What To Do After a DUI Accident

Feb 14, 2022

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Originally Posted On: https://bippermedia.com/what-to-do-after-a-dui-accident/

According to NHTSA, drunk driving crashes cause 28 deaths every day – approximately one person every 52 minutes. Therefore, as a driver, you’re at the risk of being a drunk driving accident victim. It’s thus critical that you know what to do after a DUI accident since such information might be helpful.

A car accident can be unsettling for most victims due to the shock from the impact. As a result, most people are disoriented and don’t know where to start. What you do immediately after the crash determines the direction your case will take, so it helps knowing how to handle the situation.

As the victim of the DUI accident, you’re eligible for compensation. You mustn’t jeopardize any chances for compensation through your post-crash actions. Know that what you do can be used against you in court to deny you compensation.

Wondering what steps you should take after a DUI accident? If so, this article is for you. Continue reading to learn what to do after a DUI accident.

Report the Accident

Notifying the police immediately after a car crash is required by Georgia state laws. Reporting the accident ensures that the police arrive at the scene to establish cause. It’s also imperative since it gets you all the help you need – police offer invaluable assistance.

The police officers draft the accident report based on what they see at the scene. Police have the skills to investigate how the crash happened and who is at fault, which they include in the report. The report is admissible in court should your case get to trial and help you get compensation.

The police also determine whether the at-fault driver’s impairment is by drugs or alcohol. By conducting a sobriety test on the spot, they can gather accurate evidence for the report. In essence, they form a basis for the different types of DUI charges the driver might face.

The police are part of the first respondents, meaning they help out with any issues at the scene. They organize medical attention for the injured accident victims while controlling traffic.

Seek Medical Attention

Do you have any injuries resulting from the car accident? It’s advisable to seek medical attention immediately to remedy any possible injuries.

Most people fail to realize they’re hurt after an accident due to the shock they experience. It’s imperative to self-evaluate for any injury signs like pain or blood spots. If you suspect you’re injured, report to the Emergency Medical Service experts on the scene to obtain help.

You may feel perfectly fine after an accident, but some injuries take time to show. It’s best to get evaluated by a physician on the same day to establish you don’t have head trauma. Your doctor’s medical records are also critical for your DUI accident injury case, so it’s invaluable to get checked.

Remain at the Scene

Georgia state laws prohibit anyone involved in a car crash from leaving the accident scene. You should thus remain at the scene until you’re cleared.

As the accident victim, you have crucial information about the accident that you might lose if you left. Remaining at the accident scene ensures that the police can take your side of the story for the report. Leaving the accident scene can be interpreted as admitting guilt, affecting your case.

Unless staying at the accident scene poses a significant risk to your welfare and safety, you shouldn’t leave. Instead, stay at the car crash scene and await help.

Document Everything

Did you know your smartphone is among the essential tools to help with your DUI accident case? Documenting everything at the accident scene is crucial to demonstrate the specifics of your car accident to a jury.

Accident scene photos are essential for demonstrating case specifics, such as:

Time of the crash
Weather at the time of the crash
The layout of the roadway or intersection
Existing traffic signs or control devices
Obstructions that affected visibility
Skid marks on the road
Level of impact or damage to the cars

Document everything before the cars are moved; otherwise, you’ll miss some key details. The photos and videos might help you win your personal injury case.

Obtain Key Information of All Witnesses

Of course, your DUI accident will draw the attention of passersby or other motorists who become witnesses. You should thus obtain a record of each witness’s details since they can help with the case.

Details you should list include;

Mobile or contact information
Names
Address

The witnesses can testify in support of your claims against the defendant when it comes to trial. Witnesses have a better view of things and will be critical for clarifying specific details. The sooner you speak to them, the better it is for you to avoid losing them.

Contact Your Personal Injury Lawyer

Consider speaking to your personal injury lawyer after you’ve been cleared to leave the accident scene. It would be best to start creating a case against the at-fault driver to obtain compensation.

The personal injury lawyer will follow up with the medical and police reports while gathering case facts. You’re thus offered an easy time to continue with the recovery as they build a case for you. The sooner the lawyer can present your case in court, the faster you can get compensated.

Hire a reputable personal injury lawyer in Georgia for the best results. A committed lawyer will fight for your case to get you a deserving settlement.

You Now Know What to Do After a DUI Accident

As much as car accidents can be unsettling, maintaining a level head is invaluable. The above article explains what to do after a DUI accident since it helps with your personal injury case. As the DUI accident victim, you deserve compensation, so such steps are vital for building a case against the at-fault driver.

At The Gumprecht Law Firm, we’re focused on protecting our DUI accident victim’s rights. Book a free appointment with our experts so they can evaluate your car accident injury case. We operate on a no-risk contingency fee policy, meaning you don’t have to pay until you win.