What to Do After Being Hit By a Drunk Driver?

If you’ve been hit by a drunk driver, it is important to take certain steps to protect your rights and ensure that you are properly compensated for any damages or injuries. Here are some steps to take after being hit by an intoxicated driver:

1. Seek medical attention from a medical professional. Even if you do not feel injured, it is important to get checked out to rule out any unseen injuries. Also, ensure you get a copy of your medical records.

2. Call the police and report the incident. Make sure to get a copy of the police accident report for your records. The police officer should also arrest if they find probable cause that the driver was driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

3. Collect evidence at the accident scene. Take pictures of any damage caused by the accident, as well as the driver’s license plate number.

4. Contact your insurance company to report the accident and provide them with any documentation you have collected.

5. Speak to a personal injury lawyer experienced in drunk driving cases. A drunk driving accident lawyer can help you navigate the personal injury lawsuit legal process and fight for your rights in court.

6. File a personal injury claim against the impaired driver or their insurance company for damages caused by the accident.

7. Be prepared to testify in court if necessary.

Being involved in a car accident with a drunk driver can be a challenging experience for accident victims, and it is crucial to take the necessary actions to ensure you receive fair compensation for any harm or damage caused.

If you find yourself in this situation, it is important to follow these steps to safeguard your rights, seek legal help, and consider reaching out to Ktenas Injury Attorneys experienced personal injury lawyers in Chicago for additional support.

The Dangers of Drunk Driving

Drunk driving is an extremely dangerous activity that puts everyone on the road at risk. Unfortunately, many people continue to drive under the influence of alcohol and other drugs, despite laws in place to deter them from doing so. When a person is hit by a drunk driver, it can have serious consequences for their physical, emotional, and financial well-being.

The most immediate danger of being hit by a drunk driver is the potential for serious injury or death. In addition, victims of drunk driving accidents can suffer from emotional distress and financial hardship due to medical bills, lost wages from missed work, and other costs associated with the accident.

It is important to hold drunk drivers accountable for their actions and take steps to prevent future accidents. If you have been hit by a drunk driver, it is important to seek legal help and pursue justice. Contact Ktenas Injury Attorneys for further advice and guidance.

Immediate Steps After An Accident

After an alcohol-related accident, it is important to take the following steps immediately after the accident.

Call the Police

If you are involved in an accident with a drunk driver, it is important to call law enforcement and report the incident. The police will come to the scene and take statements from both parties involved, as well as any witnesses.

They will also check to see if the other driver was drinking and gather evidence of intoxication such as conducting a field sobriety test and checking for signs such as slurred speech. If the other driver is intoxicated, they will be arrested and charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI).

Seek Medical Attention

If you have been hit by a drunk driver, seeking medical treatment should be your priority. You must get evaluated and treated by a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Even if you don’t feel any physical pain or discomfort, there could be hidden internal injuries that would require immediate medical attention.

Related Questions: Can I seek compensation for future medical treatment?

Additionally, it’s important to document any injuries that may have occurred due to the accident for future legal proceedings.

Document the Scene

If you’ve been involved in an alcohol-related crash it’s important to document the scene of the accident. This is critical for insurance and legal purposes. Take pictures to capture the overall scene and any damage done to both vehicles. Make sure you get close-up shots of the car that hit you, including its license plate and any other identifying details.

You should also take note of any changes in the environment since the accident, such as broken glass or spilled liquids. Additionally, exchange auto insurance policy information with the other driver and get contact information from any witnesses to the accident.

Collect Contact Information from Witnesses and Other Drivers

If you have been involved in an accident that was caused by a drunk driver, one of the most important steps is to collect contact information from any witnesses and other drivers who were present at the scene.

Witness testimony can be invaluable when it comes to proving fault in a car accident case involving a drunk driver. If there are other drivers involved, their statements and evidence could also be used to prove negligence in court.

Contact Your Insurance Company

If you've been hit by a drunk driver, it's important to contact your insurance company as soon as possible. The sooner you notify them, the better they can protect your interests.

Depending on the state in which the auto accident occurred and the coverage you have, your insurance company may be able to provide you with compensation for medical bills, property damage, and other losses related to the accident. They may also be able to help you with the legal process of holding the other driver responsible.

FAQ: How long does an insurance company have to pay an accident claim in Illinois?

Resolving Your Situation After an Accident with a Drunk Driver

If you have been hit by a drunk driver, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. It is important to remain calm and remember that the steps you take can help ensure that your rights are protected and that your medical bills, wage loss, and other losses are paid for. Here is an outline of the steps you should take after an accident with a drunk driver:

Filing a Claim with the Driver’s Insurance Company

If you’ve been hit by a drunk driver, it’s important to take the appropriate steps to ensure that you receive compensation for your medical bills and other damages. Filing a personal injury claim with the driver’s insurance company is one of those steps.

Once you have gathered all of the necessary information related to the incident, such as police reports and witness statements, contact the driver’s insurance company and start the claims process.

Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney for Assistance

Drunk driving accident victims may be wondering what to do next. One of the most important steps is to hire a qualified accident attorney to help you seek compensation for your losses. An experienced car accident attorney can help you throughout the entire process and can ensure that your rights are being upheld.

When it comes to dealing with insurance companies, an experienced personal injury attorney can help you secure a fair settlement. They can also represent you in court if necessary and make sure that the other party is held accountable for their actions.

Consider Whether to File Criminal Charges Against the Driver

If you've been hit by a drunk driver, the first and most important thing to do is seek medical attention. Once you have been checked for any injuries, you should then consider whether or not to file criminal charges against the driver.

Whether or not you decide to take legal action against the driver, you must remember that drunk driving is illegal and can be extremely dangerous.

Understanding the Different Types of Damages You May be Entitled to Receive

If you’ve been hit by a drunk driver in Illinois, it’s important to understand the different types of damages you may be entitled to receive. Depending on the severity of the accident and the extent of your injuries, you may be eligible for compensation for damages both economic and non-economic damages.

Economic damages are those which have a specific monetary value attached. This could include medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages are those which do not have a specific monetary value attached. This could include pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Call Ktenas Injury Attorneys Today for a Free Consultation

After being hit by an alcohol-impaired driver, you may find yourself feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. In the aftermath of an accident such as this, it’s important to get the help and support you need to recover from your injuries and move forward. That’s why we recommend that you call Ktenas Injury Attorneys for a free consultation today.

Our experienced attorneys can help you secure the monetary damages compensation you need and deserve. We understand that every drunk driving crash case is unique, and we are here to fight for your rights. Contact us today to learn more.