Hit By a Drunk or Distracted Driver: Steps to Protect Your Rights After a Crash
While being in a collision can be a traumatic experience for anyone, it can be more unnerving when hit by a drunk or distracted driver. Often equally as dangerous, intoxicated and distracted drivers often fail to see hazards or make appropriate judgment calls. If you have been hit by either type of driver, it is important that you take steps after the crash to protect your rights. At Stine & Associates, P.C., our Greensburg car accident lawyer has provided fierce advocacy to car accident victims and is prepared to assist you.
Contact 911
If you experience any injuries following your collision, call 911. Emergency personnel will assess your injuries and transport you to the nearest hospital. The ER doctor will conduct a physical examination, take your medical history, and order medical imaging and lab tests before reaching a diagnosis. This is a crucial step since it helps to mitigate your injuries but also strengthens your claim. Even if you only have minor cuts and bruises, you should still seek medical attention within 72 hours of the incident. Having your injuries assessed after this time places you at risk of the insurance company denying your accident claim.
Contact the Police
Pennsylvania law requires motorists to call the police after a collision if anyone was injured or killed or if a vehicle must be towed away. However, it is crucial to contact the police after an accident with a drunk or distracted driver. This will force law enforcement to investigate the crash, gathering evidence that could strengthen your claim.
Gather Evidence
If possible, gather evidence from the scene of the crash. This may involve taking pictures of skid marks, broken taillights, the final position of both vehicles, a close-up of the other driver’s license plate, and your injuries. If anyone witnessed the accident, get their name and phone number, in case you need to call on them later to testify. If video footage is available, this will show the accident happening in real time. Rule 901 of the Pennsylvania Rules of Evidence permits you to use dashcam footage in court if a witness can testify to its authenticity. This will involve verifying that the footage depicts what it claims to.
Obtain the Other Driver’s Insurance Information
Depending on the other driver’s level of impairment, you may be able to gather his or her contact information and auto insurer. If feasible, get the driver’s full name, address, and phone number. If the driver has an insurance card, take a picture of it. This will prevent any errors in writing down the policy number. While having this information can make filing a claim simpler, it is not necessary for recovery.
Contact a Car Accident Attorney
Filing an insurance claim requires that you have complete information and that this evidence is submitted in a timely manner. Keeping track of these deadlines can be confusing, especially when you are tending to your own physical ailments. Most insurance companies have strict reporting deadlines (usually 24 to 48 hours). Failing to adhere to this timeline may result in your claim being delayed or denied.
At Stine & Associates, P.C., our founding attorney is prepared to guide you through each step of the claims process. While immediate reporting of your accident may not be possible, we want to ensure that you do receive fair compensation for your injuries. Knowing what supporting information to provide and how to calculate damages is key to a successful claim.
Injured? Reach Out to Our Greensburg Car Accident Lawyer
If you have been harmed by an inebriated or distracted driver, Stine & Associates, P.C., would like to speak with you. For nearly two decades, our Greensburg car accident attorney has advocated for crash victims and is prepared to fight for many more. To arrange your free consultation, our office can be reached online or by calling (724) 837-0160 today.