On average, 20 crashes occur, resulting in death due to drunk driving in the U.S. Alcohol-impaired accidents constitute nearly one-third of traffic-related deaths. Suppose a drunk driver caused an accident; it is not that they will face criminal penalties. In that case, they will also be held liable for the damages or injuries that resulted from the accident.
The steps you take after you have been in an accident with a drunk driver will significantly impact the amount of compensation. If you believe that accident has occurred by a drunk driver, contact a personal injury lawyer in Seattle.
What to do if a driver under the influence hits you?
After getting hit by a drunk driver, you should follow the below steps.
- Call the police
In Seattle, after the accident, you should call the police first. By notifying the police, you are secured that your case is documented, which is essential when filing a claim with the insurance company. If you fail to contact the police, the drunk person may again get behind the wheel, and you will also lose the necessary and helpful piece of evidence. However, keeping aside the severity of the accident, it is your civic duty to inform the police if you suspect anyone drunk driving.
- Gather information
It is important to gather every possible information like the contact and insurance information of the drunk driver. Also, collect information from the witnesses and the name of the police officers that arrive at the crime scene. You can also take videos or pictures of the whole incident if possible.
- Remain calm with the other driver
If the at-fault driver is under the influence, you can get confused about reacting to them. Your reaction may get the driver to become distressed, agitated, or even violent.
- Cooperate with the police.
The police officer will note down the cause of the accident and make a detailed record of it. So, you must provide accurate information to the police officers. Never exaggerate or escalate what happened in the accident. Do not provide extra information until the officer has asked you to do so. You may not feel pain after the accident because of adrenaline rushing through your body. So it is okay to tell the police officer that you are unsure whether you are hurt or not.
- Hire an experienced attorney
Before you move out to speak with your insurance company, it is crucial to talk to your attorney first. Your attorney will explore the legal options to maximize your claim compensation. Your attorney will investigate to take evidence of the driver’s fault for the wreck.
