If you are hit by a drunk driver in Las Vegas, it’s important to stay calm and take specific steps to ensure your safety, gather evidence, and protect your legal rights. Anthem Injury Lawyers cares about you and wants to make sure you know what to do if you are hit by a driver who is under the influence (DUI.) Here’s a guide on what to do if you are the victim of DUI accident:
- Ensure Safety
– Check for injuries: Check yourself, passengers, and others involved for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately.
– Move to a safe location: If possible, move to the side of the road to avoid further accidents, but avoid leaving the scene.
- Call 911
– Report the accident: Call the police and inform them of the crash, specifying that the other driver appears to be intoxicated.
– Request medical assistance: Even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured, you may still have hidden injuries. Get medical help if needed.
- Document the Scene
– Take photos: Capture photos of the vehicles, the accident scene, any visible damage, injuries, road conditions, and any relevant signs.
– Gather contact information: Get the name, license plate number, driver’s license, insurance information, and contact details of the other driver, but avoid confrontations.
– Witnesses: If there are any witnesses, get their contact information and ask them to stay to give a statement to the police.
- Wait for Law Enforcement
– Cooperate with the police: Provide accurate and truthful information but avoid admitting fault or discussing specific details of the crash with the other driver.
– Request a police report: Make sure the responding officers file an official report. You may need this later for insurance and legal purposes.
- Seek Medical Attention
– Even if injuries are not apparent: Some injuries (like whiplash or concussions) may not show symptoms immediately. It’s a good idea to see a doctor to ensure you’re okay.
- Inform Your Insurance Company
– Report the accident: Notify your insurance company of the accident and provide them with any relevant details. Keep your communication factual and avoid speculating about fault.
- Consult Anthem Injury Lawyers
– Since the accident involved a drunk driver, you may have legal options for compensation beyond your insurance claim. Anthem Injury Lawyers are experienced with DUI cases and can guide you through the process and help protect your rights.
- Document Everything
– Keep a detailed record of all medical visits, car repair bills, and any communication with insurance companies. This documentation can be crucial if you pursue legal action.
- Know Your Legal Rights
– DUI charges: The driver who hit you will likely face DUI charges, and you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, property damage, and other losses.
– Nevada’s victim compensation program: Nevada offers a program to assist victims of crime, including drunk driving, to recover expenses not covered by insurance.
– Anthem Injury Lawyers are the best resource to help you get the medical treatment you need and the compensation you deserve when you are a victim of a DUI driver accident.
- What You Can Do
– Make sure you have proper insurance on your vehicle, including under or uninsured motorist coverage, also known as UIM. This will protect your medical and financial interests if the DUI driver has no insurance or not enough coverage to pay your bills, including pain and suffering.
– Always have your insurance ID card and your car registration in the vehicle with you. This way, if an accident happens you are not searching for the needed documents. And of course, always have your driver’s license with you when you are driving a vehicle.
Handling an accident caused by a drunk driver can be stressful, but following these steps will help protect your safety, health, and legal interests. Anthem Injury Lawyers are always here for you. Call us at 702-857‑6000 or visit us at antheminjurylaw.com to get a free consultation on your car accident case.
Last updated Wednesday, October 16th, 2024