Did you know that drunk driving accidents are responsible for more motor vehicle fatalities than any other type of accident? In fact, according to the United States Department of Transportation, a drunk driving accident claims the life of an American every 52 minutes. Thankfully, not every drunk driving collision results in a fatality — but the injuries you sustain can be life-altering and serious. Inland Empire Law Group is here for you if you’ve been injured by a drunk driver in Southern California. In the event you’re involved in a drunk driving accident, here are the steps you need to take:
Call 911
If you’ve been hit by a drunk driver, it is absolutely essential that you call emergency services immediately so that police are able to respond to the scene of the incident. The evidence that officers collect and the reports they create will be very important in your case. Do all of these things inasmuch as you are able — your first concern should be your health and safety. When law enforcement arrives, provide them with as much information as possible about the events leading up to and including the collision.
Get Medical Attention
If you require immediate medical attention, this should be your first priority. If your injuries do not appear to be severe or life-threatening, and you decline to ride in the ambulance, you should at least plan on going to the emergency room, urgent care, or your primary care provider on your own as soon as possible. Their medical diagnoses will be important, especially when it comes to diagnosing latent injuries like whiplash. Otherwise, only a medical provider can issue you a clean bill of health.
Speak With Your Auto Injury Lawyer
Only once your immediate medical needs have been addressed should you turn your attention to the legal matters of a drunk driving accident. It’s at this point that you should seek the services of a qualified auto injury lawyer that specializes in drunk driving accidents like Inland Empire Law Group in Victorville and Rancho Cucamonga. Drunk driving accidents, especially ones that involve injuries, may involve both civil and criminal court proceedings, and you’ll need a legal team on your side to get you the relief you deserve. If the insurance company of the drunk driver attempts to contact you, do not issue any statements, other than that you are being represented by an attorney.
Follow Your Attorney’s Advice
Once Inland Empire begins representing you in regards to the drunk driving incident, all communications will be made through us. This should help alleviate any concerns you may have about dealing with the drunk driver’s insurance company and will help protect the legal rights you have to compensation for your injuries. We have years of experience helping our clients in the aftermath of a drunk driving incident, and you can be confident that we’ll be with you through every step of the legal process that follows.
Have you been injured in a drunk driving accident in Southern California? Get the legal representation you deserve with Inland Empire Law Group. Contact us today to get started!
