It’s every driver’s worst nightmare. I was out on the open road, minding my own business when suddenly a drunk driver hit me. In a split second, everything changed, and I was left with the aftermath of a car accident.
If you’re lucky in a car accident, it may just be a fender bender. But if the other driver is drunk, things can get a lot worse.
Here are nine tips for what to do if you find yourself in this situation.
1. Remain Calm
Remaining calm can be challenging to do in the heat of the moment, but it’s important to try to stay calm.
Losing your cool will only worsen the situation and could result in you getting hurt.
Do not approach the other driver or try to argue with them. Simply exchange insurance information and wait for the police to arrive.
If they are drunk, there is a good chance they will become combative, and you don’t want to put yourself in harm’s way.
2. Seek Medical Attention
If you were injured in the accident, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Getting checked out by a doctor will also give you documentation of your injuries in case you need to file a personal injury claim later on.
3. Call the Police
Calling the police is an important step in drunk driving accident cases.
The police can document the accident and determine if the other driver was indeed drunk.
This will be important evidence if you take legal action against the drunk driver.
4. Gather Evidence
If you have a camera on your phone, take pictures of the accident scene.
These photos can be used as evidence later on. You should also try to get the contact information of any witnesses who saw the accident.
They may be able to provide valuable testimony if your case goes to court.
5. Speak to an Attorney
Speaking to an experienced personal injury attorney is a good idea if you’ve been involved in a drunk driving accident.
An attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options and will fight for fair compensation for your injuries.
6. File an Insurance Claim
If the drunk driver has insurance, you should file a claim with their insurance company.
Even if they don’t have insurance, you may still be able to file a claim with your own insurer.
An experienced attorney can help you navigate the claims process and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
7. Seek Treatment for Emotional Trauma
In addition to physical injuries, drunk driving accidents can also cause psychological trauma.
If you’re struggling to cope with what happened, it’s important to seek treatment from a mental health professional.
Talking about your feelings and getting help from a therapist can make a difference.
8. Join a Support Group
There are many drunk driving victim support groups available.
These groups can provide valuable support and help you connect with others who have been through similar experiences.
9. Take Legal Action
If you want to hold the drunk driver responsible for what they did, you may decide to take legal action.
Filing a personal injury lawsuit can be a long and complicated process, but it may be the best way to get justice in your case.
Conclusion
No one ever expects to be involved in a car accident, let alone one caused by a drunk driver.
But if it does happen, it’s important to know what to do.
Following these tips can protect yourself and your rights after a drunk driving accident.