An astonishing 31 percent of traffic deaths in the United States involve intoxicated drivers. This represents more than 10,000 people every year.
Driving while drunk is not just illegal . It puts plenty of people in danger. If you are involved in a Las Vegas accident where the other driver was intoxicated, here are a few essential things to keep in mind.
1. Don’t Leave the Scene
Like with any other accident, you shouldn’t leave the scene of the accident. Once your car comes to a stop, get out and assess the situation. Contact the police and wait until they arrive. When they arrive, ensure that you get a copy of the police report.
If anyone is hurt, administer first aid and contact 911 immediately.
2. Be Wary of the Drunk Driver
Although accidents are intimidating for everyone, you must remain calm. Understand that the law is on your side, and don’t try to fight the other driver. Alcohol inhibits people’s inhibitions. Drunk drivers are unpredictable, and you never know what they may do.
Limit your interactions with them and wait for the authorities to show up. Don’t accuse them of being intoxicated, even if it is evident that they are. It could make them angry and aggressive. Remain polite and avoid escalating the issue.
Getting them angry may be an additional threat to your safety. If you need to talk to someone, contact your Las Vegas truck accident attorney. They’ll let you know what needs to be done.
3. Don’t Admit Fault
While you wait for first responders to arrive, remain calm. Even if saying sorry is your natural reaction, don’t do it. Apologizing may be mistaken for admitting fault. Your words may be used against you later. You may not receive all the compensation you deserve.
4. Explain Thing to First Responders
Once first responders arrive at the accident scene, give them a detailed explanation of what happened. Let the detectives know if you suspect that the other driver may have been drunk. You also need to let them know if the other driver was speeding, using their phone, or being erratic in any other way. The more detailed you are, the better.
5. Gather Evidence
Take as much evidence of the scene as you can. Getting detailed photos, videos, or witness accounts may be helpful later. You need as much proof as possible. Write down a description of the other driver’s car, the events leading to your accident, the date, and the time. If anyone was injured, take pictures of the injuries with a timestamp. You’ll need them when making a claim.
6. Seek Medical Attention
It is essential to seek medical help even if you don’t think you’ve been injured. Sometimes, the symptoms start manifesting several days or weeks after the accident. If you don’t get medical attention immediately, it may be difficult to prove that your injuries are from that accident. Seeking compensation may be difficult. After treatment, keep copies of your medical records. You’ll need them later.
7. Speak With a Lawyer
Reach out to an attorney right after speaking with the police and getting medical attention. They will help you gather evidence and start pursuing compensation. They will help you prove that the other driver was driving under the influence and that you deserve compensation. The best lawyers don’t just represent you. They walk with you through the entire process.
Being in an accident has emotional and mental effects. It could be even worse if the other driver was drunk. However, taking the proper steps right after your accident increases your chances of getting compensation. When in doubt, always seek the opinion of your lawyer.