The holidays go hand-in-hand with celebrating, even if many celebrations are smaller this year. The pandemic, unfortunately, does not eliminate the risk of drunk driving, and this dangerous conduct always increases during the winter holidays. If a drunk driver hits you between now and New Year’s (or any time of year), do you know what to do?
Each situation is different, but there are some things to remember after a crash:
- Never confront the other driver or get angry, even if it is clear they are intoxicated. They might become combative or even try to flee the scene if they fear a possible arrest.
- Call 911 to ensure the police come to investigate the drunk driver. This also means that emergency medical personnel will report to the scene to evaluate your injuries.
- Seek medical treatment immediately if you are injured – whether you need an ambulance ride or head to the emergency room on your own. Getting a swift diagnosis helps protect your physical prognosis as well as an injury claim.
- Contact an experienced car accident lawyer in Campbell to discuss your legal options for insurance claims or an injury lawsuit.
Even if the drunk driver gets arrested, do not expect the criminal case to take care of your losses. While the court might order some restitution, it is rarely even close to what you need to cover your medical bills, lost income, and more. Instead, it is necessary for you to take legal action, and you should always do so with the help of an experienced attorney.
Seek Help from Our Car Accident Lawyers in Campbell Today
The Campbell car accident attorneys at Schaar & Silva, LLP, hope that you stay safe this holiday season. However, in the event that a drunk driver disrupts your life, call 408.721.1111 or contact us online for a free case evaluation.