What To Do After An Alabama Drunk Driving Accident
Drunk driving kills 28 people daily in the U.S. That’s about one person every 52 minutes or 10,000 Americans yearly. If you’re in an Alabama drunk driving accident, the steps you follow after the crash are crucial.
Following the proper steps after a drunk driving accident can help you fight for compensation. Not sure what to do after an accident? Read on to learn more!
Check for Injuries
Immediately after a drunk driving crash, feeling disoriented or stressed is normal. Try to take a deep breath. Remaining calm can help you avoid making any costly mistakes.
Determine if anyone in your vehicle is injured. If they are, call for medical attention right away.
Don’t yell at the other driver or blame them for the accident, even if they were driving under the influence. Anything you say or do can impact your ability to fight for compensation later on.
Call 911
Call 911 immediately/ Neglecting to file a police report could hurt your accident claim.
When the officers arrive, stick to the facts. Share your suspicions with the officers if you spot signs the other party was driving under the influence.
For example, perhaps they were:
- Driving significantly under the speed limit
- Turning too widely
- Zigzagging on the road
- Straddling two lanes
- Braking or accelerating randomly
- Running red lights and stop signs
Ask the officers for their names, badge numbers and how to obtain a copy of the police report.
Collect Information
Before leaving the accident scene, ask the other party for their information. Get their:
- Name
- Phone number
- Driver’s license information
- License plate number
- Car make and model
- Insurance information
They might flee the scene before you can gather this information. Try to get any details about their vehicle before they drive off.
Seek Medical Attention
About 290,000 people are injured in drunk driving crashes each year. Visit a doctor immediately after a crash. Only a medical expert can assess your injuries.
Their medical report can benefit your injury claim.
Call a Lawyer
Don’t hesitate to call an Alabama lawyer after a drunk driving accident. An experienced lawyer can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
Gather your medical records, paystubs (to prove lost wages), car repair bills, and other documents relevant to the case to your meeting. With help, you can maximize your claim.
Follow These Tips After an Alabama Drunk Driving Accident
Make sure to follow these steps if you’re in an Alabama drunk driving accident. Following these steps will ensure you gather the evidence you need. Then, you can work with your accident lawyer to fight for compensation.
Want to review your legal options with an experienced attorney? We can help.
