Most people are not aware of the dangers that come with drinking and driving. It’s easy to make a bad decision in an instant, but the consequences can be life-altering. Drunk driving has been reported to cause hundreds of fatalities in America each year.
If you were injured by a drunk driver, it is important to take action immediately so that your injuries are taken seriously. This article will tell you what steps you should take if this is your situation. Here are five things to do if you have been injured by a drunk driver:
Assess Your Injuries
Your first priority should be to assess your injuries. If you were injured by a drunk driver, it is important to get treatment for those injuries as soon as possible. If you are unable to move after an accident, it is important that you alert the authorities so they can move your body for you. It is also recommended that anyone injured by a drunk driver seek medical attention immediately. After getting immediate treatment, keep track of all doctors’ appointments and physical therapy sessions to ensure your injuries are documented properly.
Be sure to describe each and every injury that you have sustained and answer all questions that the doctor asks you to the best of your ability. If you do not remember an event that occurred, say so and provide as much information as possible including witness testimonies.
Keep Track Of The Events That Led To Your Injuries
After an accident involving a drunk driver, take time to write down all of the events that led up to your injuries. Match your records against drunk driving fatality statistics in California because it can help you keep track of what has happened. It will be helpful later on if the incident goes to court. Keep all documents that you have received from doctors and lawyers as well as any photos or video footage of your injuries, damages, and accident scene.
Get Legal Help Early On
If your injuries were sustained after an accident with a drunk driver, it is important to seek legal help as soon as possible. This will help ensure that your case exceeds the state’s statute of limitations, which is usually two years. Also, an experienced lawyer can look over the physical evidence and talk to witnesses, making sure you have a thorough case.
If you have been injured by a drunk driver, you should file a claim. If the accident is severe, it will likely involve very serious injuries and large medical bills. Below is a basic list of items that can help prove your case:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages from time off work/loss of future earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
Contact Authorities and Have a Report Made
When you are injured by a drunk driver, it is important that you report the incident to authorities. After reporting your injuries and damages, make sure to follow up with an official police report if the accident was not reported immediately after it occurred. This will significantly help your case if you decide to sue. This will help keep track of events and make filing a lawsuit much easier for your attorney.
Do Not Settle For Less Than You Deserve
It is possible for people to settle out of court with a drunk driver. This can be done so as to avoid going through the long and expensive process of lawsuits, insurance companies, and potential witnesses. However, this will affect your claim as you may not receive compensation for things such as medical bills, property damages and pain and suffering. If you have been injured by a drunk driver, go through the proper channels to ensure your injuries are taken seriously.
Gather Evidence
As with any trial, it is important to gather evidence. This helps establish a solid case and provides support for your claim. If you have been injured by a drunk driver, there are certain pieces of evidence that can help prove the other individual’s negligence.
Evidence such as pictures of the scene, medical records, and police reports will help establish that the at-fault driver was intoxicated and their negligence. This evidence will show how the other individual’s intoxication caused you and your vehicle to sustain damages and injuries.
In general, there are certain pieces of evidence that can help prove negligence on behalf of the at-fault driver such as pictures from the scene or medical records showing injuries sustained during an accident with a drunk driver. If you have been injured by a drunk driver, it is important to take the steps necessary in order to ensure that your injury case will be successful.
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