Drunk drivers are, sadly, a common sight along small town roads and big city highways. Even though drunk, or impaired, driving is illegal, just about every 20 minutes someone is injured or killed in a vehicular accident involving alcohol. In Texas, a person is legally intoxicated and can be arrested and charged with Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) with a .08 BAC (blood/breath alcohol concentration). A person is also considered intoxicated if impaired due to alcohol regardless of their BAC. Being hit by a drunk driver is a terrifying experience that no one should have to go through, but being prepared for an unexpected accident can help expedite the legal process and even prevent potential car accidents.
Steps to Take:
The first two steps to take after being hit by a drunk driver are to seek medical attention if needed and call the police. Checking for injuries should happen immediately; and, if necessary, the injured parties should seek medical treatment. If you are unable to move, wait for emergency responders to arrive to help transport the injured to an emergency facility.
Once injuries have been evaluated, if you are able to, call the police. A witness may have already called the police, but make sure to call as soon as possible to report that an accident occurred. Give the location of the vehicles and answer any questions the emergency call operator may have.
If there are no serious injuries, attempt to collect information from the other driver, including information from their driver’s license and their insurance card. If a drunk driver caused the collision, that may make things more difficult. If they are being unsafe or are threatening, do not attempt to speak to them. Wait until the police arrive to get the information you need. Make sure to document and tell the police of any odd behavior or strange smells coming from the drunk driver. The police must be made aware that the driver that caused the accident was drunk when the car crash occurred.
If there were any witnesses, politely ask for their names and contact information, as they may be able to corroborate the details of what happened. Make sure to also take pictures and video of the vehicles involved for future reference. Document any other details from the accident, such as odd swerving by the drunk driver, as quickly as possible so as to not forget that information. If you are injured, recording a voice memo on your phone can preserve your thoughts.
If the drivers are able, all vehicles should be moved out of the flow of traffic. If the vehicles are unable to be moved, wait for tow trucks to arrive. In Texas, cars in a collision that can be moved out of the flow of traffic are legally required to be moved, even before police arrive. If a drunk driver attempts to flee the scene, try to read their license plate and remember it for the police to investigate.
Injuries sustained after an accident may not appear until a few days afterward. After the collision, adrenaline and shock may take over and mask injuries or pain caused by the crash. Seek medical attention immediately if you feel any pain that may have been caused by the auto accident.
South Texas Car Accident Lawyers
Car accidents can be confusing, complex, and stressful, but victims of drunk drivers don’t have to handle it all on their own. By selecting quality legal representation, the injured won’t have to worry as much about their next steps because they will have the guidance and support of an experienced personal injury attorney. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a car accident caused by a drunk driver, contact the Weslaco car accident lawyers at Ezequiel Reyna, Jr. Law Office today to discuss your case. There is limited time to act following a Texas car accident, so don’t delay.
