According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, one person dies in a drunk-driving crash every 42 minutes, or approximately 34 people in the United States. Unfortunately, these deaths could have been avoided if more drivers practiced responsible driving when operating vehicles.
An Albuquerque drunk driving accident attorney says that drunk driving is extremely dangerous, as it can increase the risk of an accident that can lead to serious and life-altering injuries. Car crashes can result in numerous vehicle repairs, hefty medical bills, and missed time at work.
In this article, you can get yourself acquainted with how to legally deal with a road accident.
Ensuring Safety and Calling for Help
After being hit by a drunk driver, you must prioritize your own and everyone else’s safety.
Check yourself for any injuries, and determine if those around you need help. As much as possible, relocate to a secure place away from the traffic to avoid further accidents. Turn on your hazard lights to signal to other drivers about your situation.
Contact emergency services the moment you fully realize the situation. Specify the accident details. like your exact location and the extent of injury attained by anyone. Always maintain your composure in this kind of accident.
Documenting the Scene
After determining that everyone is safe and a call for help is on the way, you can now proceed to document the accident scene.
Take detailed pictures of your vehicle, the other vehicle’s damage, and the accident site from various angles. Photograph any skid marks, debris, and nearby road signs that could be relevant to your case
Write down the time, date, and weather conditions. These details could help with your case later on. If possible, obtain any witness statements and contact information.
Thorough documentation will play an important role in your case, so record everything you can remember, including the events leading up to the crash. These details will be critical evidence in your case and in determining liability before insurance companies or in court.
Collecting Information from the Other Driver
Even after the collision, you must collect all necessary information about the other driver, such as full name, contact number, driver’s license number, vehicle license number, and insurance information.
In case the driver is uncooperative, remain calm and focused. Try to obtain as many details as possible, like the make and model of his vehicle along with any visible damages. Note any talks with the other driver, especially if there were statements about the admission of fault.
Notifying Your Insurance Company
You can notify your insurance company to take action on your behalf once you have all the accident details.
How long does it take to settle a car accident case? Car accidents vary depending on the circumstances, making them unique to each case. Each case can be caused by a variety of factors, so resolving them takes varying amounts of time depending on the complexity of the situation.
If your car insurance policy cannot fully recover the damages you have sustained, you need to file a personal injury claim to hold the opposing party legally responsible. You can easily settle your case within a few weeks if you can demonstrate the negligence of the liable party.
Provide your insurance company all the accident-related information you have gathered so they can assess the incident and offer proper coverage. Keep records of your call with the insurer and all subsequent communications. Your insurance company may then instruct you on what steps to take next regarding car repairs, medical bills, and any other costs.
Pursuing Legal Action and Seeking Compensation
Your next step after informing the insurance company is suing the intoxicated driver so you can recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Establishing a solid personal injury case will require you to present evidence you have gathered. See to it that your documents are well-organized. These documents should include police reports, photographs, witness statements, and other solid proof of the other party’s negligence.
Explore your option of hiring a personal injury lawyer who can provide you with all possible methods for a successful claim. They will assist you with the legalities and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.
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