What to Do After a Drunk Driver Hits Your Car

Despite the dangers associated with drunk and intoxicated driving, some individuals still choose to get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle while they are under the influence of alcohol. Doing so is a surefire way for them to cause a motor vehicle collision. Because alcohol is a depressant, it slows down the functioning of a driver’s central nervous system. As a result, drivers can experience blurry vision and delayed reaction time, preventing them from being able to take the necessary actions to avoid or avert a collision. 

If you have been involved in an accident that was caused by a drunk driver, there are certain steps that you should always take at the accident scene and shortly thereafter. The experienced Austin drunk driving accident lawyers at TK Injury Lawyers can assist you throughout the claims-filing process and will do everything possible to help you recover the compensation that you need for your drunk driving accident injuries. 

Please speak with us today to find out more about how we can help you pursue monetary compensation for the injuries which you suffered in your drunk driving accident. 

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Steps to Take Immediately Following a Drunk Driving Collision

1. If you have been involved in a motor vehicle collision that you suspect was caused by a driver who was intoxicated, there are certain steps that you should take right away. First of all, if you are able, you should contact the police and speak with the officer who arrives at the collision scene. The officer will be able to help you obtain the other driver’s contact and insurance information and will be able to make an assessment about whether the driver was likely intoxicated, based upon his or her speech, mannerisms, and other factors. In the police report, the officer can note his or her observations about the other driver. The report will also state whether the officer issued a citation to the other driver and what the citation was for. 
2. It is also important to get medical treatment immediately following a drunk driving accident–even if you are not sure that anything is wrong. This is because many times, symptoms of soft tissue injuries, head injuries, and other impairments do not show up right away. An emergency room doctor will be able to perform the necessary tests to see if you were injured and can determine the nature and extent of your injury. The doctor can also make recommendations for follow-up treatment. 
3. Finally, you should speak with a knowledgeable Austin car accident lawyer about a plan of action for filing a claim with the at-fault driver’s motor vehicle insurance company and moving your case forward. 

Your Drunk Driving Accident Claim

If you’ve been injured by a drunk driver, the physical, financial, and emotional losses (legal damages) you experience can prove overwhelming. The categories of loss covered include:

• Property damage to your vehicle
• Your medical expenses (both current and ongoing)
• Your lost income, which may include a decrease in your ability to earn
• Your physical and psychological pain and suffering, that can negatively affect every aspect of your life (including your primary relationships)

If the drunk driver is deemed to have engaged in gross negligence, punitive damage that is designed to punish the drunk driver (rather than to compensate you) may be awarded. Punitive damages are less common in personal injury claims, but drunk driving can rise to the required level of negligence.

Protecting Your Claim

Being injured by a drunk driver leaves you in an incredibly vulnerable position, and doing what you can to protect your claim is paramount. In addition to seeking the medical attention that you need and working closely with a seasoned drunk driving accident lawyer, there is the insurance company to take into consideration. The drunk driver’s insurance provider is motivated – first and foremost – by profits, which makes proceeding with caution in your best interest.

Communicating with the Insurance Company

The insurance company representative handling your claim is practiced at obtaining statements from vulnerable victims of drunk driving accidents – like you – that end up damaging their own claims. Allowing your dedicated drunk driving accident lawyer to communicate with the insurance company on your behalf helps to ensure that you won’t make this mistake.

Following Your Medical Team’s Advice

Obtaining the medical attention you need after a drunk driving accident is only the beginning of your healthcare journey. The serious injuries caused by these often-violent accidents can require ongoing care and can lead to dangerous secondary medical concerns. Carefully following the advice of the medical professionals who are caring for you helps to ensure that you will ultimately reach your fullest recovery and also sends a strong message to the insurance company that your losses are exactly as serious as outlined in your claim.

Skipping the Social Media Posts

We’ve all gotten in the habit of sharing just about everything on social media, and while that generally isn’t an issue, now is a good time to give the practice a rest (until your claim is finalized). The insurance company will be watching and is skilled at twisting posts fo its own purposes. Ultimately, it’s important to recognize that nothing you post on social media is ever truly private – regardless of the privacy settings you choose. Taking a social media break is the best path forward.

Allowing Your lawyer to Negotiate on Your Behalf

Your dedicated Austin drunk driving accident lawyer is well positioned to negotiate with the insurance company on behalf of your claim’s best possible resolution. This includes cutting to the heart of the matter, thwarting the insurance company’s tactics, and preparing to go to trial if the insurance company refuses to engage in fair negotiation practices.

Speak with an Austin Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Today

The skilled legal team at TK Injury Lawyers can help you pursue compensation for any injuries which you suffered in a drunk driving collision. For a free legal consultation and case evaluation with a knowledgeable Austin drunk driving accident attorney, please call today at (512) 910-2000 or contact us online for more information about how we can help.