Did you know that about 37 people lose their lives to drunk driving in the United States? Regardless of many efforts and regulations put in place, drunk driving is still prevalent. The most unfortunate thing is most of these incidents result from driver negligence. Like other traffic crashes, their occurrence can have significant economic and health consequences.
To protect your rights as a victim, you must hire our truck accident lawyer in Houston. Their prowess will allow you to focus on your recovery while they deal with all the legal and insurance implications involved. Additionally, their experience will come in handy in ensuring you acquire fair compensation. Please contact us today for the best legal services.
Injuries from a Drunk Driving Accident
- Traumatic brain injuries.
- Spinal injuries.
- Multiple fractures.
- Internal bleeding.
- Organ injuries.
Don’t Run after a Drunk Driving accident
Your first intuition after a drunk driving crash might be to leave the scene. But regardless of the severity of the incident or the party at fault, never leave. Leaving the scene without permission complicates the incident further as it now becomes a hit and run situation. Hit and runs are punishable offenses whose penalties may include fines, imprisonment, felony, misdemeanor, revocation or suspension of your driver’s license.
As much as drunk drivers bear all liability, there is always a chance that the other party might have also been at fault for the crash. This would mean sharing liability according to each party’s degree of fault. Running takes away any chance you might have had to prove that the other party contributed to the crash. You are left with no choice but to tend to the other party’s and your damages. Instead of running, remain calm and consult our 18-wheeler truck accident lawyer at no fee.
What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident
Immediate Safety and Reporting
The first moments after a drunk driving accident are critical. The immediate actions you take can significantly impact the outcome and safety of everyone involved. Begin by prioritizing safety above all else regardless of whether you are at fault or not. Move yourself and any passengers to a safe location if possible, away from traffic.
Call 911
After moving to a safe spot, check for injuries. If you are in a position to offer first aid to other victims, please do so. If the situation is severe, call for emergency medical help. If you are not in a position to ask for help, please request one of the road users to do so. Immediate medical assistance is crucial in preventing injuries from escalating to fatalities.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s imperative to seek medical attention. Some symptoms may not immediately manifest, and a thorough medical evaluation can ensure that no underlying injuries go undetected. Additionally, medical records can be essential for insurance claims and potential legal proceedings.
Exchange Information
While waiting for law enforcement and medical personnel to arrive, exchange information with the other driver involved in the accident. This information should include:
- Names
- Contact details
- Insurance information
Keep in mind that communication should remain polite and minimal, avoiding confrontations or discussions about fault. It’s essential to act calmly and responsibly to avoid escalating the situation.
Notify Authorities
Most states demand involving local authorities in traffic crashes regardless of their minority. Ideally, this step is also crucial for parties involved as it helps in identifying liability. Local authorities also fill out a report, an essential document when filing for a compensatory claim. Additionally, If the intoxicated driver attempts to leave the scene, the authorities may be in a better position to intervene.
Document the Scene
Use your smartphone or camera to take photographs of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Ensure they are detailed and take them from different angles for clarity. These visual records can serve as vital evidence when dealing with insurance claims or legal proceedings.
Obtain Witness Information
If there were witnesses to the accident, gather their contact information. Please do not rely on your memory. Instead, write down this information as your lawyer may need it. Witness statements can provide additional perspectives and corroborate your account of the events, which can be beneficial when dealing with insurance companies and legal matters.
Provide a Truthful Account
When law enforcement arrives, provide a truthful and accurate account of the accident. It’s crucial to cooperate and answer their questions, but do so without admitting fault or making accusations. Stick to the facts and avoid speculating about the other driver’s intoxication.
Consult with Legal Counsel
After the accident, consider consulting with a San Antonio drunk driving accident attorney who specializes in personal injury or traffic law. They can help you understand your rights, navigate the complex legal processes, and provide guidance on how to proceed with any potential legal claims or lawsuits.
Dealing with a Drunk Driver
Encountering a drunk driver can be particularly challenging, both emotionally and legally. This section addresses the specific considerations and steps to take when dealing with a drunk driver.
