Did you know in the United States one person is killed every 50 minutes as a result of drunk driving? Alcohol reduces the function of the brain, impairing thinking, reasoning and muscle coordination, which are all important abilities when driving a vehicle. Over the years, the auto accident attorneys at Dale E. Anstine have helped thousands of drunk driving accident victims and are sharing five steps you should take if injured by a drunk driver.
Step #1: Call for Help
After being involved in an auto accident, the first step is to call 911. It is critical to have medical personnel and police on the scene to address any injuries and file a report. If you have reason to believe the other driver is impaired, wait for help to arrive. A person who is intoxicated may be aggressive and act erratically, so do not try to handle the accident on your own.
Step #2: Gather Evidence from the Scene
If you are able, take pictures, record videos of the accident scene and gather contact information from the other driver and any witnesses. Having pictures of the damage to your vehicle, the accident scene, any injuries and contact information will add to your personal injury case. The auto accident attorneys at Dale E. Anstine also recommend obtaining a copy of the police report and reviewing it for accuracy following the accident.
Step #3: Get a Fighter on Your Side
If you or a loved one have been injured in an auto accident as a result of a drunk driver, it is important to seek legal help. Having an experienced auto accident lawyer on your side who understands the complexities of drunk driving accidents and insurance policies, can help ensure your rights are protected. Plus, you can leave the details to your attorney while you focus on recovering from your injuries.
Our auto accident lawyers have served many drunk driving accident victims throughout Gettysburg, Hanover and York, PA. We will fight for your rights to compensation and have the knowledge and experience to take on the big insurance companies. Don’t wait! If you have been injured by a drunk driver, contact us today.
Step #4: Continue Medical Treatment
After being involved in an auto accident due to a drunk driver, it is imperative to get checked out by a doctor. Even if you do not have visible injuries, do not refuse medical treatment. Sometimes, injuries as a result of an auto accident are not immediately apparent. Plus, having an official medical report will help your personal injury case.
If you are injured in a drunk driving accident and require medical treatment, it is important to follow the doctor’s orders. For example, if the doctor orders you to participate in physical therapy for six weeks, it is important to attend all your appointments for the full six weeks. Not following the doctor’s orders or stopping medical treatment early can not only negatively impact your health, but your personal injury case as well.
Step #5: Cooperate with Law Enforcement
If you were injured in an auto accident due to a drunk driver, most likely the impaired driver will face criminal charges. It is important to follow up on any charges the district attorney may file against the driver. If asked to testify against the driver, it is important to cooperate, but only with your attorney’s guidance. A drunk driving conviction may strengthen your personal injury case, so be sure to obtain documentation if the driver gets charged.
We’re Here to Help
Recovering from an accident can be overwhelming and should not be something you go through alone. If you were injured because of a drunk driver, connect with our team of experienced auto accident attorneys today. We will fight for your rights to compensation to cover expensive medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. Consultations are always FREE, we are available 24/7 and there are no fees unless we win for you!