Unfortunately, there are over 6 million car accidents every year. Many of these are also the result of a driver who was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the collision.
It can be overwhelming at first if you’ve been hit by a drunk driver. There may be significant damage to your vehicle, and you may even need medical attention.
Fortunately, there are tips you can keep in mind in order to navigate the situation more efficiently.
Not sure where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about what happens after a drunk driving accident.
The Police Gather Evidence
At the scene of the accident, law enforcement officers will take a report of the accident and the surrounding area in order to determine the extent of the damages. It’s not uncommon for a drunk driver to have also caused significant damage to public or private property nearby.
This evidence is then compiled so that it can serve as an official record of the incident and can play a large role in court.
Legal Consequences Occur
Assuming that the driver is arrested after the accident, there are two legal separate proceedings that will occur afterward— a civil case and a criminal case.
As the name implies, a criminal proceeding is designed to punish the driver for their actions. Depending on the severity, they could lose their license, have to attend courses, and even face significant jail time.
These consequences quickly become more severe if someone was injured during the collision.
After the criminal case has concluded, there is typically a glaring issue— the injured party hasn’t been fully compensated. This is where the civil proceeding comes in.
Many parties choose to file a lawsuit in order to receive compensation for their injuries, time out of work, mental distress, etc. In cases where a death occurs, the victim’s families can also sue for damages related to that incident.
Fortunately, the burden of proof is much lower during a civil case. This means someone who received a criminal conviction will likely be found guilty in a civil suit, as well.
Search for a Reputable Attorney
In order to give yourself the best chance possible for success, you’ll need to hire an experienced lawyer who specializes in this area of law. They should also have an extensive history of success when it comes to dealing with your type of case.
For legal advice about how to obtain compensation after you were injured in a drunk driving accident, you can check out this page.
Knowing What to Do If You Were Hit by a Drunk Driver Can Seem Difficult
But it doesn’t have to be.
With the above information about what happens if you were hit by a drunk driver in mind, you’ll be well on your way toward getting they help you need as quickly as possible.
Want to learn more about how we can help? Feel free to get in touch with us today to see what we can do.
