When any type of car accident occurs, it can leave you with ongoing injuries and expensive medical bills. While you cannot prevent all types of car accidents, some causes are preventable, including drunk driving. Unfortunately, when a car accident is caused by drunk driving, it is often the other drivers that are affected the most.
Causes of Drunk Driving Car Accidents
Driving under the influence not only affects your reaction time, but also your decision-making skills. Not only is drunk driving illegal in each of the 50 U.S. states, but individuals who are charged with drunk driving could also face legal consequences.
Drunk driving can lead to:
- Speeding
- Aggressive driving
- Changing lanes without looking
- Swerving in/out of lanes
Drivers who are under the influence tend to cause severe injuries. Some potential injuries might include broken bones, traumatic brain injury, fractures, or even internal bleeding. These injuries can lead to ongoing medical bills and an extended time away from work. If you were injured due to a drunk driver, then you might be eligible for compensation through a personal injury case.
Important Steps to Take Following a Drunk Driving Car Accident
If you are involved in a car accident and you believe that the driver is under the influence, it is important to protect the evidence. Take these important steps:
- Receive immediate medical care: Your health and safety is a priority. Make sure that you receive the medical care that you need immediately. In addition to protecting your well-being, failing to receive medical care immediately can negate your case. The other party could question how bad your injuries are if you don’t require immediate medical care.
- Report the car accident: Don’t confront the driver or make any accusations of drunk driving following the accident. Instead, report the accident and notify the police officer that you believe alcohol is involved. They will evaluate the case further and document any necessary details of the case.
- Take photos of the accident: By capturing evidence, including photos and videos, of the accident, you can use them to build your case.
- Notify your insurance company: Whether or not alcohol is a part of the case, it is important to notify your insurance company as soon as possible.
It can also be useful to discuss your case with a personal injury lawyer: Depending on the extent of your injuries, it might make sense to file a personal injury case. If you experienced injuries and incurred costs due to a drunk driver, then they might be liable for your damages. Drunk driving is considered negligence, which is an important factor when considering personal injury cases.
Following these important steps can protect your rights, while also ensuring that the appropriate legal steps are taken to protect others from also experiencing injuries from a drunk driver.
Contact an Atlantic City Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Drunk Driving Personal Injury Case in New Jersey
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a car accident in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The Law Offices of Richard A. Stoloff represents clients injured because of a drunk-driving car accident in Egg Harbor, Atlantic City, Galloway Township, Hamilton, and throughout New Jersey. Call (609) 601-2233 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 605 New Road, Linwood, NJ 08221, as well as an office in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.