What to Do When You're a Victim of a Drunk Driver
Drunk driving accidents claim the lives of thousands of Americans each year and injure numerous others. As a criminal offense, drunk drivers can be held accountable in criminal courts for violating the law, and be subjected to penalties that include extensive fines and possible terms of imprisonment. While drivers may face their day in court, it is important for victims to understand that criminal proceedings concern only whether a motorist is guilty of a criminal offense, not whether they are liable for damages suffered by the victims and families they harm.
Because criminal and civil cases are conducted independently from one another, injured victims will need to make their voices heard outside of our criminal justice system. By pursuing a personal injury case, victims will have the opportunity, with the help of an attorney, to prove that the negligence of a drunk driver more likely than not caused them harm, and that the driver should be held liable for providing them with financial compensation.
At the Law Offices of Vic Feazell, P.C., our personal injury lawyers have extensive experience advocating for car accident victims, including those who were harmed in wrecks caused by drunk and impaired drivers. If you or someone you love has been hurt in a crash where caused by a driver who was intoxicated, there are a few important things you can do to protect your right to compensation.
Seek Immediate Medical Treatment
Getting immediate medical attention should always be the top priority after an accident. Not only is going to the doctor important for your health, it can also be critical to your personal injury claim, if you wish to file one. This is because insurance companies are quick to highlight when a victim delays in getting medical treatment, often arguing that it means they weren’t really hurt in a wreck after all, even if they have been struggling with pain the whole time.
Record as Many Details as You Can
Gathering as much information and evidence related to the crash is important, and you should take steps to collect as much as you can. This will include contact information from all parties and witnesses involved, vehicle and insurance information, driver’s license numbers and license plate numbers, and, if possible, photographs of the scene where the accident took place. You can also write down as many details about the crash as you can while the event is still fresh in your mind.
Watch What You Say to Insurance Companies
After any type of wreck, it is important that you remember insurance companies are not on your side. They are defending themselves against having to pay victims for damages caused by their policyholders, and they may go to great lengths in doing so – whether that means getting you to say something that can be used against you or offering a low-ball settlement offer when you still don’t know the full nature of your damages. Don’t trust insurers, and be careful of speaking with them when you don’t have to.
Call a Lawyer
Consulting a qualified and experienced lawyer as soon as possible after your accident can make all the difference in your case. With legal representatives like those at our firm by your side, you can benefit from guidance every step of the way, as well as seasoned professionals who handle all insurance company communication and legal work. Our firm fights to maximize the compensation our victims secure, and there’s no substitute for that.
The aftermath following an unexpected wreck can make for an overwhelming experience, especially if you or a loved one require medical treatment for injuries caused by that wreck. As such, the most important thing you can do to ensure the appropriate steps are being taken is to reach out for the assistance of proven personal injury lawyers like those at our firm.
Our legal team at the Law Offices of Vic Feazell, P.C. is dedicated to helping victims navigate the challenges of personal injury cases, and to fighting for the compensation they deserve. This includes compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, among others. If you wish to learn more about your right to compensation following a drunk driving accident, waste no time in calling our firm for a free consultation. We’re here to help. Contact us to get started.