If you are involved in a drunk driving accident in Denver, your first and most important step is to call 911 to request help. As soon as you do, take steps to protect your safety first and then seek to protect your legal right to compensation.
What you do after a drunk driving accident can significantly impact what your case outcome is. In the ideal situation, you will apply these steps to minimize any possible risks. Speak with a Denver drunk driving accident attorney today.
Call for Immediate Help
Call 911. Tell the dispatcher what is happening and provide as many details as you can. That includes any injuries you have. Then, provide information about the other vehicle, what you saw before the crash, and what the other driver was doing at the time of the incident.
Move to safety if you can. Wait for police to arrive to help you with serious injuries. Accept medical care at the scene.
Document the Accident Scene Fully
If it is safe to do so, use your phone to take photos and video of the surrounding areas. It is critical to capture information that can help you build your case. This includes:
- The layout of the intersection and roadway
- Damage to your vehicle and the other vehicle
- Any type of signs or traffic signals in the area
- Any evidence you see of alcohol consumption or use
- Any debris, obstacles, missing road signs, or construction sites nearby that could interfere with the driver’s visibility or abilities
Also get the name and contact information of the other driver. Take a photo of their driver’s license and insurance card if they are willing to provide it.
Gather Witness Information
Get the name and contact information for anyone who stops to help you with the accident. This includes anyone who may have seen the driver before the accident, as well as others who can shed light on what occurred.
Get to the Hospital for Care
You may feel fine and still have a traumatic head injury, whiplash, or internal bleeding. In all situations, it is best for you to seek medical care immediately after the accident to ensure you get any supportive care you need.
The emergency room will ask you questions, and you provide accurate information. Make sure that you follow all of the doctor’s recommendations for care and follow-up. Demonstrate that you are doing your part to heal from the incident.
Turn to a Car Accident Lawyer in Denver
By contacting a drunk driving accident lawyer in Denver, they can handle most other aspects of the case for you. This includes:
- Helping you file a police report if you have not done so
- Notifying insurance companies of the incident
- Gathering and preserving critical evidence that demonstrates the driver was intoxicated
- Building a claim that includes all of the losses you have and may continue to suffer for years to come
- Negotiating fair compensation with the insurance company
- Seeking exemplary damages (punitive damages) if possible in your case
By taking these steps, you minimize the risk of not receiving full and fair compensation owed to you in these accidents. Let a local attorney guide you in protecting your rights after these types of critical accidents.
Seek the Help of an Attorney
Turn to a local Denver drunk driving accident lawyer for guidance in your case. You do not have to face these outcomes on your own.