Steps To Hold Drunk Drivers Liable for your Injuries
Drunk driving is a serious problem in California, claiming more than 3,000 lives last year in the state alone. If you are involved in a drunk driving accident and you are injured, there are certain steps you should take to ensure that the drunk driver is held liable for your injuries.
First off, if you notice the other driver who caused the accident is intoxicated, you should immediately notify the authorities when you call to report the accident. Never confront the driver on your own, as they might get agitated. You should be sure to take a picture, if possible, of their license plate and vehicle, as soon as you can after the crash. That way, if they flee the scene (as many drunk drivers try to do), you can still hold them accountable for your injuries and losses.
Once officials report to the scene, make sure to seek medical help for your injuries from emergency personnel. If you need to go straight to the hospital, you should not argue. Even if you don’t need an ambulance ride, you want to get an evaluation right away if you believe you have any injuries.
The next step is to make sure the police officers at the scene are alerted to your suspicions about the other driver’s sobriety or lack thereof. Ensure that the police properly investigate whether or not the other driver is intoxicated beyond the legal limit, which can lead to an arrest. This is important because a criminal conviction provides a huge bolster for your legal claim. The fact that a driver is drunk is considered negligence per se, meaning the issue of their negligence will already be settled in your case against the driver.
A Beverly Hills California Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
Jalilvand Law has held drunk drivers accountable for the injuries they’ve caused California residents for years, and our Beverly Hills car accident attorneys have a successful established record of representing those injured by accidents involving a drunk driver. Contact us today, either online or by phone at 310.478.5800.
