While any car accident can be painful and traumatic, some of the most severe car accidents involving pedestrians are caused by drunk drivers. Drunk driving accidents can cause serious injuries and damages – even death, leaving victims struggling to recover physically, emotionally, and financially. If you are a pedestrian who was hit by a drunk driver, it’s essential to take certain steps to protect yourself and your legal rights.
Here are some things you should do if you’re hit and injured by a drunk driver.
Call the Police
The first thing you should do after any car accident is to call the police. This is especially important if the other driver is intoxicated. Law enforcement will come to the scene of the accident, take statements from everyone involved, and create an accident report. This report will be important if you need to file an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit.
Seek Medical Attention
If you have clear injuries, it’s best to accept emergency medical care. At a minimum, allow EMS to determine whether you need urgent treatment at a hospital. Even if you feel fine after the accident, it’s essential to get checked out by a medical professional. Some injuries, such as internal bleeding or traumatic brain injuries, might not show symptoms immediately. A doctor can assess your injuries and let you know what to expect in the coming days and weeks. This visit will also create a record of your injuries.
Gather Evidence
If you’re able to, take photos and videos of the accident scene, including damage to the drunk driver’s vehicle, any injuries you sustained, and the surrounding area. You should also gather contact information from the other driver, any witnesses, and the police officers who respond to the scene. This evidence will be helpful when you are working with your drunk driving accident lawyer to file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
As time passes, you’ll continue to accrue expenses related to your injury. Keep track of all your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages related to the accident. This documentation will be important when negotiating a settlement or presenting your case to a judge.
Contact A DWI Accident Lawyer
If you’re injured by a drunk driver, consulting a personal injury attorney should be one of your top concerns. An attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options, and they can also negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. If necessary, they can file a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages for your injuries.
File an insurance claim
If you have car insurance, you should look into your benefits right away. Many car insurance companies will cover pedestrian personal injuries when a car hits you. This may be your own insurance company. The involved insurance companies will investigate the accident and determine fault. You will want to make sure you have everything in order. A lawyer should be able to help you with this process. If the other driver is found to be at fault, their insurance company may be responsible for paying for your damages and injuries. Don’t speak to the other party’s insurance company or accept a settlement before hiring a personal injury attorney, or you may inadvertently give up your right to pursue a lawsuit if the insurance company’s settlement offer is too low.
Attend All Medical Appointments
Even if you start to feel better, it’s essential to attend all medical appointments and follow your doctor’s orders after a pedestrian accident. This will ensure that you receive the proper medical care so that your injuries don’t turn into anything more serious. It will also create a record of your injuries, which you’ll need to prove all the time you spent trying to heal and the expenses you incurred.
Drunk Driver Accident Attorneys in MN
Being hit by a drunk driver can be a traumatic experience that can change your life in just an instant. Although this is undoubtedly an overwhelming time for you and your family, it’s important to take steps to protect yourself and your legal rights. If you’ve been hit by a drunk driver while walking, biking, or even waiting for the bus, contact a personal injury attorney at Sieben Edmunds Miller to discuss your legal options.
Sieben Edmunds Miller’s Minnesota drunk driver accident lawyers will fight to help you get the compensation you deserve. If you have been hurt as a result of the negligence of the driver of another vehicle, after taking care of your immediate medical needs call the personal injury lawyers at Sieben Edmunds Miller at (651) 994-6744.
