What Should I Do If I’m in a Car Accident with a Drunk Driver?

A drunk driver accident can change your life. Many of these accidents result in physical injuries and high financial costs. Medical bills, repairs, and auto insurance claims may tempt you to speed up the process of trying to settle your claim too soon. Following a process could help you maximize your recovery.

Get Familiar with Your Rights

Remember a few things before signing off and taking a check from the insurance company. It’s their job to try to settle claims quickly and pay the least amount they have to. When you settle, you’re giving up your rights to hold anyone accountable. That means once the money runs out, you’re on your own. Your treatment costs or loss of income could outweigh what they chose to give you.

Laws for drunk driver accidents and personal injury compensation vary by state. Before making any moves, understand the laws for your state and what you can recover for. In some states, your health insurance company is entitled to be paid back before you are and failing to pay them could result in a claim against you. Some states also allow for extra “exemplary” damages in cases involving drunk drivers.

Collect All the Evidence you Can

Just because the other driver was drunk, that doesn’t prove your case in a car accident. If you have injuries or damage from the accident, you need evidence and, you need to prove the other car negligently caused the wreck. You also need proof the other driver was over the legal alcohol limits. If you’re able to, start collecting information at the accident scene. If your injuries or the scene doesn’t allow you to, gather what you need as soon as you can.

This evidence will be helpful in finding out if you have a personal injury case:                                                                                                                  

• First, call the police if you suspect drunk driving
• Videos and photos of the scene, injuries and vehicles
• Medical records
• Police reports
• Witness statements
• Actual witnesses
• Information about the drunk driver
  • Name
  • Address
  • Insurance
  • Driver’s license
  • Place of employment
  • Driving history
  • Activity just before the accident

Get Help With your Drunk Driver Case from Personal Injury Attorneys

The aftermath of a drunk driver accident can be overwhelming. Fortunately, you don’t have to go through it alone. Personal injury attorneys can help in these cases to maximize your recovery. At Springer & Lyle, we know the burden drunk driver accidents create. That’s why we work hard to help you understand your rights and recover what you are entitled to. Contact the personal injury attorneys at Springer & Lyle for a free consultation!