Steps to Take If You’re Injured by a Drunk Driver in California

Being injured by a drunk driver is a distressing experience that can result in serious physical, emotional, and financial consequences. If you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, it’s important to take immediate and well-informed steps to protect your rights, ensure your safety, and seek compensation for your injuries. In this blog post, we’ll outline the essential steps you should take if you’re injured by a drunk driver in California.

Prioritize Safety and Seek Medical Attention: Your well-being is the top priority. If you or anyone else involved in the accident is injured, seek medical attention immediately. Even if you believe your injuries are minor, it’s crucial to get a medical evaluation as some injuries might not be immediately apparent.
Contact Law Enforcement: Call the police to the scene of the accident. A police report will document the details of the accident and the involvement of a drunk driver, which will be crucial for your insurance claim and any legal actions.
Gather Information: Collect essential information from the scene, including the drunk driver’s contact details, insurance information, and license plate number. If possible, take photos of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, and any visible injuries.
Avoid Confrontation: While emotions can run high after an accident, it’s important to avoid confrontation with the drunk driver. Stick to exchanging necessary information and waiting for the authorities to arrive.
Document the Scene: Make notes about the accident while the details are fresh in your mind. Include information about the time, date, location, weather conditions, road conditions, and any witnesses present.
Obtain Witness Information: If there are witnesses to the accident, gather their contact information. Eyewitness accounts can be valuable in confirming the drunk driver’s actions and negligence.
Refuse Settlement Offers: Avoid accepting any settlement offers or making agreements with the drunk driver’s insurance company without consulting a personal injury attorney. Their goal is to minimize their payout, and you may be entitled to more compensation than initially offered.
Contact Your Insurance Company: Notify your own insurance company about the accident, even if the drunk driver was at fault. Provide them with accurate information about the incident.
Consult with an Attorney: Reach out to a personal injury attorney experienced in handling drunk driving cases. An attorney can help you navigate the legal complexities, assess the true value of your claim, and guide you through the process.
Preserve Evidence: Keep all documents related to the accident, including the police report, medical records, bills, and correspondence with insurance companies. These documents will be important when building your case.
Refrain from Posting on Social Media: Be cautious about posting on social media regarding the accident or your injuries. Information shared online could potentially be used against you in legal proceedings.
Follow Medical Advice: Adhere to your doctor’s recommendations and attend all necessary medical appointments. This will not only aid your recovery but also provide documented evidence of your injuries.

Being injured by a drunk driver is a traumatic experience, but taking the right steps in the aftermath can significantly impact your ability to seek compensation and justice. By prioritizing safety, documenting the scene, seeking legal counsel, and preserving evidence, you can ensure that your rights are protected and that you have the best chance of receiving the compensation you deserve. A personal injury attorney can be your advocate during this challenging time, guiding you through the legal process and fighting for your rights against the negligent drunk driver.

A personal injury lawyer can help you understand your legal options and negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf. Click here to schedule a free consultation with one of our skilled California lawyers to learn more about your options. Or call our offices at 707 549 8166.