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I’ve Been Hit by a Drunk Driver! What Should I Do?

Every 39 minutes, drunk driving kills someone in the U.S., abruptly ending more than 13,000 lives each year[1]. On top of that, thousands more are injured, shattering their lives, hopes, and dreams. Drunk drivers are more likely to cause a car accident than other drivers on the road because alcohol causes declines in vision function, reduces coordination and concentration, and impairs judgement, self-control, and reasoning. If you are hit by a drunk driver while you are on the road, the steps you take after the accident can impact the amount of compensation you are able to recover later on if you decide to pursue a civil case against the driver.

• Call 911 for police and an ambulance. It’s essential to have an official police record of the accident. If you know you have been badly injured, take an ambulance directly from the accident to the hospital.

• If you are able, exit the car and take photos and narrated videos showing both your car and the drunk driver’s car. If you or your passengers have visible injuries, photograph those as well.

• Exchange names, contact information, and insurance information with the other driver. If the driver is incoherent, belligerent, threatening, or makes you feel uncomfortable, ask the police to obtain their information when they arrive while you wait in your car or away from the other driver.  

• If you decline medical care at the scene of the accident, make sure to visit a healthcare provider within 24 hours of the accident. Your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance requires that you visit a doctor within 14 days of the accident; however, the longer you wait, the more difficult it will be to prove that the accident was the cause of your injuries.

The police may arrest the driver for drunk driving and charge them with either a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the seriousness of the injuries and if there is a fatality. It’s important to note that this criminal charge is completely separate from you filing a civil lawsuit to secure damages for your injuries. Even if the drunk driver is found guilty and serves time in jail, you will not see a penny of compensation unless you file a civil case in addition to the state’s criminal case.

The best way to file a civil case against the drunk driver is to contact an experienced personal injury law firm, like ECanter Lawyers. We have won millions of dollars in damages for victims of drunk drivers. We will fight for you to receive compensation for medical bills, prescription medication, assistive devices, lost wages, future lost wages, pain and suffering, loss of consortium and any other damages that you are owed. Contact us today for a no-obligation, free consultation to learn how we can help you financially recover from this tragic experience.

ECanter Lawyers

When you are dealing with the chaos and pain of accidents and personal injuries, the last thing you need is technical, confusing legal language.  ECanter Lawyers breaks down the complexities and provides clear, informative answers so that you understand your legal options. 

For a quarter of a century, ECanter Lawyers has remained committed to honest, straightforward answers.  Named one of AVVO’s Clients’ Choice, ECanter Lawyers has helped clients receive multi-million-dollar verdicts, and millions of dollars in settlements.  ECanter Lawyers specializes in personal injury, motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, premises and product liability, and healthcare law.

With offices conveniently located throughout South Florida and 24/7 services, ECanter Lawyers personal injury law firm offers you the personalized attention that you need in order to maximize your compensation. 

ECanter Lawyers

561-447-4500

Boca Raton | West Palm Beach | Coral Springs | Ft. Lauderdale | Miami 

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[1] National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Drunk Driving | Statistics and Resources | NHTSA. Accessed October 2, 2023.