I Was Hit By a Drunk Driver, Now What?

Car Accident Lawyer

It is common knowledge that driving while under the influence of alcohol can seriously hinder our ability to perform even the simplest of tasks. So when a drunk driver gets behind the wheel of a car and jets onto the road, tragedy can unfold swiftly and suddenly. The innocent driver who was hit, may now have to deal with stress, insurance companies, painful injuries, vehicle repairs, and more. It is understandable that the victim driver may think about suing the drunk driver for compensation, as a way to pay medical bills and other losses. 

Q: Is it necessary that I call the police?

A: Anytime a person has been part of a car accident, it is recommended that they call 911. An officer can create an accident report for what happened, and an arrest of the drunk driver may be needed. If you do not call the police and the driver gets back into the car, another accident may ensue. 

By calling for help, you can also get a medical evaluation from an ambulance team to see if you sustained any serious injuries. Many people may decline medical care at the scene due to believing they have no injuries at all. However, when our body is flooded with adrenaline due to shock, we may not know what parts of our bodies were harmed due to the impact until hours later. 

Q: Is there anything I should know when providing a statement?

A: When providing your side of the story for the accident report, let the officer know what signs you observed in the driver that made you believe he or she was intoxicated. For example, share with the officer if you noticed the driver was slurring his or her words, seemed off balance, smelled of alcohol, became hostile, or any other observations. 

If the officer asks you about how you are feeling, do not say that you have no injuries. While in the moment you may think you are okay, it is possible that an injury can start to present itself in the days following. But, then it’ll be too late to add this information into the officer’s accident report. 

Q: What types of proof do I need to gather?

A: Impactful pieces of evidence to gather after a car accident include photographs, witness statements, the drunk driver’s information, medical bills, doctor’s evaluations, and anything else related to what happened. The more information you have, the stronger your case can be if you decide to file a civil lawsuit against the drunk driver who hit you. 

Q: What are my chances at getting compensation? 

A: A driver who was hit by a drunk driver may want to find a way to recover financially for damages and losses. The innocent driver may now have his or her life flipped upside down, because another person made a horrible judgement to drive a car while drunk. The more evidence that is brought forward, the higher the chances are of receiving the amount of compensation required to cover current and future expenses due to the accident. 

If you’ve been in an accident with a drunk driver, be sure to consult with an auto accident lawyer in Salt Lake City, UT for legal advice and guidance.

Thanks to Rasmussen & Miner for their insight into personal injury claims and car accidents with a drunk driver.