Drunk Driving Victims: 5 Legal Steps To Take After You've Been In An Accident

We all know how dangerous drunk driving can be. Unfortunately, there are times when this risk becomes a reality, and people have to face the terrible consequences of an accident caused by a driver under the influence of alcohol.

If you or a loved one have been involved in such an incident, victims must understand that specific legal steps should be taken to protect their rights as they move forward.

To help those affected through this challenging time, we’ve outlined five specific legal steps every victim should take after being involved in an accident caused by a drunk driver.

1. Stop And Remain At The Scene

Drunk driving accidents can bring about life-altering consequences for victims, both physically and emotionally. If you find yourself in such a situation, you must first stop and remain at the scene of the accident.

No matter how severe the damage, fleeing the scene can only worsen your situation. In addition to the potential criminal charges, leaving the scene of an accident can also lead to lawsuits and a loss of credibility in court.

Stopping and staying put allows the proper authorities to assess the situation and ensure that everyone involved is adequately cared for.

Remember, the safety of everyone affected by the accident is paramount, so take the necessary measures to ensure everyone is safe and accounted for.

2. Document The Scene

Being in any car accident can be a stressful and traumatic experience. However, it's essential to stay as calm as possible and document the scene to the best of your ability.

Taking photos and videos of any damage to your vehicle is crucial in building a strong and legitimate case against the drunk driver. Even if you feel fine initially, injuries may present themselves later on, and having evidence of the scene can be helpful in any legal proceedings.

Take the time to document everything you can, including any witness statements and police reports. It may seem tedious, but it can make all the difference in receiving justice for the harm done to you.

3. Contact The Police

If a drunk driver has hit you, you need to contact the police immediately, even if no one appears to be seriously injured.

By doing so, you'll ensure that a police report is filed, which is an essential document in any legal proceeding involving a drunk driving accident.

This report will provide important information about the accident, including all involved parties' names and contact information, witness statements, details about the damage caused, and the drunk driver's behavior, which can be used to hold them accountable.

With a police report, proving fault and holding the responsible parties accountable can be easy. So if you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, don't hesitate to call the police and get the documentation you need to seek justice.

4. Identify And Obtain Witness's Information

When involved in a car accident caused by a drunk driver, it's essential to identify witnesses and gather their information.

Witnesses can provide valuable testimony that significantly strengthens your case. Look around and locate people who may have seen the accident; ask them for their name, phone number, and address.

Also, ask them to give a written description of what they saw. Be sure to ask witnesses to provide their accounts, as their statements can make a difference in your case's direction.

By obtaining witness information, you may be able to hold drunk drivers accountable for their actions and receive the compensation they deserve.

5. Contact An Experienced Car Accident Attorney

In the aftermath of the accident, seeking legal representation from our experienced car accident lawyers in Philadelphia is imperative. Our attorney specializes in car accidents and can help with the intricate legal proceedings and advocate on your behalf when interacting with insurance companies or other involved parties.

We, at Edelstein Law, can help assess the magnitude of the damage to your vehicle, injuries sustained, and the overall impact the accident has had on your personal and professional life. Besides, we will also help identify any additional damages that may have been caused by the accident and negotiate appropriate compensation from the responsible parties.

Contacting an experienced attorney ensures you have the best opportunity to make the appropriate claims while minimizing any stress the accident may have caused.

Note: To seek compensation for an accident caused by a drunk driver, it is important to gather and retain all relevant documentation, such as medical bills, records of lost wages, and any other accident-related expenses, which can be crucial in building a strong case for legal action.

Conclusion

Being hit by a drunk driver can have devastating consequences that extend beyond the physical injuries sustained. If you find yourself in the midst of an accident involving a drunk driver, following these five legal steps may help protect your rights and those of others affected by the incident. Knowing what steps to take after a car accident with a drunk driver can help reduce stress and provide peace of mind that everything possible is being done to seek justice for victims. Bear in mind that active engagement and presence in all legal proceedings is essential to assert your rights and seek justice for the damages caused by an accident involving a drunk driver.