Regardless of whether you were out for a walk, headed to a bus stop to get to work, or driving, getting into an accident with a drunk driver can flip your life upside down. Below, a Car Accident lawyer shares information on how to handle this situation and they are hopeful that you’ll better understand these accidents.
Drunk Driving Statistics
According to the CDC, around one million people are arrested for driving under the influence each year. Between 2013 and 2022, there were around 11,000 people who passed away as a result of a DUI or OUI. During the year of 2021, a quarter of the deaths were children who were under 14 years old.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration stats show that 37 people die as a result of this type of accident every day. To put it into perspective, one person every 39 minutes.
DUI/OUI accidents can be prevented. Yet, what should you do if someone is under the influence and you’re in a car accident with them? Here’s what you should know.
What To Do If You’re Hit By Someone Driving Under The Influence
If you are a pedestrian and you’re hit by someone who you believe is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the first thing to do is call for emergency medical care. Even if you don’t think you’re injured or injured badly, remember that there are some internal injuries that have few to no symptoms. You also may be experiencing an adrenaline rush and not realize that you are actually injured. Seeking emergency medical attention could save your life, as our friends at Herschensohn Law Firm, PLLC can attest.
Now, regardless of whether you are a pedestrian or a driver or passenger of another vehicle, follow these steps:
- Call 911. This dispatches both the police and emergency medical. They can treat people at the scene, perform appropriate field tests, and produce a report about the accident. Make sure that you get the accident report number so that you can get a copy of the report when it’s ready.
- Document the scene. If you’re injured and can’t document the scene, that’s fine. Your health and wellbeing are most important in this situation. If you can, though, take photos of any injuries, the street, the weather, the vehicles, and anything else you feel may be important, such as skid marks or empty containers of intoxicants.
- Get the insurance information from the other party. This will make getting through the insurance process a little easier. If necessary, a police officer or a highway patrol officer can help you get the information you need.
- Get medical attention as soon as you can. It doesn’t matter if you were a pedestrian or in a vehicle of some kind when the accident occurs. You may need medical care. Even if you don’t think your injuries are serious enough to go to the emergency room, you should go get checked out at urgent care or make an appointment with your primary care provider as soon as possible. Doing so can help you make a successful claim with the insurance company or in a court of law.
- Make an appointment with an experienced attorney. An experienced attorney can help you understand both the criminal side of the accident and the civil side. You may have a valid personal injury claim. Talking with and even hiring an attorney in your area can make all the difference between a low-ball offer for your claim and an amount that’s fair.
Drive Safe!
Summer’s here and it’s time for lots of great road adventures. Drive safe and drive sober! But if you are involved in an accident, contact an attorney near you for help.