Being injured in a car accident in Henderson can be a terrifying experience, especially if it is caused by a drunk driver. You need to take steps right away at the accident scene and in the days afterwards to protect your right to compensation for your injuries.
Essential Steps to Take After a Drunk Driving Accident
Even if you believe the drunk driver’s liability is crystal clear, you still have the burden of proving his negligence caused your injuries. Your number one priority should be to obtain prompt medical care for your injuries to protect your health. Here are other crucial first steps to take:
Get the vehicle make and license number.
You should write down or take photos with your cellphone of the make, model, color and the license plate number of the vehicle that hit you. The drunk driver could fear being arrested and decide to flee the accident scene.
Contact the police.
You should contact the police right away and obtain a copy of the police report. If the officer suspects the other driver was intoxicated, he will conduct a breathalyzer and blood alcohol content (BAC) test that will establish this. The police report will contain extremely helpful information to prove the driver’s negligence, such as a narration of how the accident occurred, the officer’s conclusions as to the cause of the crash, and whether the driver was arrested for DUI or issued any other citations.
Obtain contact information for the driver and witnesses.
You want to obtain the contact information for the driver, his insurance company, and any witnesses to your collision. If you do not obtain this information for bystanders who saw your accident as it happened, you could lose compelling evidence that will help you win your case.
Take pictures and video.
Use your cellphone to take pictures and video of the damage to the vehicles, the accident scene, weather and road conditions, and any other information you believe will be helpful. If you witness the driver using mouthwash, walking unsteadily, or slurring his speech, try to capture this evidence by taking a photo or video of him.
Attend court hearings.
If the driver is arrested for DUI, you should attend his criminal court hearings. You may find out valuable information to help you in your civil case and could need to be a witness at his criminal trial.
The Last Important Step: Retain an Attorney
Once you obtain the immediate medical care you need, you should retain an experienced car accident attorney in Henderson as soon as possible. He can collect the evidence you need, file your claim with the negligent driver’s insurance company, and negotiate your settlement so that you receive all the compensation you deserve.
Have You Been Injured By A Drunk Driver?
If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident caused by a drunk driver, our experienced car accident attorneys in Henderson are here to help. We will aggressively fight for the compensation you deserve. To learn more about your options and to see our track record in these cases, contact us online or call our Henderson office directly at 702.405.6000 to schedule your free consultation.