People who have been involved in a serious motor vehicle accident can face severe, long term injury or even death. One devastating outcome of drunk driving accidents is that passengers often get seriously injured, even killed, as a result of someone else’s poor decisions.
Someone who causes an accident while under the influence of alcohol or other substances risks not only their own lives, but the lives of their passengers, and the occupants of other vehicles on the road.
Here at The Law Offices of Samuel Fishman we encourage you to search for an experienced accident lawyer who knows how to get the most favorable resolutions for injured clients. We know that an injury might impact you physically, financially, and emotionally. Don’t wait, call us today.
Table of Contents
A critical step for the family of a victim who was killed as a result of a catastrophic automobile accident is to evaluate the scene of the accident. After all, a proper assessment of the scene of the accident helps support the family’s case when a drunk driver has caused the accident. This is just one of many such steps that you should be aware of to protect any potential legal claims.
Call the police and report the accident. After a few days, it is advisable to follow up with the law enforcement authorities, get a copy of the accident report, and keep a copy of the report with you. You must seek immediate medical attention to document your injuries. Further, you should keep and preserve the medical records. This will help you in the claim process. If possible, you must obtain the contact information of the witnesses and other people at the accident scene. This will help you build a strong case.
The following information will help you to better understand how the influence of alcohol or other mind altering substances can contribute to an accident. Here, you will be provided information on how to proceed in the event you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident caused by a drunk driver. Because, when a loved one suffers from a critical injury caused by an accident, the family suffers too.
A driver who has a high blood alcohol content will have lesser chances of maintaining control while driving under the influence of alcohol. Someone who has been drinking may believe that they are in an appropriate state of mind to drive. However, an intoxicated person may not be thinking reasonably due to the influence of alcohol. The fact remains that alcohol impairs too many bodily functions necessary to the safe operation of a motor vehicle.
Drunk drivers also tend to be more likely to engage in risky behaviors like speeding and ignoring traffic signals. It may not always be easy to spot drunk drivers as they may not always drive erratically. Looks can be deceiving and just because you don’t see a drunk driver, does not mean that the situation is safe. An impaired driver will still lack proper reaction time and visibility to stop suddenly if they have to. They may also be unable to swerve or move out of the way to avoid a catastrophic accident.
For the purpose of civil penalties, drunk driving should be viewed from the perspective of those injured in the accident who need to recover medical and other expenses related to the accident. There is, however, a separate criminal component to drunk driving. Authorities who are dispatched to the scene of an accident may learn that alcohol was a factor.
They will pursue evidence that can be used for pursuing criminal action against the impaired driver. In any accident involving a drunk driver, there will likely be both criminal and civil actions that are related, but will be handled by separate court systems.
The criminal aspect involves an assessment of criminal penalties associated with breaking state laws for driving under the influence. Evidence of property damage and serious injury may be useful in criminal court for showing the severity of an accident, but will not be used to account for any monetary damages owed to the state or a victim. A criminal case will not award damages to the victim or their family, but its outcome could prove useful in a civil action.
Someone who is injured in a drunk driving accident should report the driver who was under the influence of alcohol to appropriate authorities. It is important to consult with a personal injury lawyer regarding the case to preserve as much evidence as possible from the outset.
Due to the fact that drunk drivers often lose control of the vehicle, a wide variety of severe injuries are possible with drunk driving accidents. Many injuries from drunk driving accidents will last the remainder of the victim’s lifetime. This can leave victims and their families with a lifetime of difficulties including ongoing medical expenses, lost income, and severe pain.
Drunk drivers may worsen an accident’s impact by engaging in irresponsible or reckless driving. Many do not even realize their speed while driving under the influence of alcohol. Some common injuries associated with these accidents are:
People who have been involved in a drunk driving accident may not immediately realize the severity of their injuries. There are many injuries that can cause a “shock” reaction that protects the injured victim from feeling pain for a short period of time. Once the shock is treated, however, the feelings of pain quickly return.
Other injuries are internal and unable to be seen with the naked eye (for example, concussions). It is crucial to see a doctor following an accident of this kind to ensure that you do not suffer from serious undiagnosed injuries.
It is always better to err on the side of caution. Never operate a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol or mind altering substances. Even one glass can affect some individuals enough to make operating a motor vehicle dangerous.
If you or someone you know have been injured in a drunk driving accident, it is best to consult with a experienced Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer. We have handled drunk driving accidents for years and our lawyers are prepared to help you win compensation for every loss or expense you incurred as a result of the accident.
Medical offices are continuously seeking ways to enhance efficiency and improve patient experiences. One significant…
If you're like us and love sharing your travel adventures but feel like your blog…
When your appliances start acting up, it can throw a wrench in your daily routine.…
Turmeric, a golden-yellow spice commonly used in Asian cuisine, has garnered significant attention for its…
Islamic dress codes have traditionally centered around conservative, modest garments that align with religious values…
A man's wardrobe is never complete without a suit for it is a type of…
This website uses cookies.