Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol can have devastating repercussions for both the individuals doing it and those who happen to be on the road around them. Sadly, innocent motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians are typically the ones who incur the most damages in drunk driving collisions.
Even if you do not drink and drive, there is no way to avoid such wrecks entirely because so many other people do so on a regular basis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 10,265 people died in alcohol-related collisions in 2015. These fatalities accounted for almost one-third of all traffic deaths during that year.
If you sustained serious injuries in a collision with a drunk driver, contact the Law Office of George R. Fusner, Jr. You may be entitled to compensation to cover the damages you incurred, including hospital expenses, lost wages, and other associated bills. Call 800-427-8960 or 615-251-0005 to schedule a free case evaluation with a Nashville personal injury lawyer.
Read on to learn what you should do following a collision with a drunk driver:
- Call the Police
Call the police as soon as possible. Inebriated individuals can be unpredictable, and you do not want to be alone with someone who might get angry about the situation. There is also a chance that the motorist will try to drive away if the police do not show up immediately.
- Remain Calm
You may be incredibly angry and frustrated following the collision, but try to remain calm until the police arrive. In the meantime, inspect yourself and anyone else in your vehicle for injuries, take a deep breath, and wait for first responders to handle the scene.
- Write Down the Motorist’s License Plate Number
Once you gather your bearings, take note of the other driver’s license plate number, as well as the make, model, and color of the vehicle. This information is essential, especially if the motorist tries to flee before police arrive.
- Get the Other Motorist’s Contact and Insurance Information
After police have arrived and you feel safe approaching the other motorist, get his or her contact information and insurance details. If there were any passengers in the other vehicle or pedestrian witnesses on the sidewalk, get their contact information, as well.
- Document the Scene
If you do not require emergency medical care and you are physically capable of walking around, take photographs of the scene after police have diverted traffic safely away from it. Capture the collision from various angles, and document the surrounding signs, road conditions, and traffic flow, as well. You never know what kinds of details you might need later in order to prove liability.
After documenting the scene and seeking medical care, it is time to call a car wreck attorney in Nashville. Turn to the Law Office of George R. Fusner Jr. to discuss your case and determine the best way to secure the compensation you deserve.
Call 615-251-0005 or 800-427-8960 to schedule a free consultation. If you want to learn more about car accident claims in Tennessee, visit the USAttorneys website.
