A car accident can be a terrifying experience. However, if a drunk driver hits you, you may also be frustrated that the accident could have been prevented.
If you were injured in a DUI related car accident, you are likely entitled to justice and compensation.
At Brett McCandlis Brown & Conner, we have experience dealing with DUI accidents and the legal actions that follow them. If you choose us to represent you, you can count on us to fight to get you the most compensation possible for your injuries.
This post will discuss DUI related car accidents and some steps to take after being hit by a drunk driver.
Drunk Driving Accident Statistics
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about 32 people die daily in drunk driving related accidents. This number is staggering; that is a life lost about every 45 minutes.
In 2019, there were about 50,930 reported fatal car accidents, and 19% of them involved drunk drivers. Unfortunately, these numbers have only been increasing. For instance, in 2020, we saw a 14% rise in drunk driving related accident fatalities.
Drunk driving not only kills many people, but it can also cause serious injuries. Every day, 926 people are injured in drunk driving crashes.
These statistics are disheartening, especially since drunk driving accidents are preventable.
Drunk Driving Accident Prevention
If you have been drinking and are considering driving, please use a ride service to reach your destination. If you know someone has been drinking and is about to drive, explain the dangers of drunk driving and persuade them to avoid getting on the road. Offer to get them a ride.
If you see someone driving who appears to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, Washington State Patrol encourages you to call 911 and report it.
Common Types of Injuries from Drunk Driving Accidents
Accidents involving drunk drivers can lead to many types of injuries. Some of the most common drunk driving accident injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries,
- Spinal cord injuries,
- Limb injuries,
- Organ damage,
- Burns, and
- Soft tissue injuries.
If you suffered one of the above or another type of injury in a DUI related accident, seek medical assistance immediately. In addition, reach out to a personal injury attorney who can help you with your legal claim.
What Steps Should I Take After a DUI Car Accident?
It’s good to remember the steps to take after a DUI accident. To preserve your health and protect your legal rights, here’s some guidance on what to do after a DUI accident.
Step 1: Call the Authorities
Even if the accident is minor, you should call the authorities after any type of car accident. The police will document the scene and prepare a report. The report will be an important evidentiary tool down the line. Police will also be able to assist you in getting medical attention if you need it.
And in drunk driving related accidents, the authorities will take the appropriate actions to prevent the other driver from getting back on the road.
Step 2: Avoid Confrontation with the Other Driver
After an accident, you may understandably be upset and scared. However, you will want to try and minimize your interactions with the other driver, especially if they are impaired. Impaired individuals can display unpredictable behavior, so keep your distance and let the authorities handle it.
Step 3: Seek Medical Attention
After a car accident, you will always be evaluated by a medical specialist. This is true even if you do not believe your injuries are severe. Sometimes, symptoms of an injury will not present themselves right away.
Documenting your injuries is also crucial if you sue the at-fault party. To prove that your injuries were actually caused by the accident, seek medical help as soon as possible after the accident. This will help you show that your injuries were not the result of some other event.
Step 4: Gather Documentation of the Accident
Documentation is key in any type of accident case. Take pictures of the scene, damage to your car, and the area surrounding the crash. Further, speak to potential witnesses and ask for their contact information. They may be able to testify to what they saw.
We also recommend that you journal the events leading up to, during, and after the accident. Do this while the events are still fresh in your mind, and make note of the fact that the other driver appeared intoxicated.
Step 5: Hire a DUI Accident Personal Injury Attorney
A personal injury attorney who deals with DUI accidents will be able to assist you with all of the above steps. Further, they will help you begin to build a strong legal case so that you can recover the most amount of compensation possible.
At Brett McCandlis Brown & Conner, our injury attorneys have the tools necessary to deal with complex DUI accident cases. We will also be able to guide you through the legal process.
Brett McCandlis Brown & Conner Is Here For You
If you were wondering what to do after a DUI accident, we hope you found some useful information in this article. We want you to know that you are not alone after suffering an injury in a DUI accident.
At Brett McCandlis Brown & Conner, we have compassionate advocates to help you in your DUI accident matter. In addition, we have been winning record verdicts and settlements since 1972. If you were injured in an accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. To schedule a free consultation, you can contact us online or by phone.
