A drunk driver can turn your life upside down forever in just a matter of seconds. Out of nowhere, a drunk driver rams into your vehicle. You are disoriented because you have no idea what just happened. When you look around, the other car is nowhere in sight. You have just been the victim of a drunk driving hit-and-run accident.
If a drunk driver has injured you, you have the right to receive compensation for your injuries. Call Fred Olinde of The Olinde Firm at (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889 to discuss your options and legal rights.
Steps After a Drunk Driving Hit-And-Run Accident
It may be too late for you to take some of these steps; however, it is good to know in case a friend or family member is injured by a drunk driver. Furthermore, some of these steps may help you if you are trying to handle an accident claim on your own.
Call 911
The first thing to do after any accident is to call 911 to request medical and police assistance. Tell the dispatcher that you have been in an accident, and the other driver has fled the scene. Give the dispatcher as much information as you can about your condition and the other driver.
Move to a Safe Place
If you are not seriously injured and your vehicle can safely operate, move the vehicle to a safe location. Be sure to let the dispatcher know you are moving the vehicle out of the way of traffic. By moving your vehicle, you won’t tie up traffic, and you reduce the chance of another traffic accident by onlookers or distracted drivers not paying attention to the blocked lanes.
Never Chase the Other Driver
It may be tempting to chase the driver who caused the accident, but this can lead to a dangerous confrontation. If possible, get the license number to give to the dispatcher and the police when they arrive at the accident scene.
Eyewitness Contact Information
If there are any eyewitnesses, ask for their names and contact information. Don’t rely on police officers to get this information for you. Eyewitnesses can be very important if you need to file a lawsuit to recover compensation for your injuries.
Seek Medical Attention
Regardless of the severity of your injuries, you need to be seen by a doctor as soon as possible. Being checked by a physician protects your health and your accident claim. Some symptoms may not be noticeable for several hours or a couple of days, so it is always best to see a doctor to ensure you are not suffering from a closed head injury, internal bleeding, or another injury that is not easily diagnosed because of a lack of outward signs of trauma.
Call A New Orleans DUI Accident Attorney
Even if the drunk driver flees the accident scene, you may still recover compensation from your insurance company. In some cases, the police will locate the drunk driver and make an arrest. To help protect your right to full compensation, contact an attorney as soon as possible after a DUI accident.
Contact our office at (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889 to schedule a free legal consultation and case evaluation with our experienced New Orleans DUI accident attorney.