An accident with a drunk driver can be severe and cause life-threatening injuries that change your life forever. Not only are they dangerous on the road, but after an accident, they can be challenging to handle. Whether they are aggressive or flee the scene, handling a drunk driver can be more complicated than an average car accident case. You can experience more danger even after the accident.
A driver is considered too impaired to drive when their blood alcohol content (BAC) reaches above 0.08%. When someone consumes that much alcohol, their senses and reactions are dulled and uncontrollable. Due to their incapacitated state, they can be unaware of their actions and cause a dangerous accident. If you are in an accident with a drunk driver and suffer serious injuries, you have the ability to seek compensation for the harm you incur due to your injuries.
How to Deal with a Drunk Driver after a Car Accident
Alcohol can cause people to act aggressively and impulsively when in complicated or serious situations. If a drunk driver causes an accident and harms you, they may feel inclined to argue or intimidate you to avoid fault. However, there are some tips you can take to try and avoid these encounters.
Call 911 Immediately
One of the first steps to take after an accident is to call law enforcement. Not only will they submit an accident report, but they will also analyze the driver and see if they are too intoxicated to drive. Having that information is crucial to an accident claim and can help you show the other person’s fault and negligence.
Limit Conversation
Sometimes drivers can get aggressive and dangerous, so limiting your conversation with the driver and waiting for law enforcement to arrive can keep you safe and from harm. While you may want to discuss the accident with the other person, they may try to turn it on you and cause conflict.
Avoid Confrontation and Blame
Accidents can cause everyone to feel overwhelmed and angry. Even though you may want to confront the other person, pointing blame and getting upset may only enrage or trigger the other driver to start exhibiting aggressive behavior that can put you and whoever is involved in the accident at risk.
Don’t Attempt to Follow
In some drunk driving accidents, the intoxicated driver may try and flee the scene. When they do this, do not try to follow or chase after them. Instead, try and write down everything that you saw and remember about the vehicle, as well as if you remember the license plate. Quickly taking photographs with your phone can be an invaluable tool in situations like this.
Gather Vital Information
While you may not be able to talk and discuss information with the driver, safely gathering information can significantly help your case. An example of safe information gathering is taking pictures of their vehicle license plate or the damage to your car. Also, taking pictures that show the other person’s car can help police find them if they decide to flee the scene.
Accidents with drunk drivers can be frightening and filled with anxiety. Not only will you have to deal with all the usual challenges that come with a car accident, but you will also need to consider your safety and how the intoxicated driver may act in that situation.
Contact an Experienced California Car Accident Lawyer
When you’re interested in seeking compensation for the damages you incur, contact an experienced car accident lawyer who can help guide you through the legal claim process.
Our team at Younglove Law Group can help gather evidence and provide you with answers to your questions. With years of experience helping clients across California, we understand what it takes to have a smooth and streamlined car accident claim.
Call (949) 691-3660 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation with our car accident lawyers.
