Involved in a DUI Automobile Accident? What Should You Do?

Automobile accidents can be traumatic. If you are involved in an automobile accident involving a drunk driver, either as a driver, passenger or pedestrian, or know someone who has been involved, here are a few things to remember to do.

Report the accident immediately

If you are physically able, call 911 and report that you have been involved in an automobile accident. Report that you are suspicions of drunkenness on the part of the other driver. If not are not able, ask a bystander to do so. Work with law enforcement and calmly explain what happened. If there are witnesses to the accident, identify them to the authorities. It is recommended that you ask for a copy of the information, or at a minimum the name of the law enforcement agency, officer’s name, and crash report number.

Seek immediate medical attention

The most important thing following an accident is your well-being. If you have sustained injuries make sure that you seek medical assistance. Injuries sustained in auto-accidents can vary from minor to severe to life-threatening. If medical assistance is offered at the accident scene, consider having the paramedics examine you. If you have insurance, your Personal Injury Protection will automatically cover the majority of the ambulance ride to the Emergency Room and the ER visit. If you don’t have insurance, the ambulance and hospital will treat you just the same.

Get the names and contact information for all witnesses

If you feel ok physically, get the names and contact information for any witnesses. Our office will immediately contact all witnesses and have them interviewed by a professional investigator. Witnesses you do not know personally are considered to be “independent observers”. Their statements are very important in determining the cause of the accident.

Take photographs at the scene

It used to be that taking pictures at the scene of an accident depended on someone carrying a camera. Now, mostly everyone carries a phone with the ability to take pictures. Take advantage of the opportunity and take photographs of all vehicles involved and any road hazards that may have contributed to the accident (construction barriers, potholes, debris, etc), as well as any evidence you see that may give credit to your suspicion that the other driver was driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Get a Cat Accident Attorney!

Call 1-800-CALL-DAN. The experienced and friendly staff at Dan Newlin Injury Attorneys are ready to offer free advice to you concerning a DUI accident that you or someone you know has been involved in. There are many factors that can be addressed shortly after the accident, and are ready to help you through this ordeal. If it all possible, call us before speaking to any insurance company and before speaking further to the police.