Sustaining injuries in a motor vehicle accident can be a frightening experience and being involved in a drunk driving accident can make the situation even more traumatic. The skilled personal injury attorneys at Gold, Albanese & Barletti, LLC have handled many different types of cases involving drunk drivers, and recommend that you take the following steps to protect yourself after an accident.
Remain Calm and Call 911
After any accident, it is vital to stay cool and calmly assess the situation. Your first priority should be your health and safety and the safety of your passengers. Even if it appears that no one has been injured, call 911. Injuries sustained in a car accident often do not manifest themselves until days or weeks later, and documenting the incident with a police report will make it easier to substantiate insurance claims. Unless they pose a hazard to you or other motorists, do not move any of the vehicles before police arrive.
Take Photos and/or Video & Get Contact Information
Photographs and video can provide evidence of injury, the force of the collision, and damage to vehicles. Video may demonstrate a driver’s state of intoxication as well. Visual evidence can help an accident reconstruction expert determine how or why the collision took place based on weather conditions, signs, traffic control devices, the layout of the intersection or roadway and other factors.
It also is important to ask witnesses and everyone involved in the accident for contact information. If possible, obtain insurance information from the other driver as well.
Contact an Attorney
After a drunk driving accident, it is essential to contact an experienced motor vehicle accident attorney who can help to hold at-fault party responsible for his or her actions. Insurance companies often try to deny or reduce claims, and attorneys who are well-versed in dealing with their tactics know how to negotiate and will work to ensure that you receive just compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering and other damages.
Attend All Hearings and Trials
Providing testimony and evidence at hearings, trials or other proceedings where the drunk driver faces prosecution can not only support your personal injury claim but may keep a drunk driver from getting behind the wheel and hurting someone else. Whether he or she is facing minor DUI charges or more serious charges such as negligent homicide, your active participation in the proceedings could save a life.
If you have been injured or have lost a loved one in a drunk driving accident, contact Gold, Albanese & Barletti, LLC, at 732-936-9901 to schedule a free consultation today.