If you are unfortunate enough to become a victim of a drunk driver, the first thing you need to do is seek medical attention. Even if you don’t think you are injured, it’s important to get checked out by a doctor. Once you have received any necessary medical treatment, there are some steps you can take to help with the aftermath of the accident. In this blog post, we will discuss what to do after becoming a victim of a drunk driver.
Table of Contents
1. Get a car accident lawyer
A car accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and ensure you are fairly compensated for your injuries. If the drunk driver is uninsured or underinsured, a lawyer can also help you file a claim against your own insurance company. As Buckingham Barrera Vega Attorneys at Law points out, it’s important to have an experienced car accident lawyer on your side after a drunk driving accident. Sometimes insurance companies will try to take advantage of accident victims who are not represented by a lawyer. It is also important to have a lawyer if you plan on filing a personal injury lawsuit against the drunk driver.
2. Gather evidence
It will be helpful to have evidence to support your claim that the other driver was intoxicated. You can gather this evidence by taking photos of the scene of the accident, getting the contact information of any witnesses, and obtaining a copy of the police report. You can also request a copy of the driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) test results from the police. This evidence can be used to prove that the other driver was intoxicated and help you get compensation for your injuries. While it can be difficult to deal with the aftermath of a drunk driving accident, taking these steps can help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
3. File a police report
If you’ve been hit by a drunk driver, the first thing you should do is file a police report. This will give you an official record of the incident, which can be invaluable if you decide to take legal action against the driver. The report will also help to ensure that the driver is held accountable for their actions and is not able to simply drive away without facing any consequences. Also, be sure to get the contact information of any witnesses who saw the accident. Their testimony can be crucial in helping you prove your case.
4. Seek medical attention
Even if you don’t think you are injured, it’s important to seek medical attention after a drunk driving accident. Internal injuries can take days or even weeks to manifest, so it’s important to be checked out by a doctor as soon as possible. Also, if you have any visible injuries, be sure to get them documented by a healthcare professional. This documentation can be used as evidence in your case against the drunk driver. If you do have injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
5. Contact your insurance company
Once you have taken care of your immediate medical needs, the next step is to contact your insurance company. Your insurer will likely need some information from you about the accident, such as the police report and any medical documentation. They will also need to know if you plan on filing a claim against the drunk driver or their insurance company. If you do file a claim, your insurance company will likely provide you with a lawyer who can help you through the process.
6. File a personal injury lawsuit
If you’ve been seriously injured in a drunk driving accident, you may want to consider filing a personal injury lawsuit against the driver. This is a complicated legal process, so it’s important to have an experienced car accident lawyer on your side. A successful lawsuit can result in compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, and more. However, it’s important to note that you may only have a limited time to file a lawsuit, so it’s important to act quickly.
7. Get help from a therapist
Dealing with the aftermath of a drunk driving accident can be extremely traumatizing. If you find yourself struggling to cope, it’s important to get help from a therapist or counselor. They can provide you with the support and guidance you need to deal with your emotions and start to healing. Getting therapy can be an important step in moving on from the accident and getting your life back on track. Some people who have been through a drunk driving accident may also be eligible for victim’s compensation. This can help cover the cost of therapy and other expenses related to the accident.
Why is it important to speak up against drunk driving?
If you’re a victim of a drunk driving accident, you may feel like you’re the only one going through this nightmare. But the truth is, drunk driving accidents happen far too often. Alcohol-related crashes are the leading cause of death on our roads. That’s why it’s so important to speak up about the dangers of drunk driving. Sharing your story can help raise awareness about the issue and may even save lives. You can start by talking to your friends and family about the dangers of drunk driving. You can also join local or national organizations that are working to end drunk driving. And if you’ve been affected by a drunk driver, consider sharing your story with the media. By speaking out, you can help make our roads safer for everyone.
As we saw, there are many things that you can do if you or someone you know has been the victim of a drunk driver. It’s important to seek medical attention, contact your insurance company, and consider filing a personal injury lawsuit. You may also want to get help from a therapist or join a support group. And finally, it’s important to speak up against drunk driving. By taking these steps, you can help yourself heal and maybe even prevent another drunk driving accident from happening.