Fortunately, only a small percentage of Americans will ever be
involved in an accident with a drunk driver. However, the likelihood
is still higher than most of us would like it to be. The important
thing to know if you do find yourself in that situation is how to
protect yourself. The steps taken in the aftermath of an accident can
be vital in terms of recovery. In fact, missing a step can impact a
victim’s likelihood of obtaining full compensation for their injuries.
The following is a list of essential steps to take if you are ever
involved in an accident with a drunk driver:
Call 911 or local law enforcement. As soon as you the realization hits
you that you have just been involved in an accident, your first step
is to assess the situation and make sure that everyone is okay. If you
notice any signs of a serious injury, call 911. If everyone appears to
be physically okay, call and report the accident to the police. By
contacting the police, you are ensuring that the accident will be
documented. Having proof of the accident is critical when you take the
subsequent step of filing an insurance claim or a lawsuit.
Exchange information with the other drivers. Exchange contact,
insurance, and driver’s license information with the other driver(s).
Keep in mind that this may not be feasible if you or the other driver
is seriously injured or if the other driver is under the influence of
drugs or alcohol. If you observe any signs of intoxication, take note
of them.
Communicate carefully with law enforcement. It is important to
communicate just the facts of the accident to the officers that arrive
on the scene. Understandably, this may be easier said than done since
emotions often are high in the aftermath of an accident. If you have
reason to believe the driver of the other vehicle is under the
influence of drugs or alcohol, tell the officer of your suspicions. If
the officer observes that a driver is intoxicated, he or she can have
their BAC tested. If you were are not able to exchange information
with the other driver due to his or her perceived level of
intoxication, let the officer know this information as well.
Another thing to remember is that if an officer inquires as to your
injuries, do not reply that you are uninjured. The fact of the matter
is, after an accident, adrenaline is surging, and you may not realize
you are injured until much later. Therefore, it is best to reply that
you are not sure if you are injured. Also, never leave the scene of an
accident until an officer gives you the okay and explains to you how
you can obtain a copy of the police report.
Always seek medical treatment. Even if you feel okay after an
accident, remember that adrenaline in your system could be preventing
you from feeling pain. This is important because you will most likely
be asked if you want to be seen by a doctor. Never refuse medical
treatment. It is always better to be checked out immediately after an
accident so that if you did suffer an injury, you are aware and can
begin treatment immediately.
Document the scene of the accident. The last step before leaving the
scene of an accident is to document the scene. Use your cell phone to
take photos of injuries to you and your passengers. You will also want
to photograph the general scene of the accident, including nearby
street signs, damages to cars, damage to property, and any other
details that you think would be important in understanding the cause
of the accident or the damages suffered. Remember a picture is worth a
thousand words! If possible, talk to any witnesses and gather their
contact information.
If you suffered serious injuries after being involved in a motor
vehicle crash with an intoxicated driver, do not hesitate to contact a
qualified team of Injury Attorneys. The attorneys at Hubbard & Kurtz,
L.L.P. are here to provide you with valuable legal assistance and make
your case a priority. Our team of seasoned Kansas City Injury
Attorneys will carefully review your case and fight for the fair
compensation you deserve. Trust the Kansas City Personal Injury
Attorneys at Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P. to help you, just as they have
helped countless injury victims around the area, both in Kansas and
Missouri. To learn how our attorneys can assist you, contact our
office today at (816) 472-4673 to schedule a consultation.
