If you were hit by a drunk driver, you may be wondering what to do next. Drunk drivers are a danger to everyone on the road, and that’s why it’s important to take action decisively to protect yourself and other people who may encounter them.
Seek medical attention immediately
Adrenaline can mask the pain of injuries, so it’s important to get checked out by a doctor even if you don’t think you’re hurt. Many personal injury cases involve internal bleeding or other injuries that may not be immediately apparent. If you have any serious injuries, go to the hospital right away or call 911.
Get the police involved
Drunk driving is a crime, and the police will want to apprehend the driver and gather evidence at the scene. You may also need a police report for your personal injury claim. Be sure to get the name and badge number of the officer who takes your report.
Collect evidence
If you can, take pictures of the accident scene and your injuries. This will be helpful in documenting the damages caused by the drunk driver. You should also get contact information for any witnesses to the accident. If you have a dash cam or other video footage of the accident, that will be extremely valuable as well.
Contact your insurance company
If you have auto insurance, you will need to contact your insurer to file a claim. Be sure to keep track of all conversations and correspondence with your insurance company.
The penalties for drunk driving can be severe and may include jail time, a driver’s license suspension, and hefty fines. If the accident caused serious injuries or death, the driver may also face felony charges.