Did you know that Texas has one of the highest amounts of annual alcohol-related fatalities due to drunk driving? There are about 1,677 fatalities yearly because of drunk driving.
If you have found yourself in a drunk driving accident and were hit by a drunk driver, you may be trying to figure out what’s next. There are a few crucial steps to follow from the get-go.
Here is what you should do following a DUI accident.
Call 9-1-1 or the Local Police
The first thing that you need to do if you are hit by a drunk driver is to call 9-1-1 or the local police office. It doesn’t matter how severe you think the accident is. You may not be able to tell the severity of the situation, especially if you are dealing with the panic and adrenaline of the situation.
You should call the authorities no matter what if you see that either of you has sustained an injury. It is crucial to get the help you need right away.
Once you call for help, they will better be able to assist the situation and act in the way that they should.
However, either way, it is important that you mention if you feel that the driver is under the influence. This can affect how the rest of the situation goes.
When the cops come, you want to make sure that you are giving them a detailed statement. You should tell them every detail that you can remember as they all matter.
A police officer can administer DUI tests to see if the other driver is drunk and then can potentially arrest him if there is intoxication in the test.
Always Remain Calm
One of the most important things to remember in any situation, but especially if you are dealing with a drunk driver, is to remain calm. You don’t know how the other person is feeling and what they are going to do in the situation.
You do not want them to become distressed or agitated as this can make the situation much worse.
If the other driver that hit you is not in the condition to give you their ID or insurance, then you should be sure to take a photo of the license plate number and write down the car make and model so that you have that information at a later date. However, if the other driver is able to converse with you and give you information, it is best to get everything you need through verbal communication and writing it down or taking photos.
You will need to use your judgment to feel out the situation that you are in.
Seek Medical Attention
Once you are done on the scene and have given your account of the situation as well as gather the information that you need, you should first seek medical attention to make sure that you are okay.
Even if you feel okay, it is better to go get checked out as some things may not show up right away.
Doctors will be able to evaluate you to see what kind of situation you have on your hands.
Additionally, getting the medical records is important for the case if you are going to hire an attorney to take the case to court or get the settlement that you deserve for any damages or injuries.
Discuss With Your Insurance Company
Once you make sure that you do not have any injuries (or even if you do), you need to notify your insurance company of what has happened. This should be done as quickly as possible after the accident.
When you contact them, you should give them all the details about the accident and what happened.
Your insurance company will then guide you through the steps that you need to take from here on forward. They will take care of a lot of it, but they will also tell you what you need to do for your part.
Hire a DWI Attorney
The next step you need to take is to hire a DWI attorney to help you with your claim. They will help you file a civil lawsuit against the drunk driver who hit you. They will also be able to gather sufficient evidence on your behalf since they are aware of what they are doing for the case.
Additionally, a lawyer that you hire will be able to protect your rights in a way that you wouldn’t be able to on your own. For starters, they are aware of what your rights are and the ins and outs of the law. Because of this, their knowledge can help you win in court or get the settlement that you want.
What to Do If You Are Hit by a Drunk Driver
If you are hit by a drunk driver, this can be a very scary situation. The first thing you need to do is take a breath and remain calm so that you can think clearly about the situation.
From there, you are going to call 9-1-1 or the local authorities, recount the incident to the officers, get the medical attention you need, and then hire an attorney to do the rest.
If you are in need of a lawyer, you can contact us at Deandra Grant Law – your DWI attorney in Austin, Texas. We are here to help you with your personal injury claim and to get the results that you deserve!
