Accidents can be stressful enough, but when you have been involved in a car accident with another driver who was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, it can make matters even worse. Your vehicle, your body, and your emotional wellbeing can all be greatly affected by such an accident.
Unfortunately, drunk driving is nothing new to the state of North Carolina. The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles reports that in 2017 alone, there were 11,342 drunk driving-related crashes across the state.
Even more alarming is that drunk driving fatalities represent 26.4% of all traffic fatalities. Drunk driving accidents tend to increase over holidays. 50% of all 2017 Memorial Day weekend traffic fatalities involved alcohol. North Carolina has been fighting to toughen state laws, making habitual drunk driving (more than three arrests in 10 years) a felony, and allowing law enforcement agencies to set up sobriety checkpoints.
Here are five steps that you must take in order to protect yourself and put yourself in the best position to receive the compensation that you deserve.
- Stay Calm and Call 911
If you’ve been in a car accident with a drunk driver, one of the most important things to remember is to stay calm and remain on the scene. Make sure that you are in a safe place. If necessary, move your vehicle to the side of the road. Then, call 911 to alert them of the situation, who has been involved, and where you are. When the police arrive they will write a report that can be of significant use in your case.
- Capture Photographic Evidence
It is a good idea to take photos or video of everything that you can: damage to vehicles, crash scene, location, witnesses, etc. This can help to establish important conditions at the time of the crash such as the weather, obstructions, signs, etc. Photos of injuries are also helpful.
- Obtain Witness Information
It is important to identify who witnessed the accident and be sure that the police are aware of them. You will want to obtain their personal information, such as telephone numbers and full names.
- Obtain Documentation of Accident-Related Costs and Lost Wages
It is important to have all bills, invoices, documents concerning medical care, property damage, and proof of lost wages in order to demonstrate that you have suffered economic damages. It may also be wise to keep a diary or notebook documenting your recovery and treatment.
- Actively Participate in All Legal Hearings
It is very important to provide evidence at hearings, proceedings, and trials wherever the drunk driver is to face prosecution. This may also include criminal court if he or she faces more serious charges.
An Experienced North Carolina Drunk Driving Attorney Can Help
If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident due to the negligence of another, the experienced Drunk Driving Attorneys at Daggett Shuler can help. Call us at 336-724-1234 today!
Daggett Shuler Law – You Can Depend on Us