Suffering an injury in a drunk driving accident can be a painful and overwhelming experience. During this difficult and confusing time, a North Texas drunk driving accident attorney will provide the guidance needed to pursue fair compensation. However, before contacting a law firm, taking a few key steps on your own helps protect your legal rights and supports a faster recovery. Here’s what to do immediately after a drunk driving accident.
What Steps to Take if You’re Hit by a Drunk Driver
The strength of a future legal claim may depend on the actions you take immediately after the crash. By following a proven set of steps, your attorney will have the information needed to quickly build a strong case.
Immediately After an Accident
Directly after the accident, call 911 for immediate assistance. Do not move unless there is a fire risk or you are not safely out of traffic. Moving can increase the risk of making your injuries worse. You may not feel the extent of your injuries due to the adrenaline of the car accident. Try to remain as calm as possible. Do not approach the drunk driver. People under the influence of alcohol may become violent, especially after an accident. Wait until emergency personnel arrive.
Gather Information
If you can, try to gather information about the people involved in the accident, the car description, license plate, witness contact information, and take pictures of the scene with your cellphone. Get a phone number, name, and badge number of the police on scene. This will be valuable information for you later on. You should also document your own account of the crash as soon as possible. Be as specific as you can when recording this information, as memories are likely to fade quickly. After you have been assessed by a doctor, you can also request medical records to demonstrate the extent of the injuries. Unfortunately, protecting yourself from drunk driving accidents is difficult. However, you can improve your chances of recovering substantial compensation by documenting all relevant information.
Call an Attorney
It is crucial that you speak to an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible. Call a few attorneys in your area with specific experience in drunk driving accidents and schedule an initial consultation. This is a short meeting in which you will discuss the facts of your case and the attorney will make suggestions on how to move forward. There are certain time limitations that may bar you from compensation if you wait too long. An experienced personal injury attorney will become an important ally after a crash, ensuring your rights are protected and helping you navigate the legal process.
Speak With a Car Accident Attorney in McKinney
Lucé Law, PC provides legal advice and representation for victims of drunk driving accidents. Our experienced car accident attorneys can help you secure the compensation you deserve for lost earnings, medical bills and other damages. Call (972) 632-1300 or request a free legal consultation now.
