- January 12, 2023
- Car Accidents
No one ever expects to be involved in a drunk driver crash. But unfortunately, these accidents happen every day – the statistics are very clear on that. If you or a loved one has been involved in a drunk driver crash, you may be feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. But you are not alone.
Our experienced Buffalo car accident lawyers can help you navigate the legal process and get the compensation you deserve. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the steps you should take after a drunk driving crash so that you can get started on the road to recovery.
Photograph the Damage to the Vehicles After the Drunk Driver Crash
If you’ve been the victim of a drunk driver crash, it’s important to document the accident with photographs. This will help to prove the extent of the damage and injuries caused by the other driver.
Be sure to take pictures of all vehicles involved in the drunk driver crash, as well as any property damage that may have occurred. If you or anyone else was injured in the accident, be sure to get photos of those injuries as well.
Once you have all of your documentation gathered, it’s time to start thinking about filing a personal injury claim. Experienced Buffalo personal injury attorneys can help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages stemming from the drunk driver crash.
Gather Eyewitness Information
If you’ve been hit by a drunk driver, it’s important to get as much information as possible at the scene of the accident. This includes gathering the contact information of any eyewitnesses who saw the crash.
Witnesses can be vital in helping to prove that the other driver was at fault for the accident. They can provide first-hand accounts of what they saw, which can help piece together how the accident happened.
If you’re able to, get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses so you can contact them later if necessary. If you’re not able to get their contact info at the scene, try to get a description of them so you can find them later if needed.
Avoid Engaging With the Drunken Driver
If you are involved in a car accident with a drunk driver, it is important to avoid engaging with the driver. An intoxicated person in a high-stress setting can behave unpredictably or violently, and you don’t want to risk making the situation worse.
Focus on your safety and the safety of others around you. If the drunk driver tries to approach you or start an altercation, keep your distance and call the police. Let them handle the situation and deal with the driver.
Once you are safe, you can start taking steps to protect your rights and interests. Gather evidence at the scene of the accident if you can, including photos, witness statements, and anything else that will help support your case. Then contact a personal injury lawyer who has experience handling drunk driving accidents. They will fight for your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve.
Call the Police
When someone is hurt in a drunk driving accident, police must be called right away. You should never try to deal with the aftermath of a drunk driving accident on your own. You should never touch or move the vehicles involved in a drunk driving crash. Not only is this dangerous, but it could also affect your claim.
You may be thinking that the police won’t do anything until they get there, but trust me, this is not the case. The police are trained to work in these situations and they can help you get immediate medical attention as well as notify the proper authorities who can help you with your claim.
Additionally, contact your insurance company and file a claim. Be sure to keep all documentation and records related to the accident and your injuries. You will need this information when you meet with an attorney to discuss your case.
An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and recover the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Contact Law Enforcement Right Away
Not everyone understands when to contact a law enforcement officer at an accident site, but if you suspect the other person is drunk, you must report it. A law enforcement officer on the scene assists in a variety of ways and keeps the situation from getting heated or combative.
Officers of the law can also explain the evidence that leads to the other driver’s impairment. If the police record mentions an unlawful blood alcohol content level, it might help your civil case by allowing you to hold the drunk driver liable for your losses.
The Importance of a Lawyer in a Drunk Driving Case
While the facts of the case may appear straightforward if the other driver was intoxicated, it is always preferable to have an attorney manage discussions with insurance adjusters following an accident.
Before accepting any insurance settlement offer, consult with an attorney to ensure that it is the full and fair amount you receive. The first settlement may not cover all of your expenses, including medical bills, lost earnings, and intangible impacts like pain and suffering.
In rare cases, you may need to take the intoxicated driver to court to collect compensation. An attorney can conduct a thorough investigation and call on a range of expert witnesses to demonstrate that the driver’s negligence caused your harm.
Let a Buffalo Automobile Accident Attorney Help You Get the Compensation You Deserve
If you or a loved one has been involved in an automobile accident caused by a drunk driver, you may be feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn. Not to worry though, our Buffalo auto accident attorneys can help you to navigate the legal process and get the compensation you deserve.
Our team at Buffalo Car Accident Lawyers will work with you to gather evidence and build a strong case against the drunk driver. We will also handle all communication with the insurance companies and negotiate on your behalf to get you the maximum possible compensation.
You should not have to suffer because of someone else’s recklessness. With the help of our legal team of capable Buffalo personal injury attorneys, you can get the justice and compensation you deserve.
Call us now for a free initial consultation!
