If you are ever in a car accident, the first thing you should do is call the police. In this article, we will go over what to do after being hit by a drunk driver. The most important thing is to stay calm and be prepared for what comes next. First, we will determine the extent of injuries and take pictures for evidence. Then, we should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Finally, we need to keep a record of what happened. Here are seven steps to help you properly deal with the damage.
Check If You Have Any Injuries
Let’s start with making sure that your injuries are not serious. We could be dealing with a cut, fracture, shock, or brain damage from internal bleeding, just to name a few. You need to take note of your injuries, so you know how bad it is and if you’re bleeding. It’s also important that you get medical attention immediately because any untreated injury can get worse or lead to infection.
Check If Anyone Else Is Injured
Once you have ascertained the state of your own injuries, you need to check if anyone else is injured. If there are passengers in your vehicle, they might be bleeding or have a spinal injury that does not allow them to move their bodies freely. You may also notice that other cars on the road seem to have damage or dents on them, indicating that there could be casualties. In this case, you should call 911 and report the accident to the fire department, ambulance service, or police immediately.
Call The Police
After a car accident, you should call the police and report that there has been a car crash and someone is hurt. When reporting the incident, be sure to only tell them about what happened, not about how it happened. You can give them as much information as possible without putting yourself at risk. Do not say that you are at fault for the accident or that you have been drinking. Once the police arrive, they will ask you to sign a complaint form before taking your report.
This step is important because you want to keep a record of your event in case you need it for any future claims. It is also important to note the names and badge numbers of the police officers that are involved in this accident.
Find A Trustworthy Lawyer
If you have been involved in a car accident because someone was driving under the influence, then it is important that you seek legal counsel. You need to fight for your compensation and prove that the person who hit you is at fault. If they plead guilty, then there will be no trial, but if not, you will get to tell your side of the story in a courtroom. Finding a good lawyer may take a little bit of time, but it is worth it since you will be compensated fairly. As the team from Miami Lawyers 360 emphasized, you should look for a lawyer that has experience in these types of cases. This way, you will have a better chance of winning and successfully completing the case.
Take Pictures Of The Accident Scene
Because we have a camera on our phones these days, it’s best if we take pictures of the scene right after an accident has happened. Taking a picture of the crash site is helpful to have as evidence when presenting your case before the court. You could also take a picture of yourself with injuries, along with written proof that you were at the wrong place at the wrong time. This way you can ask for damages or compensation after being hit by a drunk driver.
Gathering evidence is important if you want to win your case and get compensated for your injuries and damages. It is also important to collect the contact details of any witnesses that saw what happened. Make sure to take a picture of the drunk driver’s license plates and contact information so you can reach out to them later on.
Seek Medical Attention
After an accident involving a drunk driver, it is vital to seek medical attention. We must understand that even if there are no visible injuries right after an incident, there might be internal damage that can lead to infection or other complications later on. Seek medical attention immediately and get yourself checked at the emergency room for any major bodily harm. If you have broken bones that need to be set, you should go to the hospital immediately. If you are experiencing shock after an accident, the doctors will give you medication right away so that you can recover faster.
Do not attempt to recover on your own. If you have been in a car accident because of someone else, then there is a good chance that the person responsible has insurance. So go to the hospital and get yourself checked out.
Talk To A Therapist
Talking to a therapist is also an important part of the healing process after being hit by a drunk driver. They will help you deal with your emotions and get back on your feet. For some people, this could be the most beneficial action they can take after such an accident because it allows them to release their pent-up emotions in a safe environment.
A therapist can also help you understand if you are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD can produce symptoms that may interfere with your day-to-day life, affecting your relationships and ability to function at work. If this is the case, then it would be best to see a therapist or other mental health professional.
Getting hit by a drunk driver is a traumatizing experience that can lead to long-term impacts. If you have been in such an accident and you’re unsure of what actions to take, then just follow these seven steps. Make sure to call the police, contact your doctor, talk to a lawyer and take pictures of the accident scene. If you are experiencing PTSD, visit a therapist right away so you can recover faster. Remember to contact your insurance company if your car was damaged or totaled during an accident with a drunk driver. Good luck!
