If you were recently involved in a drunk-driving car accident, you are likely feeling a range of emotions. Shock, confusion, and fear are all common reactions. You may not know where to turn or what to do next. This is where a lawyer can help. A lawyer can guide you through the legal process and help ensure that your rights are protected. If you have been injured in a drunk-driving car accident, it is important to seek legal assistance right away. So, how can a lawyer help if you were involved in a drunk-driving car accident?

If You Were Driving Under The Influence 

If you were driving under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident, you may be facing criminal charges. A lawyer can help you navigate the criminal justice system and ensure that your rights are protected. If you are facing serious penalties, such as jail time, a lawyer can help you explore your options and work towards a favorable outcome. If you want to find out more about some common FAQs for a DUI in Tampa, then you need to do your research and see what the legal consequences are. This way, you will know what to expect and can start preparing your defense with the help of a lawyer. For example, if you are facing a first-degree misdemeanor charge for DUI, you may be looking at up to one year in jail and a $1000 fine. Or, if you are facing a DUI with property damage, you may be looking at up to five years in prison and a $5000 fine.

If You Were A Passenger In A Car Involved In A Drunk-Driving Accident

Even if you were not driving the car, you may still be entitled to compensation if you were injured in a drunk-driving accident. If the driver of the car that you were in was intoxicated, you may be able to file a personal injury claim against them. A lawyer can help you understand your legal options and work towards a favorable outcome. For instance, you may be able to recover damages for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

If You Were Hit By A Drunk Driver, You Need A Lawyer Who Understands How To Prove These Cases

Most people know that drunk driving is dangerous. But many people do not realize how common it is. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2016 alone, almost 37% of all traffic deaths in the United States involved a driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or higher.

This means that drunk driving crashes claim the lives of more than one person every hour in the United States. And these are just the fatalities. Many more people are injured in drunk-driving crashes every year. Also, according to the CDC, the economic cost of drunk-driving crashes is more than $44 billion per year.

If You Have Lost A Loved One In A Drunk-Driving Accident

If you have lost a loved one in a drunk-driving accident, you may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim. This is a civil lawsuit that allows the surviving family members to recover damages from the drunk driver and, in some cases, from the establishment that served the driver alcohol.

In order to prove a wrongful death claim, you will need to show that the drunk driver was negligent. This means that he or she breached a duty of care that he or she owed to the victim. For example, all drivers have a duty to operate their vehicles in a reasonably safe manner. When a driver gets behind the wheel after drinking alcohol, he or she is breaching this duty.

Which Steps Do You Need To Take?

If you have been involved in a drunk-driving accident, there are certain steps that you need to take in order to protect your rights.

1) Make Notes About The Accident

As soon as possible after the accident, you should make notes about what happened. This will help you to remember the details of the accident later on. Include everything that you can think of, no matter how small it may seem.

If there were witnesses to the accident, get their names and contact information. These witnesses can provide valuable testimony if your case goes to trial.

Also, take pictures of the accident scene, if you can. These pictures can be helpful in proving your case.

2) Call the Police

FAQs for a DUI in Tampa

You should always call the police after a car accident. This is true even if the other driver flees the scene. The police will create a report, which can be helpful in your case.

Be sure to get a copy of the police report for your records.

3) Seek Medical Care

If you were injured in an accident, it is important to seek medical care as soon as possible. Even if you do not think that you were seriously injured, it is always best to get checked out by a doctor. Some injuries, such as whiplash, may not be immediately apparent.

It is also important to get documentation of your injuries. This will be important if you decide to file a personal injury claim.

4) Call the Insurance Company 

After the accident, you should call your own insurance company to report the accident. But, be careful about what you say to the insurance adjuster. The insurance company will be looking for any reason to deny or reduce your claim.

You should also avoid giving a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company. Again, the insurance adjuster will be looking for any reason to deny or reduce your claim.

Instead, let your lawyer deal with the insurance companies. This is one of the many ways that a lawyer can help you if you were involved in a drunk-driving accident.

A lawyer can help you if you were involved in a drunk-driving accident by dealing with the insurance companies, helping you to prove your case, and recovering damages for your injuries. If you have been involved in such an accident, it is important to take the above-mentioned steps in order to protect your rights.

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