There are a number of common causes of car accidents out there, and sadly one of the most well-known is the accident caused by a drunk driver. If you've been hit by someone who you believe to be a drunk driver, you may be eligible for significant damages and compensation for injuries or other issues - and knowing what to do in the immediate aftermath is important here.
At the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, we're here to provide clients around Salt Lake City, Draper, Provo and other parts of Utah with any car accident attorney service they require, including for cases where a drunk driver is believed to be involved. Here are some of the things to be doing and thinking about in the immediate aftermath of such an accident.
No matter what, the first and most important thing to do is to call for medical attention, and make sure that anyone involved in the accident has professional care and treatment if they need it. This can help ensure that any injuries are properly dealt with, and also provides evidence of what occurred at the scene of the accident.
Furthermore, this is just a matter of basic priorities. While we know that legal issues are important, making sure that everyone on the scene is safe and healthy should always be the first priority in any situation.
In addition to medical care, it's also important to call police officials at the scene of the accident as soon as possible. They can help document what transpired, provide statements and evidence for later use, and testify on what they saw at the scene of the accident. This is important for building a case in court, as well as helping to ensure that any criminal activity (such as the drunk driving) is addressed accordingly.
When police arrive, they will almost certainly give the driver a Breathalyzer test to determine whether they are driving under the influence of alcohol. This is important evidence that can be used in court if necessary and make sure that the drunk driver is held responsible for their actions.
Once important areas like medical attention and police presence have been taken care of, it's also important to make sure that any evidence or documentation at the scene is captured and collected. This may include damages to either vehicle in the accident, statements from witnesses, video footage, photos of skid marks or other debris at the scene - anything that could help prove what happened.
In some cases, there may even be evidence of the drinking prior to the accident, such as empty bottles or cans found inside either car. This is important for proving negligence, and should also be taken into consideration when considering legal action.
When dealing with a car accident potentially caused by a drunk driver, it's important to remember that you have rights and legal options to pursue. In such cases, contacting an attorney can be beneficial in ensuring your rights are protected and that any necessary action is taken against the responsible party.
An attorney will serve several important roles in such cases, including helping to ensure that any evidence and documentation is properly dealt with, addressing insurance companies or other legal entities as necessary, and working to get the compensation you deserve for any injury or damages.
One element that your attorney may discuss with you, depending on the circumstances and what happened, is the issue of fault. In some cases, the accident may not be completely caused by the drunk driver - for instance, if you were distracted at the time or driving recklessly yourself. In such cases, it's important to note that you may not necessarily be entitled to all of the compensation available - as those responsible for any portion of the accident will likely split any costs and damages accordingly.
This is a nuanced area that will vary depending on the case, which is why it's important to consult with a qualified car accident lawyer who can provide personalized advice and support.
At William Rawlings & Associates, we proudly offer clients around Salt Lake City, Draper, Provo and other parts of Utah the representation they need for any kind of car accident situation - including ones involving drunk drivers. If you would like to learn more about how we can help, contact us today.