We all know that drinking and driving is bad. Here are few facts to consider: The consumption of alcohol impairs reasoning and motor skills, which is what makes driving while intoxicated so dangerous. According to the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility, the number of drunk driving fatalities has decreased since 1982 by 52 percent. However, impaired driving is still a national problem that needs to be addressed. The CDC reports that of the 1,070 traffic deaths that involved children below the age of 14, that 209 of these children (19 percent) died in a crash involving a drunk driver. Furthermore, 116 of the children that died in these crashes, were riding with the driver who was intoxicated.
According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention), 9,967 people were killed in traffic collisions as a result of a drunk driver in 2015. Alcohol impaired drivers are responsible for a third of all traffic deaths and should be a major concern for everyone on the road. The following information is intended to help you know what to do if you are involved in a car crash with a drunk driver.
The Moment of the Crash
Being hit by another vehicle can be disorienting and terrifying, but it’s very important to remain calm. After you’ve been hit by another vehicle, check your surroundings for approaching vehicles and pull off the road into the shoulder or in a safe area. If your car does not start or cannot move after the crash, do not exit the vehicle until you are positive that it is safe to do so. Determine if anyone has been injured and call the police as soon as possible.
What to do After the Crash
After calling the police, gather contact and insurance information from the other parties that were involved in the crash. Take pictures of the scene, the damages to your car and other personal property, and take photos at the scene of the crash, this will serve as evidence later in your claim. The legal blood alcohol content limit (BAC) is .08 and the driver that hit you may be charged with a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) if over this limit. The police report will say if the other driver was charged with a DUI, which is why getting a police report of the crash is a very important step. Gather contact information of any other witnesses of the crash and make sure to have a doctor examine your injuries soon. Wounds that arise from car crashes can take time to present themselves, seeking medical attention as soon as possible will help to prevent these forms of injuries and can help strengthen your claim.
Contact a personal injury lawyer to ensure that you receive the fair amount of compensation that you deserve. Settlements for cases that involve drunk drivers can be very high. This is because the victims of a crash involving a drunk driver are usually rewarded more by a jury for their pain and suffering.
