The aftermath of being hit by a drunk driver can be both emotional and legal. The physical injuries may be easy to see, but the psychological effects of being hit by an intoxicated driver can be harder to understand. This article aims to help you navigate the next steps so that you know what’s ahead if this happens to you or someone close.
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Getting Hit by a Drunk Driver
If a drunk driver hits you, the first thing to do is call 911. It’s essential to report the incident as soon as possible so that the police can investigate the other driver’s actions. The police will ask questions about how it happened and how you feel physically.
Suppose they suspect that you were injured in any way or were traumatized by what happened. In that case, they may ask for medical help at the scene before taking statements from witnesses or gathering evidence at crash sites.
After calling emergency services and speaking with the police about your situation, find out whether any witnesses saw what happened. If so, try asking them questions about their vantage point when they observed events leading up to impact (i.e., where was this person when he/she started driving erratically? Did she/he look drunk?).
This information could be helpful later on if any legal proceedings related directly to whoever caused this accident involving alcohol consumption. However small these details might seem now, everything else feels overwhelming after being hit by a drunk driver.
Legal Steps After a DUI Accident
After a drunk driver hits you, there are several necessary legal steps to take:
- Get the other driver’s name and contact information. You should also get any witnesses’ names and phone numbers. If someone else was involved in the accident, try to get their side of the story too. This is important because it may help your accident attorney determine whether or not you have a case against them in court.
- Contact your insurance company right away and report the accident. Your insurance company can provide you with an adjuster who will help you determine what your policy covers regarding medical expenses, car repairs, etc.
- Consult a DUI lawyer. If you have been hit by a drunk driver, it is crucial to contact and retain an experienced DUI lawyer as soon as possible. If the other driver was indeed drunk driving, they might be liable for any damages resulting from the crash. A DUI attorney can help you determine if you can seek compensation from the at-fault driver through a civil lawsuit.
- Contact your local police station. A police report of the DUI accident should be filed with your local PD and can help you strengthen any potential case against the at-fault driver. File a claim with the other driver’s insurance company. The insurer may be willing to settle out of court, but if not, your attorney will handle negotiations on your behalf.
Emotional Steps After a DUI Accident
The emotional steps after a DUI accident can be as vital as the legal ones.
Here are some ways to cope with the emotional impact of being hit by a drunk driver:
- Talk about how you feel with friends and family members who will listen without judgment or criticism. They may also have advice that can help you move forward in your life after this traumatic experience.
- When you feel yourself getting upset or angry, take a walk. If the weather is bad or if it’s late at night, go for a drive.
- Try writing down your thoughts about what happened and how it has changed your life. It can be helpful to put these feelings on paper so that they don’t hover over you like an ever-present cloud in your mind.
- Take care of yourself physically by eating well, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep each night, and avoiding drugs or alcohol when they upset your moods. If these activities aren’t fun, discover something that makes sense for your health!
Seeking Medical Attention After a DUI Accident
After getting hit by a drunk driver, seeking medical attention is essential. Not only will this help you recover from your injuries, but it also serves as evidence of the damage caused by an accident in court.
In addition to documenting your injuries and making sure they’re treated promptly, you should obtain copies of police reports regarding both yourself and any passengers who were involved in the crash. These documents are helpful when filing insurance claims or seeking compensation from other parties.
Getting copies of the other driver’s license, registration, and insurance information is also a good idea. This can be done by contacting the DMV or police department in your area. If you’re unsure how to do this, consult an attorney specializing in drunk driving cases.
Police Report After a DUI Accident
After an accident, you should always get a police report. This will help you prove that the other driver was at fault and may allow for compensation from their insurance company.
- Report the accident to your insurance company to begin processing any claims for property damage or bodily injury you might have sustained in the crash.
- Report the accident to the DMV to ensure there are no outstanding warrants against either party (or both). If either party has warrants for previous DUI convictions or other offenses, they will be arrested immediately after being released from jail on charges related to this incident. This is why it’s critical not only to call 911 but notify local law enforcement before leaving the scene of impact!
- Finally, seek out medical attention for any injuries sustained in the accident. Document all of your medical treatments, hospital bills, and any other costs associated with your recovery process. This documentation can help when seeking compensation from the driver’s insurance company or within a personal injury claim you might file against them.
Documenting Evidence After a DUI Accident
After a car accident, all available evidence should be documented. You need to take photos of everything that happened and make sure you have proof that it happened.
- Take photos of the accident scene.
- The damage to your car.
- The other driver’s car (including license plate number).
- Any witnesses present in the scene during or after impact (and their contact information).
If you can, also take photos of the other driver. This will help to establish fault if they deny being at fault for the crash.
Conclusion
If you are reading this, then it’s likely that a drunk driver has hit you or someone you know. This severe and devastating event can have lasting effects on your physical and emotional health. You must take several legal steps to receive the compensation you are entitled to. Furthermore, seeking emotional support and therapy during this difficult time is essential. Coping with a physical injury or an emotional trauma can be difficult but know that there are people out there who care about you and want to help you through this difficult time. Do not hesitate to contact a lawyer, therapist, support group, or family and friends for help during this challenging journey.
Remember: you are not alone. You have the strength to overcome this and become a better person on the other side. Take care of yourself, seek justice, and stay strong.