Drunk drivers are dangerous. If you’ve been hurt by an impaired driver, learn what you can do to make sure that you can recover for your losses.
Some of the worst car accidents are caused by drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Drunk driving is incredibly dangerous, and can lead to serious injury or even death. Alcohol and drugs (even some over the counter or prescription medications) can hinder reaction times and judgment, making it nearly impossible for drivers who are under the influence to obey traffic laws and operate their cars in a safe and careful manner. That’s why it is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs in all fifty states — including in California and Arizona.
But despite strict anti-drunk driving laws, more than 5,000 car accidents each year are caused by drunk drivers. These accidents result in roughly 3,500 injuries and 200 deaths each year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 26 percent of all traffic fatalities are caused by drunk drivers. An experienced car crash lawyer can help victims of drunk drivers recover from their losses.
What To Do If You’re Hit By A Drunk Driver
If you are in an accident involving a drunk driver, the first thing that you should do is to evaluate yourself and your passengers for injuries. Even if you think that you are OK, you may actually be in shock — and your body may be masking the pain. It is critical to seek medical attention after this type of accident, particularly if you or any of your passengers show any signs of pain, discomfort or visible injury. If someone has been hurt, dial 911 immediately and request an ambulance. Ask the operator to also send the police to the scene of the accident. A police officer can do a full accident report and investigation, noting the damages and injuries, and interview witnesses. The officer may also assign fault for the accident in the report, which can be extremely helpful in a lawsuit. Perhaps most importantly, the police can perform field sobriety tests and ask the other driver to take a roadside breathalyzer exam or other screening to determine if he or she is impaired by alcohol or drugs. The other driver may be arrested for drunk driving. Your car crash lawyer can then use the results of this investigation, including any drunk driving arrest or conviction, in your case against the other driver. If possible, take photographs of the accident and be sure to keep all documentation, including the police report and contact information for witnesses.
After dealing with the immediate aftermath of the accident, contact an experienced attorney to help you deal with what comes next. A serious car accident may result in substantial damages, from medical bills for current and ongoing treatment, lost wages, pain and suffering and more. In California and Arizona, the Law Offices of Larry H. Parker can provide skilled legal services for victims of drunk driving car accidents. We have decades of experience assisting our clients in recovering damages for all types of accidents, including those involving drunk drivers. We understand how difficult the period of time after a car accident can be for our clients, so we work diligently to ease some of the stress and burden on them so that they can focus on getting better. We are experienced in investigating car accidents, negotiating with insurance companies to obtain the best possible settlement for your losses, and if necessary, taking the case to trial to prove that the other driver was negligent or reckless in causing the accident.
If you have been hurt by a drunk driver, know that you have options — and that we can help you recover for your losses. Contact the Law Offices of Larry H. Parker today at 800-333-0000 or info@larryhparker.com to schedule a free initial consultation. We never charge a fee unless we get money for you!
