What to Do When You Are Hit by a Drunk Driver

 Posted on November 20, 2024 in Car Accidents

Getting hit by a drunk driver can be terrifying. Drivers who are drunk are extremely unpredictable and are often not paying enough attention to other drivers on the road. It is common for drunk drivers to start braking far too late because their depth perception is impaired, causing them to rear-end the driver ahead of them or roll past a red light into the intersection. If you are injured in a car accident caused by a drunk driver, it is important to handle the situation correctly. You will need to call 911, and then reach out to an Orland Park, IL drunk driving accidents lawyer as soon as possible.

Call 911 First

A drunk or high driver causing an accident with injury warrants an immediate 911 call. While minor accidents can usually be reported by calling the police non-emergency number, if someone is hurt and the driver at fault is intoxicated, you need emergency assistance. Calling 911 can get the police and an ambulance to you quickly.

Safety First When Dealing With an Intoxicated Driver 

Intoxicated people can become aggressive, especially if they are under the influence of alcohol, methamphetamine, cocaine, or similar substances. If the intoxicated driver is behaving aggressively and you are concerned that he might assault you, make sure you have a safe place to wait. If your car is off the road, remaining in your vehicle with the doors locked may be best.

Observe the Intoxicated Driver 

Try to remember as many details as possible about how the driver is behaving and what he is doing. The police will want to know specifically what caused you to believe that the driver who hit you is intoxicated. Has he fallen over? Does he smell like alcohol or cannabis? Does he look half-asleep? Is his speech slurred, too fast, or too slow? 

Get Medical Care

If you are experiencing any signs of injury, you should go to the emergency room to be evaluated. Some injuries are not immediately obvious to the injured party, but can be observed using medical technology. Adrenaline can mute the body’s pain signals, which may mean that you will not notice an injury right away.

Call a Lawyer At Your First Opportunity

The sooner you can talk to a lawyer, the better. As soon as you have a moment, you should reach out to an experienced attorney for further guidance.

Contact an Orland Park, IL Drunk Driving Accidents Attorney

Law Office of J. Francis Barker, P.C. fights for people who have been injured by intoxicated drivers. Dedicated Cook County, IL drunk driving crash lawyer J. Francis Barker will handle your case personally. Contact us at 708-321-1223 for a complimentary consultation.