If you were hit by a drunk driver, your first step is to prioritize your safety and well–being. Seek medical attention right away, even if you don’t feel seriously injured—it’s common for symptoms to appear hours or even days later.
Next, report the accident to the police. A police report can be crucial for proving the other driver was under the influence. Gather as much evidence as you can, like photos of the scene, witness statements, and contact information.
Finally, consider reaching out to a drunk driving accident lawyer in Lafayette. We can help you understand your rights, deal with insurance companies, and fight to hold the drunk driver accountable.
It’s a lot to handle, but you don’t have to do it alone. With the right guidance, you can get the justice you deserve.
Steps to Take After Being Hit by a Drunk Driver
Getting hit by a drunk driver is a frightening and overwhelming experience. Taking the right steps afterward can help protect your health, your legal rights, and your ability to seek compensation for damages. Here’s a look at what you should do in that situation:
1. Prioritize Your Safety
Move to a safe location if possible. Call 911 immediately to report the accident and request medical assistance. Even if you feel fine, let paramedics check you out—some injuries aren’t obvious at first.
2. Report the Crash to the Police
A police report is critical in drunk driving cases. Officers can conduct sobriety tests or breathalyzer tests on the other driver to confirm they were intoxicated. This documentation can strengthen your claim later.
3. Gather Evidence at the Scene
If you’re able, take photos of the vehicles, their license plate, damage, skid marks, and anything else relevant to the accident. Collect the contact and insurance information of the other driver and any witnesses.
4. Get Medical Attention
Even if you didn’t need emergency care at the scene, follow up with a doctor as soon as possible. Medical records not only protect your health but also serve as evidence of your injuries.
5. Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurance company promptly. Stick to the facts, but don’t admit fault or speculate about the crash.
6. Contact an Attorney
Even if the accident was obviously caused by the other driver, an attorney can protect your rights and help to ensure you’re treated fairly. The insurance company isn’t on your side, but a Lafayette car accident lawyer can work to maximize your compensation.
"I have used Galloway Jefcoat a few times and have always been very satisfied. Furthermore, all of the people who work there are very professional, nice, and courteous."
Why You Need Legal Representation After a Drunk Driving Accident
If you were hit by an intoxicated driver, that person may face criminal charges. However, while a criminal case may punish the driver, the district attorney does not represent you personally as the victim. In a drunk driving case, their job is to represent society as a whole.
This means their focus is on enforcing the law and pursuing criminal penalties—not recovering compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, or property damage.
To protect your rights and seek financial recovery, you need a Lafayette personal injury lawyer to handle the civil claim.
A civil attorney can investigate the crash, gather evidence, and pursue damages for your injuries, vehicle repairs, and other losses. Even if the driver was never arrested, you may still have a valid case if the accident was caused by their negligence.
How a Lawyer Can Help After a Drunk Driving Accident
Insurance companies may pressure you to accept a quick, lowball settlement while you’re trying to recover physically and emotionally. A lawyer can step in and handle the tough parts so that you don’t have to.
Here’s how a personal injury attorney can help if you‘ve been hit by someone driving under the influence:
- Investigate the Accident: They’ll gather evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and traffic camera footage, to build a strong case.
- Prove Negligence: In drunk driving cases, the driver’s intoxication is clear evidence of negligence, but a lawyer can strengthen your claim by showing how their actions caused your injuries.
- Calculate Damages: A lawyer will assess the full extent of your losses, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future expenses.
- Negotiate with Insurance Companies: Insurers often try to minimize payouts. Your lawyer can push back and fight for fair compensation.
- Take Your Case to Court if Necessary: If a fair settlement isn’t possible, an experienced attorney can represent you in court to ensure the drunk driver is held accountable.
"As a client of Galloway Jefcoat for over two years I want to take a minute to say how much I appreciate the team handling my case."
Get Legal Help if You Have Been Hit by a Drunk Driver
Being the victim in a drunk driving accident is more than just a car accident—it’s a traumatic experience that can impact your life in so many ways. You may be facing physical pain, financial stress, and emotional frustration, all while trying to work within the legal system.
At Galloway Jefcoat, we’ve been serving Louisiana since 1996, helping people like you Turn Wrong Into Right. Our team is here to provide supportive, compassionate guidance while aggressively fighting for the compensation you need to move forward.
Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about your legal options and find out how we can help. We work on a contingency fee basis, so there is no upfront cost, and no payment is due to us unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
"Galloway Jefcoat helped me at a time when I felt lost and taken advantage of by my employer."