Important To-Dos if Hit by Drunk Driver in Cleveland

Take Care of Immediate Concerns

Naturally, the first thing you’ll want to do is to take care of any immediate medical needs. If you are seriously wounded, try to stay calm and wait for help to arrive. If you are able to move and get out of the vehicle, do so with care. If you have your phone, call 911 to the scene. Assess your injuries and tend to any other injured people.  Also move away from the road and out of harm’s way from traffic. If paramedics arrive, allow them to assess you even if you don’t think you’re injured. You may be injured and not know it; you’ll have a lot of adrenaline which can temporarily mask your pain.

You may also be in a state of shock or have internal injuries. For health reasons and for evidence should you file a claim or lawsuit later, accept medical care and keep those records.  If paramedics are not called to the scene because there are no serious injuries, still be sure to seek a medical evaluation shortly after the accident.

Collect as Much Information as Possible

Also collect all pertinent information about the accident. If you were hit by a drunk driver and there were extensive damages, gather as much evidence as possible to prove your case so you can later collect restitution.

Some of the information you’ll want to collect includes:

• Notes on your own version of the accident;
• Copies of your medical records;
• The other driver’s name, tag number, driver’s license number, and contact info (if the driver is incoherent, you can obtain the information from the police officer);
• The police report;
• Witness names and contact information; and
• Photos and videos of the scene.

Get a Lawyer to Pursue Compensation for Damages

It’s important to contact a lawyer if you were the victim of a drunk driving accident for several reasons. Firstly, driving under the influence is not only a crime but also considered negligence. This means that the negligent driver will be legally liable to pay for your damages.

Unfortunately, a lot of insurance companies don’t compensate for the full amount of damages a victim suffers. Drunk driving accidents not only cause severe injuries, but they also can greatly affect the victim’s financial situation, and can cause long-term emotional damage. The drunk driver’s insurance company might not take all these things into consideration or be willing to pay for them.

However, a car accident attorney will be able to:

• Gather evidence;
• Craft a solid case;
• Demonstrate the entirety of your damages; and
• Push for a fair settlement.

For a Car Accident Attorney in Cleveland, Contact Ryan, LLP

If you or a loved one is ever seriously injured in a drunk driving accident, contact our DUI accident attorneys at Ryan, LLP in Cleveland. Contact us today at 877-864-9495 for a free consultation, or simply fill out the contact form and an attorney will contact you within one business day.

About the author of this article: Thomas Ryan