In the blink of an eye, a peaceful drive on the road in Texas can turn into a heart-pounding crisis. However, the situation becomes worse if you are the victim of a car accident caused by a drunk driver. Accidents caused by someone else’s drunk driving can result in chaos, questions, and emotions that demand immediate attention. However, if you find yourself in such an overwhelming situation, then taking the right steps immediately is crucial. Wondering about what steps to take after a drunk driving accident? Well, fear not! We’ll discuss the right steps to take immediately after an accident. So, let’s discuss some of them:
1. Prioritize Safety First
The first step to take after a drunk driving accident is to prioritize safety. If you’re with family or friends during the incident, make sure to seek medical aid for everyone involved. If the injuries are severe, make sure you don’t move the injured person, as it can worsen their condition.
2. Call The Police Immediately
Next, you need to call the local police at the scene as soon as possible. If you suspect the other driver was driving under the influence, then inform the local police about it.
The police will arrive at the scene, assess the situation, provide medical assistance, and create a car accident police report. A police report is important to file insurance claims against the drunk driver who caused the accident. The presence of the local police at the scene is crucial to determine who is at fault and ensure proper legal proceedings.
3.Collect All The Necessary Information
While you wait for the police to arrive at the scene, make sure to gather all the necessary information about the incident. It may include contact details, insurance information, and vehicle registration numbers.
Moreover, make sure to collect the contact details of the witnesses present at the scene. Witnesses may help prove in court that the accident happened because of the other drunk driver.
These are some essential information that you must collect that will help you during the claims process and legal proceedings.
4. Report The Incident to the Insurance Company
After calling the cops, the next step is to report the incident to your insurance company in Texas. Provide them with all the necessary information you have gathered, such as other driver’s information and police reports.
This information will help you guide through the claims process and can provide valuable advice on how to proceed.
5. Seek Help From an Attorney
Sometimes, dealing with insurance companies and other aspects of the accident can be overwhelming. This is where an experienced car accident attorney can help you.
You can reach out to Texas Injury Lawyers, who will help you navigate through the complex legal process and represent you in court.
Moreover, the team will effectively communicate with the insurance companies so that you will get fair compensation for your loss and damage.
6. Don’t Admit Your Fault
When communicating with the driver after the accident, be mindful of your choice of words. Remember, do not admit your fault at any cost, even though you might have contributed to the accident.
Your choice of words can be used against you in court and insurance claims. So, it’s always better to discuss the accident only with the law enforcement and insurance company.
7. Get Medical Attention
While you may feel fine after the accident, it is still important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. This is because some injuries may not manifest symptoms right away, and having medical records will help establish a link between the accident and any subsequent health issues.
So, make sure to seek proper medical attention immediately for your overall health and well-being.
8. Attend Legal Proceedings
If the drunk driver is charged with DUI (Driving Under the Influence), they will likely face legal proceedings.
As a victim, you will be asked to provide statements of the incident in court. However, make sure you incorporate with the law enforcement and the legal system to ensure that justice is served and your rights are protected.
9. Focus on Recovery
Lastly, it is important to focus on your recovery process. Accidents caused by drunk drivers can affect your physical as well as emotional health. So, it is important to focus on your recovery, whether it’s through medical professionals in Texas, trauma-related therapy, support groups, etc.
Summing Up
Being involved in a car accident caused by drunk driving is no less than a nightmare. But to cope with the incident, taking actionable steps is essential.
To sum up, follow the steps mentioned above after getting involved in a drunk driving accident.
