Injured by a Drunk Driver? Here’s What To Do!

Accidents are terrible, physically and emotionally exhausting experiences. If the accident is caused by a big vehicle like a bus or a truck, it is even worse since the injuries are serious. These injuries can lead to medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma. 

If you are dealing with this awful situation, it is important to get proper guidance from legal professionals such as Rocklin personal injury attorney, who can make you aware of the right steps you should take that are important for your safety and legal protection.

Know what you should do after the accident so that you can get the compensation you deserve and recover from this situation of physical, financial, and emotional stress.

Medical Care and Safety

Making sure you are safe is the most important step after an accident. Call 911 immediately and request them to send medical help, no matter if the injuries are major or minor. Many injuries do not appear right after the accident, such as concussions or internal damage, and hence, it is important to have a proper check-up. 

It is necessary to get a detailed medical record of your condition, as it will play a great role if you decide to file a case against the drunk driver. Once the initial treatment is complete, go to your doctor for regular check-ups to make sure you are recovering well, and there are no problems from the hidden injuries.

Being careless with your health may allow the defense to argue that your injuries were not serious and there is no need for the compensation you demand. This will make the case weaker for you, and the decision may not be in your favor.  

Collect Evidence at the Scene

Collecting evidence will be of great help to make your case stronger against the drunk driver. You can take pictures of the place where the accident happened, vehicle damage, your injuries, and any external factors like road conditions or traffic signs.

If you see anyone present there when the accident happened, try to talk to them and ask for their contact. Their statement will help to make your case stronger by proving the carelessness of the driver.

Make sure that the police officers in charge file a detailed report, which may include that the driver was drunk. It will help you in this case. Collecting evidence fast will make your claim strong, and your chances of getting a positive outcome also increase.

Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney

There are many complex processes you may deal with after you have been hit by a drunk driver, such as dealing with insurance companies and legal matters. An experienced attorney can guide you and make you understand your rights so you can claim genuine compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering.

Insurance companies play their business tricks and may try to give you less than you deserve. Therefore, a legal expert needs to be with you so that you get the offer that is best for you. If you are not satisfied with the insurance offer, your attorney can help you in getting the deserved compensation by filing a lawsuit against it.

Try Options Beyond Insurance

In some cases, the damage is so serious that it can’t be covered by the drunk driver’s insurance. Your policy may give additional coverage through uninsured motorist protection if the drunk driver does not have the required insurance.

Driving while drunk is careless behavior. If you are a victim of such an accident, you also have the right to punish the driver under punitive damages. In some cases, a bar or restaurant that serves alcohol to a person who is already drunk can be held accountable under “dram shop” laws.

Make Your Recovery Journey Easy!

If you or your loved ones are going through a situation like this, do not face it alone. This can be an emotionally, physically, and financially exhausting condition, and getting out of it is important for your well-being. You have the full right to get legal guidance and make sure that you receive the compensation you deserve to help get your life back on track.