Introduction
If you’ve been injured by a drunk driver, it can be a terrifying experience. You may be facing physical and emotional scars that will take time to heal, as well as wondering how you will pay for all the medical bills or other related expenses. You need to know your legal rights in order to make sure that you get the justice and compensation you deserve. In this blog post, we will explore what to do if you’re injured by a drunk driver and how to ensure that your legal rights are protected.
What to Do Immediately After the Accident
If you’ve been involved in a drunk driving accident, there are some important steps you should take immediately afterwards to ensure your safety and protect your legal rights.
First, if you can, move your vehicle to a safe location off of the road. Turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers of the accident.
Then, check yourself and any passengers for injuries. If anyone is seriously injured, call 911 for medical assistance.
Once you’ve ensured that everyone is okay, it’s time to start gathering evidence. Take photos of the damage to all vehicles involved in the accident. Get the contact information of any witnesses who saw what happened. And most importantly, get the name, contact information, and insurance information of the drunk driver.
Now is also a good time to call your insurance company and report the accident. They will likely have their own process for dealing with drunk driving accidents, so be sure to follow their instructions as well.
Last but not least, if you haven’t already done so, it’s important to seek out legal assistance from a qualified personal injury attorney who can help you recover damages from the responsible party.
Who Pays for Damages Caused by a Drunk Driver?
If you are injured by a drunk driver, the driver may be liable for your damages. The driver’s insurance company may also be liable for your damages. If the driver does not have insurance, you may be able to sue the driver personally.
In some cases, the bar or restaurant that served the drunk driver may also be liable for your damages. This is called dram shop liability. To learn more about dram shop liability, read our blog post “Can I Sue The Bar That Served The Drunk Driver WhoHit Me?”
Determining Liability in a Drunk Driving Accident
There are a few things that must be taken into consideration when determining who is at fault in a drunk driving accident. First, it must be determined if the driver was actually intoxicated at the time of the accident. This can be done by looking at the police report, eyewitness accounts, and any sobriety tests that were administered at the scene. If it is determined that the driver was indeed intoxicated, then liability will likely fall on them.
However, there are some instances where other parties may be held liable for a drunk driving accident. For example, if the driver was served alcohol while underage or if they were served alcohol after already being visibly intoxicated, the establishment that served them can be held liable. Additionally, if the driver was provided with a car by someone else knowing that they would be drinking, that individual can also be held liable.
It is important to note that proving liability in a drunk driving accident can be difficult. If you have been injured by a drunk driver, it is important to seek legal counsel as soon as possible so that you can ensure all evidence is gathered and your rights are protected.
Your Rights If You’re Injured by a Drunk Driver
If you are injured by a drunk driver, you have certain legal rights. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. You may also be able to sue the drunk driver for punitive damages.
If you are injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention. Once you have been treated for your injuries, you should contact an experienced personal injury attorney. An attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options and will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
Conclusion
Being injured by a drunk driver can be a traumatic experience that affects you both physically and emotionally. Fortunately, there are laws in place to protect victims of drunk drivers and their families. It is important to know your legal rights so that you can seek out the proper compensation for your injuries and pain & suffering. If you or a loved one has been injured by a drunk driver, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer right away who will fight for justice on behalf of the victim.
