Driving after drinking is never a good idea, but it’s even worse when the driver is behind the wheel of a huge truck. The size and weight of a commercial truck make accidents way more dangerous, and the chances of serious or even life-changing injuries are much higher.
If you’ve been hurt in a drunk driving truck accident, getting the compensation you deserve can be tricky. The trucking company and their insurance might try to pay you less than what you deserve or even deny your claim completely.
If you have a trucking accident lawyer, the chances of this happening are less. These lawyers can help prove that the truck driver’s negligence caused the crash and make sure you get the settlement you deserve.
Steps to Take If You’re Ever Involved in an Accident Caused by an Inebriated Driver
Below are the steps to take if you’re involved in an accident caused by a drunk driver:
Move to a Safer Place
If you can, and if it’s safe, move your vehicle off the road. You don’t want to be a hazard to other drivers or get stuck in traffic. If you’re unable to move your vehicle, that’s okay. Just stay inside, put your seatbelt on, and wait for help.
Call Emergency Services
After an accident, don’t hesitate to call 911. Even if the other driver insists everything’s fine or asks you not to call, you still need to contact the emergency services. Police need to be aware of the situation, especially since it involves a drunk driver.
When the police arrive, tell them exactly what happened, how the driver was acting, and anything else that stands out. Even if you don’t feel hurt immediately, it’s still a good idea to get checked by a doctor. It is better to be safe and have a professional take a look to make sure everything is okay.
Getting Evidence
Once the dust has settled a bit, the next thing you’ll want to focus on is gathering evidence. Start by taking photos of your car, the truck, the surrounding area, and any injuries you might have. These photos will be invaluable later if you need to prove the extent of the damage or your injuries.
If anyone witnessed the crash, contact them and get their contact information. A witness can provide an important perspective on what happened, and their statement might help your case if there’s any question about what went down.
Get in Touch With Your Lawyer
At this point, it might also be a good idea to think about hiring a lawyer. If the situation feels overwhelming or if there’s a lot at stake, having someone on your side who knows the law can make things a lot smoother.
A truck accident lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of dealing with a drunk driving accident and ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Give them all the details of what happened, and let them know that a drunk driver was involved.
Commit to the Process
After the initial rush of everything, work still needs to be done in the days and weeks ahead. Make sure you keep up with all your doctor appointments and treatments. Even if you start feeling better, you should never skip follow-ups or therapies.
Some injuries require ongoing care, and skipping out on treatment could affect your recovery in the long run. Stay in touch with your lawyer throughout the process. Even though things may feel slow, updating them and checking in regularly will help ensure that everything is progressing as it should.
Most importantly, be patient and don’t rush the process. These kinds of cases can take time to resolve, but if you stay on top of things and keep moving forward, you’ll get through it.
