What do you do if you get in a car accident while driving drunk? It can be a confusing and scary situation, especially if you’re not sure what to do. In this blog post, we will outline six essential steps that you need to take if you find yourself in this situation. By following these tips, you can help protect yourself and make the process easier for everyone involved.
1. Get a lawyer
The first thing you need to do is get a lawyer. This is important because you will need someone to protect your rights and help you navigate the legal process. There are many types of lawyers, so make sure you find one that specializes in drunk driving accidents. For example, a drunk driving accident lawyer in Athens can help you with your case if you live in Georgia.
This means that they have experience dealing with the specific laws and procedures in your state. While you may be tempted to try to handle the case on your own, it’s important to remember that the other driver will likely have a lawyer. This is why it’s so important to level the playing field with legal representation.
2. Gather evidence for your case
The next step is to gather evidence for your case. This includes things like police reports, eyewitness statements, and medical records. It’s important to get as much evidence as possible to support your claim. The more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be.
Remember, the other driver will be trying to disprove your claim, so it’s important to have as much evidence as possible on your side. One of the best pieces of evidence you can have is a video recording of the accident. If you have a dashcam or security camera footage of the accident, this can be invaluable in proving what happened. The other driver may try to say that you were at fault, but if there’s video footage of the accident, it will be much harder for them to make that claim.
3. Get the other driver’s information
The next step is to get the other driver’s information. This includes their name, address, phone number, and insurance information. You will need this information to file a claim with their insurance company.
It’s also important to get this information so that you can contact them if you need to. For example, if they try to leave the scene of the accident or give false information, you will need their contact information to follow up with them.
Getting the other driver’s information can be difficult, especially if they are uncooperative. In some cases, you may need to call the police to get their information. If the other driver refuses to give you their information, make sure you get the police involved so that they can get the information for you.
4. File a police report
The next step is to file a police report. This is important because it will create an official record of the accident. The police report will also include important information like the other driver’s information, insurance information, and a description of the accident.
In some cases, the police report can be used as evidence in your case. For example, if the other driver claims that you were at fault for the accident, but the police report says otherwise, this can help disprove their claim.
5. Follow your doctor’s instructions as ordered
The next step is to follow your doctor’s instructions. This is important because you need to make sure you are taking care of yourself after the accident. Your doctor will likely give you a list of instructions to follow, such as rest, ice, and elevation.
It’s important to follow these instructions so that you can recover from your injuries as quickly as possible. In addition to following your doctor’s instructions, you should also be sure to keep all of your medical records and bills. These can be used as evidence in your case if you decide to file a personal injury claim.
6. File the claim on time
The last step is to file the claim on time. This is important because there are deadlines for filing claims. In most states, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. If you don’t file the claim within this timeframe, you may be unable to get compensation for your injuries. When it comes to filing a claim, it’s important to consult with a lawyer so that you can be sure everything is done correctly.
It’s a good idea to have a lawyer on your side because they will be able to help you navigate the legal process and ensure that you get the compensation you deserve.
If you get in a car accident while driving drunk, it’s important to follow these steps. By taking these steps, you can help protect yourself and your rights. If you have any questions about what to do in this situation, make sure to speak with a lawyer who specializes in drunk driving accidents. They will be able to advise you on how to best handle your case. Good luck!
