Driving under the influence of alcohol is one of the most selfish and negligent things a driver can do. An individual who has a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher is considered legally intoxicated. According to statistics provided by MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving), 61% of the defendants involved in fatal crashes in 2020 had BACs above .15.
Don’t hesitate to contact an Overland Park drunk driving accident lawyer if you are involved in a crash caused by an impaired driver.
Steps to Take After a Drunk Driving Accident
You may already know what to do following a car accident. It is important to know how to handle the situation if you believe a drunk driver hit you:
- Report the Drunk Driving Accident to the Police. It is important for your case that the police evaluate the other driver and take samples of breath, blood, or urine as appropriate. Obtain a copy of the police report if the accident has already been reported. Share this with your lawyer.
- Contact your insurance company. It is still necessary to contact the insurance company even if the drunk driver was clearly at fault. The best practice is to have your lawyer handle communications with the insurance carriers, but if you are contacted by the carrier, it is best to stick to the basics of what happened. You should avoid making statements about your medical condition before you have been evaluated by a doctor.
- See a Doctor. Consult a doctor as soon as possible for treatment. During the doctor’s appointment, describe all symptoms clearly, and tell him or her the injuries occurred in a collision.
- Consult an Overland Park drunk driving accident lawyer promptly. The attorney will gather any available evidence before it disappears, and provide expert advice moving forward.
- Document costs and losses. It is a good idea to keep all the paperwork received (such as medical bills, insurance papers, and employment records), as well as create notes to your lawyer about how the injuries affect your everyday life.
Protect Your Rights with Legal Representation
You are entitled to compensation for your losses when you are the victim of a drunk driving accident caused by someone else’s negligence, carelessness or intoxication. A person who is negligent on the road and acts in a dangerous manner can be held responsible for all of the accident-related losses.
The attorneys at Morefield Speicher Bachman, LC understand the complexities of the law. We have recovered millions of dollars for families who have suffered due to the carelessness of drunk drivers.
In the event that you have been seriously injured or suffered significant property damage through an accident caused by a drunk driver, it is crucial to understand your legal rights and options. Please call (913) 839-2808, or email MSB and let us help you through this difficult time.