Unfortunately, drunk driving continues to be a serious problem despite a large number of fatalities and serious injuries that result from drunk driving accidents. The actions you take after you are hit by a drunk driver can affect your case.

Stay Calm and Alert

After an accident, you will likely feel like panicking. The drunk driver might also be unpredictable due to the influence of alcohol. Contact the police and wait for the officer to arrive on the scene.

If you believe that the driver was under the influence of alcohol, you may request that a field sobriety test be performed. Then, the event will be recorded and the driver might be charged with a DUI. If this is the case, you may be able to use this when negotiating a settlement out of court.

There might be efforts by the other driver to eliminate evidence that they were drinking such as to dispose of beer bottles. You will want to point this out to the police officer.

Write Down Important Information

Make sure to record the name and contact info of the other driver if you're able to. Record the license plate number, driver's license number, insurance policy number, and registration. Write down any details you see such as the location of the accident, the damage that occurred during the accident, anything else of note nearby such as a tree that might have played a role in the accident.

If there were any witnesses, make sure to exchange contact information. Ask the witnesses about whether they would be willing to give a witness testimony if your case ever goes to court. Also, ask if the witnesses could write down what they remember since memories can sometimes become fuzzy after an accident.

Contact an Attorney

After an accident, make sure to contact an attorney who is experienced with DUI cases and personal injury. With accidents involving DUIs, the intoxicated driver will likely carry some or all of the blame and you might also be entitled to punitive damages. However, you must prove that the driver was negligent and that they were under the influence while driving.

Your main priority will be focusing on your recovery. However, you will not want to wait too long to file a claim because there is a statute of limitations for personal injury cases. Evidence also tends to disappear with time. Therefore, you will want to contact a DWI attorney today.