What To Do If Your Loved One Was Injured By a Drunk Driver?

Do you have someone in your life who got into an accident caused by a drunk driver? If you have a loved one whom a drunk driver injured, you may be feeling overwhelmed and confused about what to do next. You are not alone. Many people find themselves in this situation every year. In this blog post, we will guide you on what steps you can take to protect your loved ones and get them the help they need. Let’s get started.

Take Your Loved One to the Hospital

If a drunk driver injured your loved one, you should first take them to the hospital. This is especially important if they are experiencing any pain or have suffered any visible injuries. Even if they seem fine, it’s important to get them checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible. Internal bleeding and other serious injuries may not be immediately apparent.

There are two main reasons you should take your loved one to the hospital immediately. First, they need to receive immediate medical attention. Second, going to the hospital will create a record of their injuries. As highlighted by this drunk driving accident attorney in Orange County, you will need this document when you file a personal injury claim later. Ensure that you get a copy of this document for your records and if possible, hand it over to your lawyer.

Report the Accident to the Police

Your loved one should immediately report the incident to the police. If they cannot do so, you should do it on their behalf. When you report the accident, be sure to give the police all of the relevant details. This includes the time and location of the accident and a description of what happened. The police will use this information to file a report.

When reporting the accident, it is important to provide as much detail as possible. This will help the police piece together what happened and identify the responsible party. Furthermore, the police report can be used as evidence in your personal injury claim. Ensure to get a copy of the report for your records.

Gather Evidence

If possible, you should try to gather evidence at the scene of the accident. This includes taking photographs of the vehicle damage and any visible injuries. If there are any witnesses, get their contact information so that they can provide a statement later. The more evidence you have, the stronger your claim will be.

There are various ways you can use it to gather evidence. You can take pictures with your smartphone or ask a bystander to do it. If you have a dashcam, the footage may be useful as well. Some of the evidence you need to collect includes photos of the vehicles involved in the accident, the license plate numbers of the vehicles, and the contact information of any witnesses. You should also capture the area where the accident occurred, including any road signs.

Contact an Attorney

After taking your loved one to the hospital and reporting the accident, you should contact a personal injury attorney. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that your rights are protected. They will also help you gather evidence and build a strong case. If you are unsure how to find an attorney, you can ask family and friends for recommendations or search online.

When selecting an attorney, it’s important to choose someone with experience handling drunk driving accident cases. They will know what to do and how to get you the best possible outcome. Furthermore, many personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis. This means that you won’t have to pay anything upfront.

Filing a Personal Injury Claim

If a drunk driver injured your loved one, you might be able to file a personal injury claim. This type of claim allows you to recover compensation for your losses. Compensation can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. In some cases, you may also be able to recover punitive damages. These are designed to punish the responsible party and deter future drunk driving.

To file a personal injury claim, you must prove that the other driver was at fault. This can be done by showing that they were intoxicated at the time of the accident. You will also need to show that you suffered damages from the accident. The best way to do this is with medical records and other documentation. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that your rights are protected.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a drunk driver, it is important to take action. You can report the accident to the police and gather evidence. You should also contact an experienced personal injury attorney. An attorney can help you navigate the legal process and recover compensation for your losses. Ensure that you take action quickly to protect your rights.