A car accident can be scary and stressful, and if you are injured it may take weeks, months, or even years to fully recover, depending on the severity of your injuries. Unfortunately, a number of people choose to drive while under the influence of alcohol, which is very dangerous for everyone on the road. If you are injured in a car accident and the other driver was driving under the influence, take the following steps:
Cooperate with the Police
Drunk driving is a criminal offense, and your witness account of what happened during the accident will be a valuable piece of evidence when the case goes to court. If your injuries do not require immediate transport to an emergency room, give your statement to the police as soon as possible after the accident occurs. The police may contact you again in the days and weeks after the crash as the accident report is being prepared.
Contact a Lawyer
If a driver causes an auto accident with injuries as a result of driving under the influence of alcohol, he or she will be prosecuted in a criminal court case. Other than possibly serving as a witness, the criminal case will have little effect on you. But if you are injured in the accident, you are entitled to file a civil lawsuit to recoup costs for auto repairs, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Hiring a lawyer can increase your chances of being awarded the best settlement possible, and an experienced personal injury lawyer, like those at the Law Office Of Daniel E Goodman, will be able to explain each step of the civil lawsuit process so you understand what is going on.
Stay On Top of Your Medical Care
The traumatic force involved in car accidents can result in a wide variety of injuries, from minor to severe. After being injured in an auto accident, it is important to get medical care as quickly as possible and to go to every follow up appointment. This is not only important for your recovery, but all of your medical records for appointments and treatments following the auto accident will serve as important pieces of evidence during your civil lawsuit against the at-fault drunk driver.
Prepare to Be Patient
Getting a monetary settlement after your injured in an accident with a drunk driver can take some time. Your lawyer will have to work with the other drivers insurance company, file papers for a civil lawsuit, and prepare a case. When it comes to a drunk driving car accident, there is a good chance that it will not be difficult to show that the other driver is at fault, but it is best to be prepared to wait for your settlement check from your lawsuit.
Share6 July 2015
When it comes to your personal rights, how much do you really understand the law. About ten years ago, I realized that I didn't really understand my rights when I was accused of something that I knew I didn't do. I could tell that I needed to work with a lawyer who had a better understanding of what I was up against, so I contacted a local team that could help. They were really incredible to work with, and I was impressed with how well they were able to fight the charges. This blog is here for anyone struggling with legal drama.