To ensure that your legal rights are protected, you must learn what to do in the aftermath of an accident that was caused by a drunk driver. The crime of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs carries severe consequences. After a DUI accident, it is completely normal to experience feelings of anxiety. However, if you sustain an injury, determining your available options may present a greater challenge. Therefore, we have already outlined the activities that are strictly required of you.
Prioritize Safety
After being hit by a drunk driver, the first thing you should do is ensure that you and everyone else involved in the accident are safe. It is recommended that you move your vehicle to a secure location as soon as possible and inspect for any injuries that may necessitate immediate medical attention.
Keep Calm
Amid the chaos caused by an accident, it is far easier to say than to do. Your ability to remain calm, on the other hand, can significantly impact how the situation unfolds. Taking a few slow, deep breaths and counting backward from ten can help you regain your composure following a car accident, which can be especially stressful in the aftermath.
Stay at the Scene
One of the most common mistakes people make is leaving the scene of an accident, assessing the extent of the damage and injuries, and driving away before the police arrive. It would be beneficial to remain at the scene until the authorities either grant you permission to leave or give you instructions to do so.
Maintain your presence at the scene to monitor the investigation and discover anything you may have missed. Furthermore, it allows you to quickly determine whether the other driver was impaired and to what extent.
Report the Accident to Local or State Police
Being involved in a vehicle accident can be extremely frightening. Such incidents can have serious consequences and constitute a criminal offense. If you suspect drunk driving or if the accident was severe enough to warrant a report to the authorities, you must notify your state or local authorities right away. As soon as the authorities arrive, they will take notes at the scene, check for sobriety, and file an official accident report. The report plays an important role in insurance claims and other legal proceedings.
Document Everything
Documenting everything is critical, but amid chaos, it’s simple to overlook this step. Take pictures of the scene, the cars involved, and any visible damage. If there were any witnesses or other drivers involved, ensure you collect their names and contact information. Include all relevant information, such as the time, location, and weather, in your note. These details may not appear important right now, but they could be critical in proving your case.
Receive Medical Attention
It is prudent to seek medical attention following a DUI accident, even if you do not appear to be in pain. Injuries from accidents may not become apparent for several hours or even days. You should see a doctor or visit an emergency room for a thorough examination. Furthermore, a medical report is required for any insurance claims or legal proceedings, in addition to being beneficial to your health. In certain cases, the accident may also use medical documentation to demonstrate the extent of damage.
Inform Your Insurance Company of the Accident
Your auto insurance company should be notified as soon as possible of the accident involving a drunk driver. Make a note of the date and time you notified the insurance company, the claim number assigned to your case, and the name and contact information of the claims adjuster who has been assigned your case.
Gather Witness Information
The presence of witnesses can significantly help your case. Any witnesses who are present should have their contact information and statements collected. These accounts provide a third-party perspective on the accident. You can use them to support your story and show that the impaired driver was at fault.
Avoid a Confrontation with the Other Driver
Following an accident, it is normal to experience feelings of fear and anger. On the other hand, you should maintain a safe distance from other drivers, especially if they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Intoxicated people can behave erratically, so it is best to keep your distance and let the authorities handle the situation.
Hire an Attorney
For example, if you were involved in a car accident in Arizona while under the influence of alcohol, you should immediately contact an experienced attorney who specializes in AZ DUI laws. They can help you avoid mistakes that could jeopardize your case, gather the evidence you need to win it, and fight with the insurance company to ensure you get the settlement you deserve.
Avoid Making Statements
You should not accept responsibility for causing the accident until you have discussed it with a DUI attorney. In the event of an accident, it is inappropriate to apologize; now is not the time. It is critical to remember that driving under the influence of alcohol is a criminal offense, and any actions or words you take could result in legal consequences.
Know Your Legal Rights
Victims of accidents caused by drivers under the influence of alcohol have the right to pursue compensation under the law. Financial compensation could be available to cover various expenses, including medical bills, property damage, lost income, and pain and suffering. There is a difference between filing a civil lawsuit to seek compensation for your injuries and filing criminal charges against the drunk driver for their mistakes. You should be aware of this distinction.
Attend All Drunk Driver Trials and Hearings
When prosecuting a drunk driver, it is essential to present evidence and testimony during any trial or hearing. If criminal and traffic charges are brought against an intoxicated driver, the defendant must appear in both courts.
A conviction in criminal court is not necessary for a civil lawsuit to award damages, but the defendant should still be present whenever feasible. If you can prove that the defendant was careless, it can help a lot.
