What to Do When Hurt By a Drunk Driver

If you are hurt by a drunk driver, take action. In most situations, the first step you will need to deal with is going to the hospital and getting checked out. You will need to gather information about the other person and, in most situations, file a police report about what occurred. This initial process is critical to get through properly, but that is not all you need to do. In most situations, your next step should be to hire a lawyer.

Why You Need Legal Representation

When you are hurt by a drunk driver, it is always a good idea to discuss your situation with an attorney. Do this before you sign any document or settlement agreement with the other party's insurance company. If you sign any document that claims you are accepting the payment provided, this could disqualify you from making additional claims down the road. If you think the settlement you are being given right now is enough, think again. For many people, the bills continue to come in for months after the incident actually occurs.

What could you be missing? Why do you need to hire an attorney? There are many reasons, including the following.

Often times, the initial medical bills you get are only the start of the funds required to pay all of your medical needs. For example, you may need long-term physical therapy that is not known about at the time of the settlement.

You may be missing some types of compensation. For example, if you missed work, or you are no longer able to do your job, this could be a type of claim to file with the company.

In many situations, the results of the incident are significant and may have a long-term effect. What if you cannot work again? What if your quality of life has suffered significantly because of the accident? In some situations, you may be dealing with significant property loss as well.

Discuss your situation with an attorney better to understand if the settlement the insurance company offered to you really is the best possible one. If you are hurt by a drunk driver, do not wait. There are statutes of limitations on various types of crimes. You also want to ensure all evidence of your incident is properly made available. The longer you wait, the more worrisome the outcome could be. Work with an attorney who specializes in these types of cases to get the best possible outcome. You may be surprised by what you are missing.