5 Legal Steps to Take After Being Rear-Ended by a Drunk Driver

Even though being rear-ended by an intoxicated driver can be a frightening and stressful event, it’s important to know what legal actions to take to defend your rights and pursue damages and compensation for your losses. To assist you navigate the law and make sure you get the justice and recompense you deserve, this post will go over five important legal measures you should take after being struck by a drunk driver.

Ensure Safety and Seek Medical Attention

After being struck by a drunk driver, your well-being, and the safety of the other people in the car should come first. Even if you initially think your injuries are minor, get medical help right away if you or anybody else is hurt. Your health and legal case must record your injuries and obtain medical attention quickly. In addition, report the collision to the authorities and get a police report that recounts the events, including the driver’s drunkenness. Recall that even seemingly minor injuries have the potential to deteriorate over time, so getting medical treatment is crucial to avoiding any problems and guaranteeing a complete medical record for your legal case. 

Gather Evidence at the Scene

It is advisable to collect as much evidence as you can at the accident scene to back up your legal claim. Take pictures of the collision site that include the road signs, traffic lights, skid marks, and any car damage. As their testimonies might be important evidence in your case, get the intoxicated driver’s contact information as well as the contact information of any eyewitness to the collision. Make a note of the details for your records if the police do sobriety exams or arrest the motorist for DUI. Your case for receiving financial compensation and damages for your injuries will be stronger the more evidence you are able to acquire at the scene of the accident.

Notify Your Insurance Company

As soon as you can, report the collision to your insurance provider and give them all the pertinent information, including the other driver’s intoxication. Communicate openly and truthfully with your insurance provider, but exercise caution when making recorded comments or signing any paperwork without first seeking legal advice from a personal injury attorney. Although your insurance provider will probably investigate the accident on its own, having legal counsel can assist in safeguarding your rights and guarantee that you get paid fairly. During the claim procedure, your lawyer can represent your interests and assist you in navigating any discussions with your insurance provider.

Consult with a Personal Injury Lawyer

After being rear-ended by an intoxicated motorist, it is imperative to get legal advice from a skilled personal injury attorney. A drunk driving accident attorney can evaluate the merits of your claim, counsel you on your alternatives and legal rights, and guide you through the difficult legal system. Gathering evidence, negotiating with the insurance provider on your behalf, and, if needed, filing a lawsuit to recover damages for the harm you sustained, medical costs, lost earnings, and pain and suffering are all tasks your attorney will handle. A personal injury attorney can also give you important assistance and direction at every turn of your case, in addition to assisting you in understanding your legal rights and alternatives.

Pursue Legal Action

You have the right to file a lawsuit to hold the intoxicated motorist accountable and recover damages if they rear-ended you. Your personal injury attorney will assist you with the process of bringing a lawsuit in civil court if needed and making a claim against the insurance provider of the intoxicated motorist. Throughout the courtroom process, your attorney will speak on your behalf, defending your rights and pursuing just compensation. A successful conclusion in your civil lawsuit may also be enhanced if the intoxicated motorist is found guilty of DUI in a criminal court.

Conclusion

Even though being collided with by a drunk driver is a terrible experience, it’s important to safeguard your rights and pursue damages and compensation for your injuries by filing the appropriate legal paperwork as soon as possible. You can confidently navigate the legal process and seek justice to stay yourself along with your loved ones by adhering to these five legal steps: making sure you’re safe and getting medical attention, getting evidence at the scene, informing your insurance company, speaking with a personal injury attorney, and pursuing legal action. Don’t be afraid to get legal advice and take steps to hold the at-fault motorist accountable if a drunk driver rear-ended you.