Steps to Take After Being Hit by a Drunk Driver
If you or a loved one has been injured by a drunk driver in Massachusetts, you have come to the right place. Most drunk driving accident victims are shocked as a result of the accident and don't know what to do. The Woburn drunk driving victims' lawyers at the Faneuf Law Group, understand the consequences of a drunk driving accident. Our expert team of drunk driving accident lawyers has been helping drunk driving accident victims for over 17 years and knows what you need to do soon after being injured by a drunk driver. Here are some of the most important steps that you need to take soon after being injured by a drunk driver in Woburn, Massachusetts.
Seek Medical Care
The first step is to seek immediate medical attention if you are seriously injured as a result of the accident. Many accident victims do avoid treatment because they are worried about the expense. However, if you are not at-fault for the accident, your medical bills should be totally covered. Most victims may not feel immediate pain because of the adrenaline rush after the accident, but you may seek medical attention if the accident is serious. Medical reports play an important part in proving that the accident was serious and that you were actually injured in the collision. You also want to call the police, because police can help document the facts of the accident and make sure the drunk driver is justly prosecuted. You will need to get a copy of the police report to help your lawyer prove the negligence of the at-fault party. Our office can also obtain the police report if we are retained.
Document Evidence
It is important to document everything so that your personal injury lawyer has a better idea of what actually happened in the accident. Unless you have been seriously injured in the accident, you can document the scene using your smartphone. Taking pictures or video clips of the accident scene is important. For example, you should video or take pictures of the injuries you sustained as a result of the accident. Next, take video and/or pictures of the damage (vehicle and property). Exchange information with the other party involved in the accident. You should note down the license number, insurance details, and contact details of the other party and give your details to them. If there are eyewitnesses to the accident, don't forget to collect their names and contact details. You want to take photos of your physical injuries, such as cuts, bruises and abrasions.
What to Do at the Scene
If you have to deal with an intoxicated driver who acts aggressively, you should obtain the contact details of the at-fault party from the police. Keep your distance from such drivers until the police arrive at the scene. Last, but not least, you should consult with an experienced drunk driving victim's attorney in Massachusetts. Call an experienced drunk driving accident lawyer at Faneuf Law Group LLC in Woburn, Massachusetts, to know about your rights under the law and review all of your options.
Signs Of Intoxication After An Accident
Police are trained to look for signs indicating a driver may be drunk. These include:
Swerving in-and-out of traffic
Driving 10 miles above or below the speed limit
Using a wide radius to make a turn
Suddenly stopping in traffic for no reason
Tailgating
Signaling erratically
Driving with no headlights
Hugging the centerline
There are also signs to look for if you think the driver of the vehicle that hit you is drunk:
An intense odor of alcohol
Thrown out beer cans or open bottles of alcohol in their car
Stumbling/having trouble standing up straight
Watery or red eyes
Trouble concentrating
Slurred speech
Drunk Driving Accidents Can get Complicated
Drunk driving cases can get complicated, so having an experienced drunk driving victims lawyer in Woburn, Massachusetts is key to getting the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Our headquarters is in Woburn, but we handle cases throughout the state. Car accidents are often very serious and you can have permanent injuries for the rest of your life. That can have a huge impact on you and your family now and for years to come.
Every drunk driving case is unique, no two are the same. The key to a successful outcome is personalized legal advice specifically focused around your situation and the facts of your case.
If you or a family member are dealing with a Massachusetts drunk driving victims accident case or any other car accident or personal injury case, contact the Woburn personal injury lawyers at the Faneuf Law Group for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights. You can reach us directly at (617) 939-9894.