If you are in Georgia and have been hit by a drunk driver, it's important to take certain steps in order to make sure to protect your rights and receive fair compensation for your losses. As an accident victim, you may be suffering not only physical and emotional injuries but financial and economic damages as well. It's possible that you will need to file a legal accident claim to receive financial compensation for your medical expenses and damages caused by the auto accident.
If you or someone you know has been hit by a drunk driver Marks Law Group is available to assist you. Our lawyers will ensure that the responsible party is held accountable for their negligent actions and poor decisions.
Contact our Decatur car accident firm today at (678) 251-9309 to schedule a free, initial consultation and receive professional legal advice regarding your case. Our lawyers will work diligently to build a robust defense for you and ensure that you are appropriately compensated for any physical injuries, emotional damages, and financial damages that were caused due to the impaired driver.
How to Report an Accident With a Drunk Driver
After being involved in a car accident with a drunk driver, it is crucial to report it to the police as soon as possible. The first step to take in this situation is to call the police and then you should gather as much evidence of the accident as possible.
Finally, it is important to obtain a copy of the police report to have all the necessary legal information. Filing an accident report, or crash report, is a necessary step to take if you plan to file a personal injury claim in the future.
Contacting the Police
Whenever a motor vehicle accident occurs, calling the police is always the right move. This is especially true if there is an injured person in the crash or if there are any accident fatalities. The police officers will be able to conduct a field sobriety test and measure their blood alcohol content (if they suspect it could be a factor). This means that authorities can take into account any evidence of reckless driving before deciding what sort of legal action should be taken against them.
The primary reason why people don’t call the police after accidents is because they are worried about how their insurance rates might go up or how an accident will affect their auto insurance policy. But those should always come second to making sure that everyone involved in an accident stays safe and unharmed-- which is exactly why you should call the police if ever you're in an auto-related incident.
Gather Evidence at the Scene of the Accident
When a car accident involving an alcohol-impaired driver occurs, it is wise to exchange information with the other driver responsible for the crash as soon as possible in order to protect yourself later on should you need to take civil action, or need medical assistance after being in an accident. It is important that you ask for the name, address, and vehicle registration number of the other person involved.
It is crucial to document the scene and any physical damages to vehicles resulting from the crash with photos. Take as many photos of the accident as possible from all angles and make sure the lighting is adequate. You may want to consider asking nearby businesses for any available surveillance footage of the crash, as this evidence could potentially strengthen your insurance claim.
It is also vital that you get the information of witnesses who are present at a car accident so they can back up your drunk driving accident claim if needed. On the scene of the crash, you can ask whoever witnessed the crash for their contact information; these witnesses may not necessarily stay until police arrive so it is best to acquire this data as soon as possible. Your accident lawyer may want to talk directly with these witnesses, so make sure you keep their contact details.
Obtain a Copy of the Police Report
If you have been involved in a drunk driving accident in Georgia, it is important to obtain a copy of the police report. This document will provide information about the accident that can be used to support your accident injury claim in the compensation process.
It will include details regarding damage to your vehicle, the driver’s intoxication level, and other important facts about the incident. You can request a copy of the police report from the law enforcement agency that responded to the accident.
Get Medical Attention After a Car Accident
After the police have left the accident scene, it is crucial to seek immediate medical care. Having immediate reports and follow-up medical records can serve as evidence in court to support the injuries you sustained.
Additionally, if you have experienced emotional distress as a result of the accident, it is recommended that you consult with a psychiatrist to document the emotional impact on you for potential legal purposes. Obtaining medical evidence is of utmost importance if you want to file a strong claim, so make sure you keep records of all your medical appointments.
Emergency Room Treatment
When it comes to car accidents, it is important to seek medical attention from a physician even if you don't see or feel any visible injuries. Immediately following an accident, your body can produce a “fight or flight” hormone known as adrenaline that may mask any pain from injuries thus making it more difficult to tell the extent of your injuries.
This hormone can also delay feelings of pain indicating that you might have broken something or perhaps suffer from some internal organ damage until it passes.
For this reason, seeking medical help soon after an accident can help identify any potential injuries or long-term damage that may not be detected with a cursory examination. Also, serious conditions such as traumatic brain injuries may present delayed symptoms. A thorough medical evaluation will ensure that these possibilities have been ruled out and will in turn help prevent further damage.
Follow-up care with Primary Care Physician or Specialists
After initial emergency treatment, follow-up care with your primary care physician or specialists may be required. Depending on the severity of your injuries, your doctor may refer you to a specialist for additional tests and evaluations. It is important to keep a record of all your medical bills and medical records for these appointments as you may be eligible to file for monetary compensation from the drunk driver.
Keeping Track of All Medical Bills and Records Related to Your Injury
It is important to have medical exams immediately and keep medical bills and records on file if you plan to file an accident injury lawsuit in the future. These records will help you prove your injuries and get fair compensation from the driver responsible for the accident.
Medical evidence includes the emergency room visit after the accident, and any follow-up care with your primary care physician or specialists, such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, blood tests, ultrasound scans, physical therapy sessions, and other diagnostic procedures.
Additionally, it is important to save all written correspondence from doctors and other medical professionals regarding your injury and treatment. Having evidence from doctors on hand is essential in filing a civil suit against the drunk driver. It is also important to keep receipts for any medications you may have been prescribed or over-the-counter medication purchased in relation to your injury.
Call Marks Law Group Today for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one is an innocent victim of a drunk driving car crash, it is important to seek legal services from an injury attorney in Decatur immediately. At Marks Law Group, we understand the importance of getting the fair settlement that you and your family deserve for any physical injuries or financial losses sustained as a result of someone else's negligence.
We are dedicated to working closely with our clients throughout every step of the legal process and fighting vigorously for their rights. Call us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and determine what legal options are available for you.