How To Handle A Drunk Driving Accident
When you or someone you love is involved in an accident, it can be confusing and difficult to know what to do. All of this is compounded if you suspect that the other driver involved may have been intoxicated.
If it's true that the other driver was drunk, it may be easier to get the proper justice, especially if you or a loved one was injured in any way. However, in order to ensure that you get the proper retribution in this circumstance, there are a few pieces of information that you should know.
Always Report
When the other party in an accident is intoxicated, they may urge you not to call the police or report the accident. They might even say that the damage is not severe and that the matter can be handled privately or between insurance companies. Usually, when this happens, it's because they want to avoid detection and the consequences of their decision to drive drunk.
Though you may feel like the bad guy in the situation if you call the police and report the accident, you're not. You're protecting yourself and others who may be on the road. Always call police and report the accident. The reports filed and any charges filed against the other driver can really help you out if the matter eventually goes to court.
Take Photos
When the police arrive at the scene, they will likely take photos and document other evidence.
However, don't rely on police evidence alone, which can be difficult to secure for yourself.
Take your own photos of any accidents or injuries. When possible, take pictures of both cars. You may even want to try and get video if you think it can prove that the other driver was intoxicated or otherwise acting irrationally.
Request Testing
If you feel confident that the other driver was intoxicated, the police may suspect the same and perform sobriety testing or even blood testing or breath testing.
If the police don't do this, however, you can request to have it done.
If the policy complies, you may have evidence that the other driver was drunk, which can help your case. If they do not, you'll at least have it on record that you suspected drunk driving and requested testing.
Whether you do all the right things in a case like this or not, it's still worthwhile to speak to a drunk driving attorney about seeking justice. After all, no one deserves to be victimized by an irresponsible drunk driver.