According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2020, more than 11,000 people lost their lives in preventable drinking-related car accidents. Knowing what to do to protect yourself after being hurt by a drunk driver is critical. From calling the authorities to getting in touch with an experienced car accident lawyer, your actions can make all the difference in terms of recovering physically and financially.
Call 911
Calling 911 alerts the authorities of the accident. You may also need to separately call the police, although 911 operators often do that on your behalf. You should ask if you are unsure.
You want first responders and officers on the scene as soon as possible. Their presence allows seriously injured drivers, passengers, and pedestrians to get care. Additionally, it provides documentation of when and where your accident happened. The responding officer will create a report that you can get a copy at a later time.
Exchange Information With the Other Driver
It may be appropriate for you to wait to talk with the other driver until police arrive at the scene, especially if the driver is intoxicated. Common signs of intoxication are impaired balance and movement, slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, and a pervasive alcohol smell. Rather than trying to exchange information with the driver alone, ask the police to mediate your conversation.
Be careful about what you say during any exchanges. Do not get belligerent, make accusations, or place blame. If the allegedly drunk driver leaves the scene immediately or before responders arrive, capture a photo of the car’s license plate if you can.
Document the Crash Site
Taking pictures and videos might be the last thing on your mind after getting in a drunk driving accident. Nevertheless, do your best to use your cell phone to document the crash site.
Some things to capture on camera or video include:
- Both vehicles, including all angles and damage.
- Potential evidence to prove the other driver was drunk, such as empty alcohol cans or a short video of the driver having difficulty walking or speaking.
- The accident scene showing exactly where everything took place.
Get Medical Treatment
You may feel like you have not sustained any injuries after your crash. You could be correct. On the other hand, your adrenaline and shock might be masking the true nature and extent of your injuries. Many conditions, including whiplash, do not show up immediately.
Your best course of action is to go to an urgent care or emergency room to be examined by a medical professional. Another option is to see your primary health care provider within one or two days of the accident. The sooner you are seen, the faster you can get a diagnosis and treatment.
If you are hurt, you should keep going to your appointments and doing everything your doctors recommend. Stopping treatment because of money is understandable but could be used against you.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer
Working with a car accident lawyer is important if you wish to file a personal injury suit. Your attorney will protect your rights while you focus on your recovery. If your case goes to court, your lawyer can serve as your legal representative.
Call Our West Chester Car Accident Lawyers at Eckell Sparks After a Drunk Driving Accident
If you have been hurt in a drunk driving crash, contact our West Chester car accident lawyers at Eckell, Sparks, Levy, Auerbach, Monte, Sloane, Matthews & Auslander, P.C. Call us at 610-565-3701 or contact us online to schedule a consultation. Located in Media and West Chester, Pennsylvania, we serve clients in Chester County, Delaware County, and Montgomery County.