsuit
If you’ve been in a drunk driving accident, and sustained injuries as a result of the collision, then you may be able to file a civil lawsuit against the driver for damages. Your best bet for a victorious case is having an attorney on your side who can guide you through the process of filing a personal injury claim. If you’ve been injured, call a drunk driving accident attorney near you today.