Drunk driving accidents dramatically increase over the holidays. More people are partaking in alcohol, and unfortunately, they do not make the right decision and drive after they have had too much to drink. If you are involved in an accident with a driver who you suspect is drunk, you may find yourself wondering what to do. Here are the steps you will want to follow immediately after and in the days following the accident with a drunk driver.
Contact the Police Immediately
If you are involved in a car accident and you suspect the other driver is drunk, immediately contact the police. You will want them to come out to the scene, conduct a field sobriety test and make a report. This is important, as it can help to show fault. Telling your insurance company that you suspect the other driver was drunk doesn’t do much. Having a police report that shows they were arrested for drunk driving goes significantly further. Additionally, it helps to take that drunk driver off the road for the evening, ensuring they cannot hurt anyone else.
Document the Accident Scene
While you are waiting for the police to arrive, or while waiting on the police to write their report, take time to document the accident scene. Grab your cell phone and begin to snap pictures or take videos. Be sure to capture the damage done to both cars and any factors that may have contributed to the accident. This may include the lighting, stoplights or stop signs or poor road conditions.
Obtain Witness Information
It is common for witnesses to stop after an accident and attempt to help. If witnesses stop, be sure to obtain their information. This includes their name, phone number, and address. You, your insurance company, the police and/or a personal injury lawyer in Nevada may later need to contact these witnesses to get a statement or ask them about what they saw. Having this information can further bolster your side of the story and show who was at fault and why.
Seek Medical Treatment
After a car accident, be sure to seek medical treatment if you are experiencing any pain. One of the mistakes that people often make after a car accident is not seeking medical treatment quickly enough. You may be stiff or sore after the accident, yet not seek treatment as you think it is normal and will go away on its own in a few days. Obtaining medical treatment right away helps to correlate the injuries to your accident, helps to ensure your injuries are not far more serious than you think, and helps you to start the process of healing properly, with the right medical care and treatment.
Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
Within a few days of the accident occurring, report the accident to your insurance company. When you make the report, be sure to have all pertinent information with you, including the name of the other driver, their license plate number, their insurance information, witness contact information, and a police report number. If the other driver was arrested for drunk driving, be sure to let your insurance company know that information as well. Additionally, be sure to let them know that you have sustained injuries and sought out medical treatment.
Consult With a Personal Injury Lawyer
After you have been hit by a drunk driver in the greater Las Vegas area, consult with a car accident lawyer. It is important that you do this as quickly as possible following the accident. During a consultation, an attorney, or a member of their staff, will talk to you about the accident, your injuries and whether you have a personal injury case or not. You can then hire the attorney to help you file your personal injury claim and recoup any money you may be entitled to.
Conclusion
If you have been hit and injured by a drunk driver, you need a car accident attorney who is familiar with taking on these types of cases. Ed Bernstein and Associates has experience handling many different types of personal injury cases, including car accidents. If you have been injured by a drunk driver, let us help you. Call us or contact our office today for a free consultation.