Drunk driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents, especially in Dallas, Texas, where 46% of drivers are highly likely to be involved in an accident, as reported by Allstate Insurance Co. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), as many as 10,000 people die as a result of intoxicated drivers. Surviving victims often suffer from severe and debilitating injuries. When this happens, victims can receive compensation. Here is how they can get the best compensation following a DWI accident.
Tips for Winning Your DUI Car Accident Case:
Call the Police:
Immediately after the accident, call the police if you can. When the police are on the scene, you can have the assurance that the incident is recorded. This record is crucial when you need to file an insurance claim or prepare a lawsuit against a drunk driver. Failing to contact the police can weaken your case and only put the negligent driver back behind the wheel again.
You also need to understand that this might be something, where a Traffic Lawyer Kansas City can prove to be a real asset. By working with the law enforcement agencies, collecting information about the incident, and doing other things, the best traffic lawyers build a favorable case in your favor.
Collect All Necessary Information:
When you can, gather all the information you can get, such as the driver’s name and contact details, the license plate of the vehicle, date and time of the accident, and persons involved. It will also help your case if you can talk with potential eyewitnesses and get records of dashcam footage. If you find it challenging to converse with the drunk driver, don’t forget to collect all this information from the police. Don’t forget to get the name of the responding police officers, so it is easy to make follow-ups regarding the case. Never leave the location of the incident until you get all the data you need.
Get Medical Help:
No matter how small your injury is, get emergency medical help, as this will also serve as your evidence of harm should you need to file a claim. It is crucial to get a thorough physical exam as sometimes injuries are not obvious during the first few hours of the accident. Don’t forget to get the name of the attending doctor, so it is easy to get statements later on.
Be Cautious of Early Settlement Offers:
In most cases, DWI victims often receive a call from the insurance company representing the driver in an effort to settle with you. They do this so they can pay you off and stop you from getting more money from them. Never ever settle without the medical report. Always consider present and future expenses when negotiating a settlement. As much as possible, do not agree to an initial settlement.
Keep Records of Your Treatments:
Most DWI victims do not know that they can get compensation for all their medical expenses. If you want the insurance company to compensate you adequately, keep all records of your treatments, medications, and procedures.
Prepare for a Lawsuit:
While you are working on having adequate compensation for your injuries, you must also seriously consider your legal rights. Often, insurance companies will pressure you to settle right away. Contact Dallas DWI attorneys to help you explore your legal options. When looking for an attorney to represent you, always ask these questions:
- The attorney’s experience with DWI cases
- The date of their last trial and the verdict
It is important to get someone who can represent you well and who will not buckle against the pressure of a defense lawyer. Make sure to ask about whether the lawyer works based on contingency fees, especially if you are cash-strapped at the moment.
Final Thoughts:
Suffering from debilitating injuries is life-changing. Often, victims choose to go into a trial, not because of the compensation they can get but because they don’t want to let the drunk driver roam free and cause accidents in the future.
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