When you’re involved in an accident, the last thing you expect when you try to exchange insurance information with the other driver is for them to be visibly intoxicated. Unfortunately, these accidents are incredibly common, so understanding how to proceed if you’ve been struck by a drunk driver is critical. The following blog explores what you should know about these difficult matters and why working with a Broward County auto accident attorney is in your best interest to fight for the compensation you deserve.
What Should I Do After an Accident With a Drunk Driver?
If you are involved in an accident with a driver whom you believe to be under the influence, understanding how to proceed is critical. These accidents can be catastrophic, so protecting yourself is vital. You should immediately contact the police to report the accident and request medical attention, even if you feel okay after the collision. When on the phone with the police, you should inform them of your suspicions regarding the other driver’s intoxication. This helps ensure they can adequately assess this matter when they arrive on the scene.
You should take photos and videos of the accident scene if you are physically able to. This can help provide evidence when pursuing a claim against the other driver for their negligent actions. You should ensure you photograph the damage to both vehicles, the position of the vehicles on the road, and any visible injuries you’ve sustained as a result of the collision.
If there are any witnesses, you should also speak with them to get their contact information. Having witness testimony can assist you in corroborating your account of how the accident occurred.
How Can I Fight For Compensation?
Proving liability after an accident can be incredibly challenging. Aside from gathering evidence, one of the most important things you can do following a collision is to connect with an experienced attorney. Your lawyer can help organize your case to fight to show that the other driver should be held liable for the damages they inflicted. It’s important to note that a drunk driving accident is considered negligence per se. This essentially means the act was negligent in and of itself because it violated laws in place to help protect the general public from harm.
In drunk driving cases, the burden of proof is lower. As such, you’ll need to show that the defendant violated the law and as a result, you sustained an injury.
Being involved in an accident with a drunk driver can be incredibly devastating, as you may sustain a number of life-altering injuries. If you’ve been injured, connecting with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible is in your best interest. At the Finizio Law Group, we understand how difficult these matters can be to navigate, especially when trying to heal from the injuries you’ve endured. That’s why our legal team is dedicated to fighting for the justice you deserve. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you.
