Being involved in a vehicle accident of any type can be traumatic and lead to serious injuries, but being involved in a car crash caused by an intoxicated driver can add a new dimension of frustration to the situation. Despite law enforcement efforts and health warnings from governmental and research institutions, intoxicated driving remains a serious problem on the country’s roadways.
The hope is that you will never be involved in an accident with an intoxicated driver, but if you do find yourself in this unfortunate position, the attorneys at Huffman & Huffman have some tips:
HEALTH AND SAFETY ARE YOUR TOP PRIORITIES
The first thing you need to do after being involved in a vehicle accident is to make sure that you are safe. Crashes occur on all different types of roads, meaning you may be dealing with oncoming traffic, fast-moving traffic, and other potential hazards.
When possible, remove yourself and your vehicle from the road to a safe place. At the same time, avoid moving around if you feel pain, experience dizziness, or have any other injuries that may be made worse by exiting your vehicle.
DOCUMENT AS MUCH EVIDENCE AS POSSIBLE
One of the largest problems faced by sober drivers involved in DUI accidents is that the intoxicated driver may be disoriented, have trouble with recalling information or may be completely unconscious. This is because intoxicating substances often blur the user’s perception of reality which is part of the reason for many DUI accidents in the first place.
You may also find that trying to speak with an intoxicated driver about the accident can be difficult or impossible.
As such, it would be a good idea to document the accident scene, both in your mind and through recordings. Take photos, videos, and notes when possible so that you have evidence should you need it in court.
In addition, you should also save all official records pertaining to the accident, including police reports and medical treatment records.
WORK WITH AN ATTORNEY TO SEEK COMPENSATION
Once your health and safety have been accounted for and you’ve had a chance to document the scene, it’s recommended that you contact an attorney for assistance.
A car accident attorney can work with the facts of your individual case to seek the maximum compensation you rightfully deserve for pain and suffering, medical costs, lost wages and more. Your attorney can represent your interests in court, allowing you to focus on healing and getting back to living your best life.
Additionally, depending on how intoxicated the driver is at the time of the accident, you may be entitled to punitive damages under Virginia law. Punitive damages are additional funds a drunk driver and his insurance company must pay as punishment for having driven drunk and injuring someone. Punitive damages are in place to award money to an injured victim in addition to the compensation that a person would receive for the injuries they sustained and medical bills as mentioned above.
CONTACT A VIRGINIA PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY TODAY
At Huffman & Huffman, we provide compassionate legal care and guidance for those injured in car accidents caused by intoxicated drivers. You or a loved one may be facing mounting medical debt and missed time from work, and efforts to receive compensation from an insurance company may feel like you’re fighting an uphill battle.
We take the time to listen to the unique needs of our clients and help make them whole through representation in court and beyond.
To learn more about how we can help you seek the maximum amount of compensation after an injury accident caused by an intoxicated driver, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced and caring Virginia personal injury attorney.
We work around the clock for our clients. We’re open 24/7; call (757) 599-6050 to get started!
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