4 Things You Should Do After You’re Hit By a Drunk Driver

Drunk driving accidents claim more than 10,000 lives every year. That’s nearly 30 people every day. Not all drunk driving accidents, however, cause fatalities. Thousands of DUI accidents each year cause those involved serious injuries as well as long-term pain and suffering. Drunk driving accidents are never fair to the victims, and ideally, you shouldn’t have to deal with the consequences of someone else’s poor choices. However, if you are involved in an accident with a drunk driver, it is important to know what steps to take to protect yourself and set yourself up to win the settlement you are entitled to according to the law.

Check Yourself and Others in Your Car for Injuries

Due to the nature of drunk driving accidents, serious injuries are extremely common. Some injuries are life-threatening, so the first thing you should do following an accident is quickly check yourself and others in the vehicle for injuries. Common signs of potentially more severe injuries include:

● Bleeding
● Lacerations
● Severe pain
● Loss of consciousness
● Confusion
● Inability to move

If you or anyone else in your vehicle is experiencing symptoms of an injury, you need to seek professional medical attention as soon as possible. Any injuries that go untreated have the potential to get worse, and having a record of your injuries will benefit your claim.

Call for Emergency Assistance

Any time you are hit by a drunk driver, you should always call 911 to alert the local authorities and request emergency medical assistance. The 911 operators will dispatch law enforcement and EMTs to the scene. These individuals are trained professionals who understand how to manage and respond to emergency accident situations.

If you or anyone else involved in the accident is in need of medical attention, you will likely be transported to a local hospital for treatment. Even if your injuries are minor, it is in your best interest to get checked out by a medical professional to rule out any serious injuries or underlying conditions.

Document the Situation

At the scene of the accident, it is important to document the situation as much as possible. Attempt to write down any details related to the accident and take photos if possible. Filing a police report at the scene of the accident is also in your best interest. A police report creates official documentation of the accident and is vital to filing a claim with your insurance company or pursuing any type of personal injury claim.

An official police report will document whether the other driver involved in the claim was legally intoxicated. If alcohol was involved in your car accident, you could be entitled to compensation for your injuries, medical bills, loss of income, and pain and suffering.

Contact a Trusted DUI Attorney in Boca Raton

At Baker Legal Team, we understand how daunting things can seem after a DUI car accident. DUI accidents can cause an abundance of damage, which is why we want to make this process as easy as possible for you. At Baker Legal Team, attorney Robert B. Baker will talk with you one-on-one to learn the specifics of your case and build a concrete defense against the at-fault party.

Robert is a Board-Certified lawyer who knows the ins and outs of personal injury law. He has over 30 years of experience helping DUI accident victims with damages and injuries and will stop at nothing to fight for the compensation you deserve. Give us a call at (561) 320-0000 or complete our contact form today.