drunk driving accident in Mississippi

Steps To Take After Being Hit by A Drunk Driver

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A car accident that results in serious injury or death can devastate the victims physically, emotionally, and financially. Things feel much worse if the accident occurred because of a preventable reason, such as drunk driving.

After the accident, you may not just struggle to cope with your injuries, pain, and suffering, but may also have to deal with the challenges of paying for your medical bills while you are out of work. If you or someone you care about has been injured in a drunk driving accident, an experienced car accident attorney will be able to get you the compensation and justice you deserve.

Here are a few important steps that can help you strengthen your accident claim after you are hit by a drunk driver:

1. Call 911

There are certain kinds of accidents that need to be reported to the police. You should call 911 if you or someone else has been injured in the accident. Let the dispatcher know your location, the people involved, that you believe the other driver is drunk, and whether anyone sustained any injuries or not.

Responding authorities will provide necessary care and services after arriving at the scene. They will look for clues of intoxication by using breathalyzer and field sobriety tests among other methods. Criminal charges may be filed if they determine the driver to be beyond the legal limit of blood alcohol concentration (BAC).

2. Remain at the Crash Site

Getting hit by a drunk person can seem overwhelming. You may be worried if the driver is belligerent. Moreover, it’s crucial that you remain calm at the scene of the accident. Make sure you don’t admit any kind of fault or apologize for the accident under any circumstances. In addition, look for signs of the vehicle catching fire.

It’s best that you don’t try and confront the drunk driver while waiting for the police to arrive. Remain calm to properly assess the situation and provide the law enforcement authorities with the necessary information.

3. Monitor the Other Driver

Pay attention to the actions and mannerisms of the drunk driver. Take note of signs indicating intoxication, such as:

  • Glassy, watery, or bloodshot eyes.
  • Slurred or loud speech.
  • Making unusual noises.
  • Unusually slow or fast talking.
  • Odors of alcohol.
  • Irrational or repetitive statements.
  • Excessive body tremors, twitching, or perspiration.
  • Flushed face.
  • Overly aggressive, animated, or depressive demeanor.

You should report these signs to the police as soon as they arrive. It will play an important role in a potential claim.

4. Gather Important Information

You should save relevant details, such as the other driver’s phone number, name, license number, license plate, registration, and insurance information. You should note down the names and badge numbers of the police officers.

You should also try to get contact information from witnesses. Witness contact information from the accident scene can prove to be vital to your claim. You can significantly improve the likelihood of obtaining appropriate compensation for the losses if your attorney is able to obtain statements from credible witnesses.

5. Take Photographs at the Accident Scene

Photographs can serve as an effective tool for presenting a strong case in court. If you are physically able, use your cell phone camera to take pictures of the car, the other driver’s car, the intersection or road where the accident occurred, and any other subsequent damages or injuries. If possible, you might even discreetly make videos of the negligent driver’s condition to support your claim.

6. Get Proper Medical Attention

You should assess yourself and the other passengers for signs of injury. Make sure you receive medical attention as soon as possible. Prompt treatment will ensure the condition doesn’t become worse. There are certain car accident injuries that can be hard to identify on their own.

It’s best to receive an assessment from a healthcare professional following the accident. It is important that you follow the doctor’s orders to mitigate your injuries following the car accident.

7. Get Strong Legal Representation

Accidents involving drunk drivers usually result in personal injury claims. You can increase the likelihood of a successful and stress-free resolution with a car accident attorney. They will help you navigate the civil lawsuit process and obtain full compensation for your injuries and losses suffered.

An experienced attorney will be able to recover out-of-pocket expenses, such as medical expenses and car repairs while obtaining compensation for other things, such as emotional pain and suffering and lost wages. If the injuries are serious or a wrongful death has occurred, a skilled attorney may also recover punitive damages for the drunk driver’s egregious behavior.

Dedicated Personal Injury Attorneys are Ready to Fight for Your Rights

The experienced car accident attorneys at the Gardner Law Firm can help you obtain the maximum compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses in a drunk driving accident case. Our attorneys have a thorough understanding of DUI and personal injury laws in Mississippi. Schedule your free and confidential consultation with us today. Call 228-436-6555 or write to us online.