DUI is the leading cause of accidents in the US. A grim statistic to back up this fact is: nearly 32 people lose their lives in DUI cases daily, which is one death per 45 minutes. As a result, there are increasing lawsuits and drunk driving accident claims in all the US states. Drunk driving is a serious problem that can lead to devastating accidents and injuries. If you are involved in an accident caused by a drunk driver, it is important to take the necessary steps to protect yourself and to ensure that you get the compensation you are entitled to. Consult with reputed law firms, such as Varner Faddis Elite Legal, LLC, to learn what to do in the event of an accident.
Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when dealing with a drunk driving accident claim:
Do’s
You must do the following things after a DUI accident;
Call the Police
Call 911 to report the accident and request that a police officer is sent to the scene. The police will investigate and do a field sobriety test on the other driver. If the driver is found to be under the influence, they will be arrested and charged with DUI.
Get Medical Attention
Even if you feel okay after the accident, it is important to get medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries, such as head injuries and internal ones, are not apparent immediately. It is also important to document any injuries to include them in your insurance claim or lawsuit afterward.
Gather Evidence
Collect as much evidence as possible at the scene of the accident, including photos, witness statements, and contact information. This evidence will be important if you decide to file a personal injury lawsuit or an insurance claim.
Contact an Attorney
It is a good idea to contact a personal injury attorney who specializes in representing victims of drunk driving accidents. An attorney can help you to navigate the legal process and can also negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.
Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
Notify your insurance company of the accident as soon as possible. They will need all the information about the accident to process your claim.
Cooperate with the Police and Insurance Company
Be sure to cooperate fully with the police and your insurance company throughout the investigation and claim process. This includes providing them with any information they need, such as a statement or accident report.
Don’ts
The following things will jeopardize the outcome of your case, so be sure to avoid them;
Revealing Information
It is important not to discuss your legal case on social media or with any third party for several reasons. Anything you post on social media or say to someone else can be used against you in court. This can include statements you make about the accident, your injuries, or your financial situation. If you discuss your case on social media or with someone else, it can harm your credibility in court. The other side may argue that you are not being truthful or that you are exaggerating your injuries.
Don’t Communicate with the Other Party
The opposing party may try to misrepresent the facts of the accident or the extent of your injuries to reduce their liability or to deny your claim. Your attorney can help to ensure that the facts are accurately represented. The opposing party might even try to pressure you into settling your claim for less than you are entitled to.
So, these are the dos and don’ts that you must take care of if you have filed a drunk driving accident case in court. Remember, DUI cases involve a lot of victim blaming even if the facts are concrete. Therefore, hire an attorney to not only get the best results but to avoid any mistakes that can harm your case.