Drunk drivers are responsible for approximately 10,000 traffic fatalities—and many more injuries—across the United States annually. If you were recently hurt in an accident and you think the motorist who struck you was under the influence of alcohol, you’re probably wondering how to seek justice.
While there’s a good chance you have grounds for action, you’re not guaranteed a payout. Before you can hold the drunk driver liable for the damages you incur, you must put together a strong claim. To see what that entails, read on.
Here are some of the most important steps to take in the wake of a drunk driving accident:
If you did not require medical care at the scene, it’s still vital that you undergo a comprehensive exam as soon as possible. There are a number of impact injuries that don’t always manifest symptoms right away, so even if you feel fine, you may not necessarily be fine.
If it turns out you do need treatment, make sure to follow your doctor’s orders every step of the way. In addition to facilitating your recovery, prioritizing your health will demonstrate a commitment to mitigating damages. This will make it harder for the drunk driver to claim you’re partially responsible for the severity of your injuries.
Drunk driving accidents often make their way into the newspaper, especially in small towns. However, if anyone from the local media reaches out and asks for a statement, it’s best to avoid giving one. Even if you think it might bolster your claim, there’s no way to be sure how the content might be interpreted.
In that same vein, you should refrain from discussing the situation with any insurance adjusters. If they insist they need a recorded statement to process your claim, refer them to your legal team. Should you say something on record that ends up being inconsistent with one or more aspects of your claim, it opens the door for disputes.
Save the receipts and invoices for all expenses you wouldn’t have incurred had you not gotten hurt. Your lawyer will need them to total your recoverable damages, which will provide a starting point for the negotiations.
It’s also wise to start a journal. Write about the daily hurdles you now face because of your condition. These entries will support your claim for non-economic damages like diminished quality of life.
Are you planning on taking action against a drunk driver? For help navigating the proceedings, turn to Hodge & Langley Law Firm.
Our car accident attorneys are well-versed in tort law, and we know what it takes to secure satisfactory outcomes in even the most complex scenarios. To schedule your free initial consultation with one of our South Carolina drunk driving accident lawyers, call 864-585-3873 or submit the Contact Form on our website.
Submission of information in this contact form does not establish an attorney-client relationship. In order to establish such a relationship with our firm we require a direct meeting with the attorney.
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