If you have been the victim in a car accident when the other driver was driving under the influence, it's import to make sure that the accident is well documented. Driving under the influence is a criminal offense, and to establish liability it is important to establish that the driver was intoxicated. There are a number of steps you can take to ensure that your personal injury lawsuit is handled appropriately when you have been injured by a drunk driver.
Call the Police at the Time of the Accident
Any car accident should have the police involved, if only to establish that there was an accident and have an official report. If you notice that the other driver is intoxicated, it is imperative to call the police immediately and let them know what you suspect. As you wait for the police to arrive, write down any information that you can remember about the accident so that you can report to the police. Look around for witnesses, and talk with the other driver if possible to gather information.
Take Pictures of the Scene
Using your cell phone, take pictures of the scene. Walk completely around both cars if you are able, taking images of any damage done to either car. Look for skid marks, broken glass and any road hazards, and take pictures of what you see.
Get Medical Treatment Immediately
If you have serious injuries, it is clear that you won't be able to gather information or wait for the police to arrive. If you have injuries that allow you to wait for the police, it's important to gather as much information that you can. Seek medical care for any injuries you receive, and report to the treating physician that you were just in a car accident.
Review the Police Report of the Accident
As one party in an accident, you have the right to review the accident report created by the responding officer. If the other driver was drunk and this was not indicated in the report, ask the reporting officer why this was left out. Look to see if the conditions of the road, including weather conditions, were reported correctly and ask that the report be modified if you believe there are significant errors in the report.
Seek a Personal Injury Attorney
Fighting a case against a drunk driver should not be taken on alone. Remember, they are trying to prove that they were not drunk at the time, and they will not readily admit to causing personal injury. With the help of an attorney (such as Starnes Rob P. LLC, Attorney At Law), you will have a much better chance of winning your personal injury lawsuit.
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