Stay Calm and Cautious
Interactions with a drunk driver can be emotionally charged. It’s essential to remain calm and cautious when communicating with them. Avoid confrontation or arguments, as these can escalate the situation and hinder the resolution process.
Focus on Safety
Prioritize your safety and that of any passengers. Avoid chasing or running after the drunk driver if they attempt to leave the scene. Let the authorities handle the situation and gather the necessary evidence.
Contact Your Insurance Company
After the incident, please notify your insurance company. Informing them immediately leaves no room for assumptions, a plus in your compensatory journey. However, always remember insurance companies are in it for themselves. Do not over share. Please stick to the facts.
Seek Compensation and Legal Resolution
After the initial steps have been taken, the focus turns to seeking compensation for damages, medical expenses, and pursuing legal resolution if necessary. This section outlines the path to these objectives.
The Benefits of a San Antonio Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
Engaging the services of a San Antonio drunk driving accident lawyer can offer significant advantages to individuals who have experienced the harrowing aftermath of such an event. These legal professionals bring specialized expertise to the table, helping victims navigate complex legal processes and obtain the compensation and justice they deserve.
Legal Expertise: Drunk driving accidents involve intricate legal complexities, and having a lawyer who specializes in this area is a tremendous asset. Drunk driving accident San Antonio lawyers possess a deep understanding of the specific laws and regulations governing such cases. This makes navigating them and acquiring proper compensation easier.
Navigating Legal Processes: These legal professionals can guide you through the often overwhelming legal processes that follow an accident. They ensure that you understand your rights and responsibilities, offering clarity during a confusing and stressful time.
Investigative Support: Drunk driving accident cases require a thorough investigation to gather evidence and build a strong case. A drunk driving accident lawyer in San Antonio can tap into a network of experts, including accident reconstruction specialists, to ensure that all relevant evidence is collected and properly analyzed.
Maximizing Compensation: One of the primary objectives of a drunk driving accident lawyer in San Antonio is to help victims secure fair compensation for their losses. These losses must include present and future expenses. They are medical costs, lost wages, emotional distress and other additional expenses.
Insurance Claims: Navigating insurance claims can be challenging, especially when dealing with a drunk driver’s insurance company. Additionally, insurance companies may offer lowball offers just to be done with your case. A skilled San Antonio drunk driving accident attorney can handle these negotiations on your behalf, increasing the likelihood of a successful claim.
Identifying Damages: Drunk driving accident lawyers in San Antonio understand the full extent of damages that can arise from such incidents, something that a first time victim may need help understanding. They ensure that your account for all potential losses, including medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering is met.
Proving Liability: Establishing the liability of the drunk driver is crucial for a successful claim. Ideally, liability is crucial in identifying the party that will cater to the damages. Our drunk driving accident lawyers in San Antonio use their expertise to build a compelling case that clearly demonstrates the driver’s responsibility for the accident.
Advocacy for Justice: Seeking justice and holding the responsible party accountable is a fundamental aspect of pursuing a drunk driving accident case. San Antonio drunk driving accident attorneys are passionate advocates for their clients and the principles of justice. They work tirelessly to ensure that the responsible party faces legal consequences for their actions, sending a strong message that drunk driving will not go unpunished.
Deterrence: By pursuing legal action against a drunk driver, you contribute to deterring others from making the same reckless choice. This can have a positive impact on road safety and potentially save lives in the future.
Emotional Support: Drunk driving accident lawyers in San Antonio offer not only legal support but also emotional support. They understand the trauma and emotional toll these accidents take on victims and their families, providing a compassionate presence during a challenging time.
Stress Reduction: Imagine dealing with injuries, car damages, insurance claims and legal procedures all at the same time and alone. It is a lot, right? Delegating the legal aspects of your case to a lawyer allows you to focus on your recovery and emotional healing, reducing the stress and burden associated with the legal process.
Contact Us Today For More Information
Drunk driving cases are common. Their effects are far-reaching, necessitating guidance from a well experienced San Antonio drunk driving accident attorney to navigate its intricacies. Please trust us to walk with you every step of the way until you get the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us online or call (713) 804-8149.
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