Posted by duijim in on June 25, 2023
If the at-fault driver displays signs of drunk driving at the scene, such as bloodshot eyes, slurred speech or belligerence, observe this behavior carefully and inform police. Also take note of any evidence of alcohol on their breath or clothing.
Take photos or video footage, if possible. This can help preserve evidence.
1. Not Calling the Police
If you have been involved in any kind of car accident – from minor fender-benders to multiple car crashes – calling the police should always be your top priority. Not only can the officers ensure medical responders can attend to injured parties quickly and file a police report that can later be used by you and your lawyer in court proceedings, they are also trained and legally allowed to administer field sobriety tests or breathalyzer/blood alcohol tests to establish whether an at-fault driver was under the influence.
As you wait for the police, be mindful of the at-fault driver and their actions. Keep an eye out for classic signs of intoxication such as bloodshot eyes, slurred speech or belligerence from them; any smell of alcohol from their clothing or vehicle; empty bottles at the scene of accident etc. Make sure that these observations are shared with any law enforcement officers present and give a full statement regarding these observations to them.
Don’t hesitate to inform the police if you suspect the at-fault driver was impaired during the crash, since providing more evidence about their state of mind and intoxication can increase your chances of receiving full and fair compensation for injuries suffered in an accident. Afterward, medical professionals can evaluate you both at the scene as well as later at a hospital if necessary.
2. Not Taking Photos
Photography after a car accident is one of the best ways to protect your legal rights and ensure a more successful outcome. Pictures provide an objective record of exactly how the scene looked at the time of impact; this allows them to prove how the collision occurred and can shed light on its mechanics.
At first glance, many elements of a crash scene may go unnoticed due to stress and adrenaline levels being high; however, these details could prove vital in your car accident case, such as skid marks, broken glass pieces, weather conditions and more. They help paint a picture that illustrates why an accident took place and support any insurance claims for damages that you make against your insurer.
If possible, take photos immediately following an accident to capture as much tangible evidence as possible. Doing this may allow for better outcome in court proceedings.
After an accident has taken place, it is crucial to take photos of all vehicles involved and any damage sustained to each one. You should also take shots of the surrounding area including traffic signals or signs present at the time of collision and witnesses that might provide vital testimony in court proceedings.
3. Not Calling a Lawyer
If you’re injured due to drunk driving, most states offer you compensation; however, without properly building your case you might not receive the amount owed to you.
An attorney can help protect you from making errors that could erode the strength of your claim or lead the insurance company to believe you shared responsibility for causing the accident. They also act as an intermediary between yourself and them, making sure nothing said hurts or questions your credibility – such as inadvertent statements made that compromise the claim.
At the scene of an accident, you should do everything in your power to collect evidence – such as names and contact details of any witnesses; taking photos can also prove beneficial, such as taking snapshots of cars, street signs, traffic signals and lighting conditions; however it’s best not to interfere with police investigations at the site of the crash.
Once at the scene of an accident involving alcohol use, observe classic signs of impairment like bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, belligerence behavior and difficulty standing or stumbling while walking. Be mindful to record any statements from drunk drivers at the scene concerning where they obtained alcohol from and when and how much was consumed prior to an incident occurring; gathering such details may prove essential in your claim for compensation.
4. Admitting Fault
At the scene of a car accident, it is essential that you cooperate and comply with police officers. This includes answering their questions honestly and accurately while also refraining from volunteering information that could be seen as admitting fault – this is particularly relevant if you suspect another driver of being drunk. Furthermore, it may help you gather more information regarding both the incident and their level of intoxication.
Insurance companies typically hire investigators to ascertain who caused serious accidents with injuries and multiple vehicles, and may examine evidence such as vehicle damage, witness statements and police reports to ascertain who caused it. They may interview survivors about what transpired – if you admit fault the insurer could devalue or even deny your claim.
Admitting fault should only be done if it is clear. Admitting blame can help speed up the claims process and bring about more equitable settlements, while showing integrity and taking responsibility for one’s actions. When making this decision, however, one must weigh both benefits and risks carefully and seek professional legal advice if uncertain; Phoong Law offers experienced dui accident attorneys that can review your case to discuss all available legal strategies.