Over one million U.S. drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol in 2016. If you’re injured by a drunk driver, the last thing on your mind is the mess of legal struggles ahead, but these legal proceedings are one of the most important aspects of the accident if you wish to fully recover damages caused by the negligent driver.
Impaired drivers face hefty, but necessary, criminal penalties and are also liable for any damages and injuries caused to you. Here are the steps you need to take if you, or a loved-one, are hit by a drunk driver.
Call The Police.
If you are able, call the police to immediately document the accident, especially if you suspect the driver is impaired. Not only will a police officer help you gather information and assess the accident, they are also the first step in bringing a criminal conviction against the impaired driver; a much-needed conviction if you wish to receive full compensation for any damages caused by the accident.
It’s important to fully cooperate with the police and give them all the information they need to help you out. They know this is an unfortunate situation and will do their part to ensure justice is served. Impaired drivers may flee the scene to avoid the repercussions of their actions. In that case, there are many options you can take to seek compensation.
Even if they leave a fender bender and, for some reason, you do not feel it necessary to call the police, it’s your civic duty to contact the authorities with information on the impaired driver. While you may have been lucky enough to only receive minimal damage and/or injury, someone down the road might not be so fortunate.
Receive Medical Treatment.
Even if you feel fine, injuries caused by the accident are not always apparent immediately, and sometimes symptoms may not surface until weeks later. Medical examiners will identify any injuries that were sustained, including those that may be initially masked by a post-accident adrenaline rush. Seeking medical help following an accident is a vital step not only to your recovery, but also to receiving compensation from those at fault.
Schedule a free consultation with Friedman Law
Insurance companies make money by paying people as little as possible. For instance, the impaired driver’s insurance company (if they have one) may try to do all that they can to sell you short of necessary compensation for the injuries you received from the accident. The company will likely try to pressure you into an early settlement with a low-payout. Hiring an experienced personal injury attorney gives you the best odds of receiving the compensation needed to cover any damages, injuries, and suffering caused by the accident.
At Friedman Law Offices, P.C., L.L.O, we are dedicated to achieving justice for injury victims. With a focus on personal injury law and over 50 years of experience, we have the ability to assist with all aspects of the legal journey. If you have been injured, please get in touch with us – our personal injury attorneys advocate for clients throughout the state of Nebraska. You can contact us online, call (866) 458-5468, or call toll-free (888) 419-6876.