It can be difficult to know what to do after being in an accident, particularly if something gives you the impression you were hit by a drunk driver. You should do your best to follow the same routine as you would after any car accident: stay safe, get medical help, and obtain necessary insurance information. If the other driver’s inebriation gets in the way of that, concentrate on taking care of yourself and then, if possible, gathering evidence. Let the police handle the other driver since they will be the people who ultimately determine if they are drunk and write a ticket for a DUI.
Once you are safe, contact the Ohio car accident attorneys from Kisling, Nestico & Redick. We have helped many individuals hurt in drunk driving accidents, and we will use our considerable knowledge and resources to help you gain compensation. Call us today at 1-800-HURT-NOW.
What to do After a Drunk Driver Hits You
Following a car accident, take these basic steps as safely as you can:
- Move to safety. If your vehicle is drivable after a minor accident, it may be best to drive to the shoulder and get out of the way of traffic. However, after a more significant accident, the vehicle is unlikely to be safe to move. If you feel capable and safe, you should leave the car to move to a safe place, such as the shoulder or side of the road. Whether you should move or get out of the vehicle depends on many factors, so you should do what feels most comfortable.
- Call for help. Whether you can or should leave the vehicle or not, you or another passenger should call 911. For a minor accident, you will at the very least want to file a police report. If you or anyone else is injured, you will need emergency medical personnel. If you suspect the other driver is intoxicated, you should always call 911, even if the accident was minor.
- Exchange information. If you are capable of doing so, you should speak with the other driver to exchange personal and insurance information, including their name, phone number, email, address, auto insurance provider, and policy number. If there are passengers in their car or other witnesses, you should ask for their names and contact information.
- Do not admit fault. When you are in an accident, never admit fault. You may have the urge to apologize, whether you actually think you did something wrong or not. Just stick to exchanging information. You do not need to discuss the accident. Leave that for when you give the police your statement.
- Do not confront the other driver. When you get the impression that the other driver is intoxicated due to drugs or alcohol, do not confront them. Try to exchange information and observe their appearance and behavior. Take down your observations. These can help you tell the police what you saw, heard, or smelled and will jog your memory in the future.
- Tell the police what you observed. When the police arrive, tell the officers what you observed that made you believe the other driver is intoxicated. You cannot determine whether a person’s blood alcohol content (BAC) is at or above .08 percent by speaking with them. However, an officer can observe the driver, conduct a field sobriety test, and require that the driver takes a breath test to determine if your suspicion is correct.
- Take photos or video. After an accident, you will want to gather initial evidence for your potential insurance claim. Take photos or video of your vehicle’s damage if possible. You should also take photos of the other vehicles, any property damage, and signs of the collision on the road like tire marks.
- Call an attorney. As soon as you are safe and have received medical care, contact an experienced Ohio car accident attorney. When you have been hit by a drunk driver, you have likely suffered considerable property damage and personal injuries. A lawyer can help you investigate the situation, gather evidence of the other driver’s inebriation and fault, and negotiate a beneficial settlement or represent you in court.
Contact an Ohio Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you were injured in a drunk driving accident, do not hesitate to reach out to a personal injury lawyer at Kisling, Nestico & Redick today. We have years of experience representing individuals hurt by drunk drivers. We understand the insurance and litigation processes for these types of crashes and will gather evidence of the other driver’s inebriation to prove they were negligent and responsible for your injuries. Our goal is to ensure you are fully compensated for your medical expenses, lost income, disfigurement, pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of consortium.
To learn more, contact KNR at 1-800-HURT-NOW or through our online form to schedule a free consultation.