In its most recent study, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that there were over 10,000 alcohol-impaired-driving fatalities in 2013. That works out to be one drunk driving fatality every 52 minutes. Even more shocking is that nearly 1.7 million drivers were arrested that same year for driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics. With these kinds of statistics, the likelihood that you may be injured in a drunk-driving accident seems quite high.
If you are involved in an accident involving a drunk driver, there are a few things you should not do, including:
- Making any kind of statements of fault or supposition as to what happened to others at the scene.
- Leaving the scene of the accident before police arrive.
- Failing to seek medical attention immediately after the accident.
- Making any statements to insurance agents and other investigators without consulting an attorney first.
You can protect yourself after an accident involving a drunk driver by following these five steps:
- Attend to your medical needs. If you or someone else has been injured in an accident involving a drunk driver, call 911 and have the injuries attended to immediately. Police will arrive on the scene as well. Be sure to tell them everything you can remember about the accident. You should obtain a copy of the police report later.
- Take Pictures. If you are able, take pictures and/or video of the scene of the accident. This will help you recreate the accident for your attorneys. If there are bystanders, you may ask them to do this for you if you are unable to.
- Talk to Witnesses. If there are witnesses, be sure to get their contact information and a statement of what they saw. These witnesses may be key to getting you a recovery if they can testify for you in court.
- Contact your insurance company. Let your insurance company know as soon as possible that you’ve been involved in an accident. They will likely send out an agent to investigate as well.
- Contact an experienced Missouri auto accident attorney. Depending on the severity of your injuries, your life could become very hectic and overwhelming, and in some cases, the accident could be completely life-altering. Do yourself and your family a favor and contact an experienced Missouri personal injury attorney to help you through this time. You may be entitled to monetary damages for:
- Medical Expense, Lost Wages, and Other Personal Loss
- Loss of Health
- Loss of Quality of Life
Contact Horn Law
Doug Horn has over 25 years of experience representing people injured in auto accidents, including those involving drunk drivers. He is dedicated to helping his clients obtain the maximum recovery possible, while assisting them with medical treatment options, health insurance considerations and property damage claims that may arise as part of an accident claim.
Contact Horn Law today online or by calling 816-795-7500 for a free legal consultation, which will include investigations, insurance coverage determinations, identification of all avenues of recovery, and giving you answer regarding the legal complexities.
