What to Do If You Were Injured by a Drunk Driver: A Comprehensive Guide
Being involved in a car accident is a traumatic experience in itself, but when the accident is caused by a drunk driver, the situation becomes even more distressing. If you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, it’s crucial to know the right steps to take to protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the necessary actions to take if you’ve been injured by a drunk driver, and we’ll also introduce you to Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys, your trusted partner in seeking justice.
1. Prioritize Your Safety and Seek Medical Attention
The first and foremost step after any car accident is to ensure your safety and the safety of others involved. If you’re able to, move to a safe location away from traffic. Then, check yourself and others for injuries. Even if you believe your injuries are minor, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal injuries, might not manifest immediately, and a medical professional’s assessment can help document your injuries for legal purposes.
2. Contact Law Enforcement
Contact the local law enforcement authorities to report the accident, especially if it involves a drunk driver. A police report will provide an official record of the incident, including information about the intoxicated driver’s behavior, any field sobriety tests conducted, and their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level. This report can serve as crucial evidence when pursuing legal action.
3. Gather Evidence
Collect as much evidence as possible at the accident scene. This includes taking photographs of the damage to both vehicles, the road conditions, any skid marks, and the overall accident scene. If there were witnesses, obtain their contact information, as their statements can support your case. Also, document any visible injuries you or your passengers have sustained.
4. Exchange Information
Exchange contact and insurance information with the drunk driver involved in the accident. This information will be necessary when filing an insurance claim or pursuing legal action. Make sure to get their full name, address, phone number, insurance company, policy number, and driver’s license details.
5. Do Not Admit Fault
Avoid making statements that might imply fault, even if you believe you might have contributed to the accident. Admitting fault at the scene can complicate the legal process later on, especially when dealing with insurance companies or pursuing a lawsuit.
6. Contact Your Insurance Company
Notify your own insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Provide them with the necessary information, but avoid discussing too many details or admitting fault. It’s important to note that your insurance company’s priority might be to settle the claim quickly, which could potentially undervalue your case.
7. Consult a Denton Personal Injury Attorney
When dealing with injuries caused by a drunk driver, it’s highly recommended to consult a personal injury attorney with experience in car wreck and DWI cases. Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys is a reputable firm that specializes in helping victims of personal injury accidents, including those involving drunk drivers. Their experienced legal team understands the complexities of these cases and can guide you through the legal process while fighting for your rights.
8. Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys: Your Trusted Partner
Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys is a leading personal injury law firm serving the Denton area. With a dedicated team of experienced attorneys, they have a proven track record of successfully handling cases involving car wrecks, DWI accidents, and other personal injury claims. When you’re dealing with the aftermath of an accident caused by a drunk driver, having a skilled attorney by your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
9. Investigate Liability
A qualified personal injury attorney will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident. In cases involving drunk drivers, it’s important to establish liability not only for the driver’s actions but potentially for any establishments that may have over-served them alcohol, leading to their impairment. This investigation might involve obtaining surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, and consulting experts if necessary.
10. Determine Damages
Your attorney will work with you to determine the full extent of the damages you’ve suffered as a result of the accident. These damages can include medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. By accurately assessing your damages, your attorney can build a strong case to ensure you receive fair compensation.
11. Negotiate with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies might attempt to settle your claim quickly and for a lower amount than you deserve. With a skilled personal injury attorney from Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys, you’ll have an advocate who can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. They’ll work to secure the compensation you need to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses.
12. Pursue Legal Action
If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, your attorney might advise pursuing legal action by filing a personal injury lawsuit. Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys have a deep understanding of the legal process and will guide you through each step, from filing the lawsuit to representing you in court.
Conclusion
Being injured by a drunk driver is a distressing and overwhelming experience, but you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. By following the steps outlined in this guide and enlisting the help of Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys, you can take control of your situation and seek the compensation you deserve. Remember, you have rights as a victim, and a skilled personal injury attorney can help you protect those rights and work towards a brighter future.
If you’ve been injured by a drunk driver, don’t hesitate to contact Chandler Ross Injury Attorneys for a free consultation. Their team of experienced attorneys is ready to stand by your side and fight for the justice you deserve.
With offices in Denton, Keller, Euless and Southlake, Texas, Chandler | Ross, PLLC and our Personal Injury Attorneys are well positioned to provide the most effective and highly-skilled representation possible. We are a local law firm, focused on providing each and every client with the best representation possible. If we take your case, it’s for a reason, and we’re going to prove that to you. Don’t wait, and don’t compromise. Contact us today for a Free Case Evaluation. In most cases, you pay nothing unless you recover. Contact us now. (940) 800-2500
DISCLAIMER:
While Chandler | Ross makes every effort to ensure information disseminated throughout this website is correct and up to date, we cannot and do not guarantee that informational blogs and articles within the siteare accurate, up-to-date, and/or applicable to any specific situation. Nothing herein is intended to create, and nor does it create an attorney-client relationship of any kind. The information contained within this site is for general use and educational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal advice of any kind. No action should be taken in reliance of this information without first contacting an attorney who is licensed to practice in your jurisdiction.
