Injured By A Drunk Driver: 4 Things You Need To Know About Taking Legal Action

Being injured as a result of a drunk driver can be a devastating experience. Furthermore, if your injuries were serious, you may also be stuck with medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses related to the accident itself. Fortunately, you can take legal action against the driver who is at fault, though there are some important things you need to know about the process of taking a drunk driver to court for damages.

Document Everything Extensively

Thorough documentation is a must, since you'll need to prove from a legal standpoint the damages that you've suffered as a result of the accident. Hopefully, at the time of the accident, you not only took plenty of pictures of the damage, but filed a police report as well. If the drunk driver was arrested at the time of the accident, you'll already have a report on record, so be sure to obtain a copy. If there were any witnesses present for the accident, having their names and contact information can also be helpful if you end up needing to go to court.

See a Doctor and Keep Your Bills

If you were injured, you've most likely already seen your doctor for an evaluation and treatment. Even if your injuries were minor, having a record that you received medical attention after the accident is important in giving your case legitimacy. If you plan on trying to recover costs related to your injuries, you'll also want to be sure to keep copies of all medical bills and similar documentation, as these will be needed in court to determine your fair compensation.

File a Claim in a Timely Manner

Don't wait to file a claim with your insurance company for anything you may be eligible for. The sooner you begin the claims process, the better. In some cases, waiting too long to file could make it difficult to recover reimbursement from your insurance company.

Work With a Car Accident Lawyer

Before you reach any kind of settlement, it's always wise to work with an experienced car accident lawyer from a law firm like Daniels Long & Pinsel who has had specific success with drunk driving cases in the past. Consulting with a car accident lawyer regarding the details of your case is the best way to get a better idea of where you stand and what type of recovery may be reached.

By following these steps after being injured by a drunk driver, you'll have the best chances of a smooth recovery.

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