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DWI Lawyers
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drunk driving kills more than 28 people every day in the United States alone. That means that on any given day, a person will die every 52 minutes because of the negligent actions of a drunk driver. That total doesn’t consider the number of people injured in DUI accidents or the thousands of individuals whose existences are changed forever due to life-altering injuries. If you are ever injured by a drunk driver, take these four steps.
- Check for Injuries
After checking yourself for wounds, ask your passengers about their injuries. Some of the injuries you should ask about include:
- Soreness
- Sprains
- Broken bones
- Incisions
- Lacerations
- Punctures
If anyone has open wounds or broken bones, call the emergency line and ask for immediate help. If you are unable to call, ask someone at the scene to make the phone call for you.
- Call 911
Even if the collision was a minor one, call 911. Notifying the police department about the accident is the only way you can get an accident report number. Try to stay relaxed and speak clearly. Answer any questions the dispatcher may ask in a calm voice.
- Get Information
Although talking to a drunk person can sometimes be difficult, try and get as much info as you can from the driver. The information you need consist of:
- Driver’s license
- Insurance information
- Passenger’s names
- Photo of vehicle’s license plate
- Photo of the driver, if possible
If you notice alcohol containers at the scene, take pictures of those, too. Take a video of the accident scene if you can but ask for permission before taking any photos inside the other driver’s car.
- Call an Attorney
Contacting an attorney can help set the legal system’s wheels in motion as soon as you are able. A lawyer will be able to contact your insurance company, report a claim against the drunk driver’s insurance company, and file a lawsuit, if necessary.
If an insurance representative calls you, refer them to your attorney. Remember, the insurance adjuster wants to settle for as little money as possible, so let your attorney argue on your behalf. Allowing your legal representative handle your case is the best way to know your compensation package will be fair.
Becoming Whole
If you are ever injured in a drunk driving accident, you should consult with DWI lawyers from a law firm like Cohen & Cohen, P.C. to help guide you through this difficult time and to understand what your legal options are and how they might be able to help with your case.