It’s critical to know what to do if you’re hit by a drunk driver, not only to protect your health but also your right to fair compensation. Immediately call 911 to get police for an official report and documentation of the drunk driving incident. Seek prompt medical attention, even if you don’t notice obvious injuries.
You should also gather contact and insurance details from all parties involved, along with any witness information. However, avoid discussing specifics or admitting any fault. Consult an experienced Charlotte drunk driving accident lawyer right away.
Having skilled legal representation from the start puts you in the optimal position to hold the negligent drunk driver accountable. Your lawyer can initiate an investigation while allowing you to focus on recovering.
Steps to Take After Being Hit by a Drunk Driver
Being struck by an impaired driver is an infuriating and traumatic experience that no one should have to endure. In the initial shock and confusion after such a completely preventable collision, it’s critical that you take the proper steps to protect your rights and legal options moving forward.
If you’re ever hit by a drunk driver, here are the most important actions to take right away. Once you have secured your safety, a Charlotte car accident lawyer can lead your case.
Call 911 Immediately
Call 911 immediately and make sure you and any other involved party has access to emergency medical care. Your safety, as well as the safety of others, comes first.
Even if emergency responders didn’t make it to the accident scene initially, calling 911 ensures police officers can respond, investigate the circumstances, administer sobriety tests, and officially document the drunk driving incident.
Having an official police report creates crucial evidence for your case. A Charlotte personal injury lawyer can help obtain an official police report to support your case.
Seek Prompt Medical Attention
Your personal health and safety should be the top priority after any collision. Err on the side of caution and get yourself fully evaluated at an emergency room or urgent care clinic right away. Many serious injuries from drunk driving crashes don’t present obvious symptoms initially.
Gather Witness Contact Information
If there were any eyewitnesses to the drunk driver’s behavior on the road or the accident itself, try to collect their names and contact details. Third-party witness accounts can significantly strengthen your case.
Exchange Contact and Insurance Information With all Involved Parties
Get the name, contact information, driver’s license numbers, license plate, and insurance details from the drunk driver and any other parties involved. Document everything in writing and photographs if possible.
Be careful when interacting with a drunk driver, though. It’s better to do so when the police have arrived at the scene. Do not attempt to argue with the driver since their behavior may become unpredictable and compromise your safety.
Avoid Discussing Details
As maddening as it may be, don’t confront the drunk driver or make any statements admitting fault at the scene. Decline to provide any recorded comments. Let the evidence speak for itself.
Even in a situation where fault seems straightforward, an insurer may take anything you say out of context and use it against you.
Consult a Charlotte Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
Having an experienced drunk driving accident attorney on your side from the very start helps you recover maximum compensation for damages. Lawyers know how to leverage every available factor to hold negligent drunk drivers fully accountable.
While dealing with drunk driving accidents is incredibly stressful, taking these crucial first steps protects your legal interests and puts your case on the strongest footing. The sooner you consult with a skilled Charlotte drunk driving lawyer, the more we can do to vigorously represent your rights and get you the justice you deserve.
For a free legal consultation, call (877) 333-1000
How a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Maximizes Your Compensation
After being hit by a drunk driver, having skilled legal representation is crucial for recovering full and fair monetary damages. An experienced attorney ensures no stone is left unturned in pursuing maximum compensation through strategies like:
- Thoroughly calculating all economic and non-economic damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain/suffering, future costs, etc.
- Investigating all potential sources of negligence beyond just the impaired driver to expand liable parties and insurance policies
- Building an indisputable body of evidence, such as police reports, witness accounts, expert analysis, etc.
- Coordinating all necessary medical treatment and accommodation needs during the case proceedings
- Negotiating with insurers to fight undervaluations and policy limit denials or taking cases to trial
- For uninsured/underinsured cases, pursuing personal assets, judgments, and any other potential compensation sources
Drunk driving accident attorneys leverage every available legal avenue to calculate, pursue, and recover the complete monetary damages owed. From documenting true lifetime cost impacts to battling bad–faith insurance tactics, a lawyer protects your rights to maximum compensation every step of the way.
A Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Can Help You Meet Your Legal Deadline
Every state has strict time limits for filing injury claims and lawsuits related to drunk driving accidents. In North Carolina, the statute of limitations is generally three years from the date of the incident to initiate a personal injury lawsuit under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-52.
Some exceptions and complications can shorten or extend this window depending on circumstances. An attorney can ensure you meet all deadlines and requirements to preserve your legal rights and ability to pursue compensation.
A lawyer can also handle all paperwork and procedures to keep your case posture fortified from the outset. Missing these critical deadlines can completely derail your ability to recover damages, no matter how viable your case is otherwise.
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Call DeMayo Law Offices if You Were Hit by a Drunk Driver
Drunk driving accidents are some of the most preventable collisions that often lead to devastating injuries and financial consequences. You deserve justice and fair compensation if you suffered injuries or lost a loved one due to this form of egregious negligence.
DeMayo Law Offices is ready to fight for you. Our drunk driving accident attorneys in Charlotte, NC, can lead your case while you recover from your injuries. Call us today for a free consultation.
Call or text (877) 333-1000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
