When a drunk driver hits you in San Diego, it can have catastrophic effects on your life. Even when you are not injured physically in the accident, it can prove fatal to your emotional health and property. This can significantly affect your quality of life. You should immediately seek help from an experienced legal attorney.
Yes, in order to preserve your rights and understand your legal alternatives after being struck by an intoxicated motorist, it is imperative that you speak with a car accident attorney. A personal injury and auto accident attorney can guide you through the court system, collect evidence, and seek damages and recompense for your injuries.
What shall you do after facing a car accident?
Accidents due to drunk driving are more common than you can expect. And when you are the victim in such an accident, you must take the necessary steps to get due justice.
- Report your case
Immediately call the helpline number to report your accident case. The law enforcement officers will visit the spot as soon as possible and ensure the details of the entire scene are accurately recorded.
- Police report copy
When the police have thoroughly filed the report, ask them for a copy. This document is crucial because it needs to be presented to the insurance company or a lawyer.
- Medical assistance
Do not delay seeking medical assistance after facing an accident. Even if you feel that injuries are minor, still, do not delay. Internal injuries are not noticeable but can cause severe damage when untreated.
- Contact legal help
Immediately seek help from a professional car accident lawyer to receive the maximum compensation for non-economic and economic damages caused by the accident. An experienced attorney will help you in filing an insurance claim against the at-fault driver.
A lawyer can explain your rights and alternatives, including possible claims against the drunk driver and their insurance company, as drunk driving incidents can entail complicated legal concerns.
Collecting Evidence: A lawyer can look into the accident, collect evidence such witness accounts, police reports, and medical records, and then construct a compelling case to back up your claim.
Insurance companies may attempt to reduce compensation through negotiation. To make sure you get just compensation for your injuries, missed income, and other damages, a lawyer can bargain with them on your behalf.
A lawyer may bring a lawsuit against the intoxicated motorist and take your case to trial if a just settlement cannot be achieved.
Pursuing Punitive Damages: In certain situations, you might be able to hold the intoxicated motorist accountable for their careless actions by pursuing punitive damages.
What options do you have after being injured by a drunk driver?
Many of us are not aware of the options available and can get easily confused. To overcome the challenges and to handle the situation properly, you need the assistance of a lawyer. A reliable legal expert has the required expertise and skills to deal with the scenario and will assist you in getting due justice.
You have a number of choices after being hurt by a drunk driver, such as getting medical help, calling the police, and speaking with a personal injury attorney. Notifying your insurance carrier and filing a police report may also be necessary.
- File a claim
You need to file a claim with the insurance company. But in case the compensation amount the insurance firm is providing you is not enough to meet your damages; you need to hire a professional lawyer to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. Remember, you are liable to receive compensation for covering the non-economic and economic damages incurred during the accident.
Seek compensation: According to legal resources, you can sue the intoxicated driver for personal injury in order to get money for your lost income, medical bills, pain and suffering, and other associated costs.
Criminal charges: According to legal experts, the drunk driver may also be charged with DUI (Driving Under the Influence), which may affect your capacity to file a personal injury lawsuit.
- File a case for a family member
If you have lost a family member due to the negligence of a drunk driver, you shall receive compensation. Your lawyer will help you file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver to recover compensation for the survivor.
Get Medical Help:
Put your health first: Even if an injury seems small, get medical help right away because some injuries might not be noticeable right away.
Keep track of injuries: Maintain thorough records of your wounds, care, and medical bills because these will be essential for any future legal or insurance claims.
Speak with law enforcement:
Report the event: To report the accident and submit a police report, get in touch with the authorities.
Information gathering: Ask the other motorist or witnesses for their contact information, insurance information, and any other pertinent information.
- Call the police: Reporting the collision to the police right away will assist establish an official record and establish whether the other driver was inebriated.
- Seek medical attention: It is important to consult a doctor to make sure there are no hidden injuries, even if they appear small.
- Compile data:
Get information from the other driver, such as their name, license plate number, insurance information, and contact data.
- Record images and videos:
Note any visible injuries, road conditions, and car damage at the scene.
- Speak with an attorney:
To discuss your case and start the legal procedure, get in touch with a car accident attorney right now.
Legal advice: A personal injury attorney can guide you through the legal system, explain your rights and alternatives, and help you seek damages and compensation for your injuries.
Insurance negotiations: To guarantee a just payout, a lawyer can speak with insurance companies on your behalf.
represent you in court: Should the need arise, your attorney may act as your representative in order to take legal action against the intoxicated driver.
Summing it up
There are plenty of available options when you face a car accident, especially in the case of a drunk driver. You may be liable to receive a substantial penalty amount. However, insurance companies will try to manipulate the compensation amount. At this stage, without the assistance of a professional lawyer, you cannot proceed and enforce your rights. There are specific steps you should not avoid after facing an accident. So, without delay, immediately get help from an experienced lawyer!
