Everyone knows the dangers of driving drunk, but unfortunately, people still get behind the wheel after having too much to drink. This often leads to accidents and serious injuries. If you were hit by a drunk driver, there are some things to do that you should be prepared with, such as talking with a catastrophic injury lawyer in Las Vegas, NV, like from The Law Office of Eglet Adams.
Call the Police
If there are serious injuries, or your accident has created a dangerous situation for others, call 911 so someone can respond quickly to your accident. If it’s a minor fender bender, you can call the local police station to request a response from an officer. In either situation, the responding officer will probably realize the other driver is drunk and can conduct a sobriety test at the scene. In many of these cases, the driver will be arrested right then. Be sure you give the officer a detailed report of what happened, being careful not to implicate yourself or act too dramatic about the situation.
Swap Information
The information you’ll exchange with the other driver will most often be included in the police report as well, so don’t panic if there’s something you miss. Some information you should get includes the driver’s name and contact information, insurance information, make and model of the car, and the license plate number.
Receive Medical Attention
You should always place safety and health as your top priority. In many drunk driving situations, the drunk driver walks away with minimal injuries, but the individual he or she hits suffers serious injuries or death. You may have to go to the emergency room to have your injuries checked out, and that’s something you shouldn’t resist. Immediate medical care can also assist you in a claim for compensation.
Plan to Be Involved
Because driving drunk is such a serious offense, there may be a criminal charge brought against the drunk driver, and you might have to get involved in the case. This doesn’t mean you can’t sue the driver for damages yourself. You have a right to a civil case, but you may have to testify in the criminal case as well.
Contact an Attorney
Most drunk driving accidents result in serious consequences. Injuries seem to be more severe and auto damage also seems to be more serious. If you were hit by a drunk driver, you deserve to have someone by your side who can fight for your rights. Contact a car accident lawyer today to get that representation.