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Did you know that alcohol-related accidents account for almost one-third of all auto accidents in the U.S.? According to research from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), 1 person is injured every 2 minutes in a drunk driving crash. If you have been involved in a drunk driving accident in Springfield, IL, it is essential to know what to do in order to protect your rights. Read on to learn what to do at the scene of the accident and during the following days and weeks. Assess Injuries When involved in a drunk driving accident, your first and most important priority is to assess the safety of those involved in the crash. Remain calm and call 911 immediately to request assistance if anyone has been hurt. As a general rule, it is best to avoid moving seriously injured individuals until trained personal have arrived unless it is a life-threatening situation. Contact Police It is imperative to notify police as soon as possible after a drunk driving accident. Police officers are trained to gather evidence, document the scene, interview witnesses, and prepare necessary reports regarding the accident. A licensed police officer is also needed to determine fault. They can perform breathalyzer and field sobriety tests to determine if the at-fault driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Some insurance companies will not cover claims unless an official police report has been filed. Do Not Admit Guilt Once the police arrive, be compliant and cooperative with all instructions; however, do not apologize or give any admissions of guilt. Be sure to answer all questions truthfully, but stick to the facts and describe what happened. If you suspect that the other driver was drinking, ask the officer to investigate, arrest, and charge the offender if probable cause is found. Seek Medical Treatment Unless you are completely sure that you or other drunk driving victims have not sustained an injury, it is best to seek medical attention immediately or be evaluated in an emergency room after leaving the scene of the accident. Some injuries are not readily apparent and may require tests or assessment by a professional. Victims can experience head trauma or shock, which can impair their ability to evaluate their own injuries. It is important to inform the doctor that your injuries were caused by a motor vehicle accident so it can be properly documented in your medical records. Document Crash Scene Pictures and videos are invaluable in a civil drunk driving case. Photographs are the best way to document the location, road conditions, existence of road signs, obstructions of visibility, or any construction that may have contributed to the crash. Pictures can also demonstrate to a jury the force and trauma of the collision. If pictures or videos were not taken at the scene of the accident, make every effort to request patrol car videotapes, traffic camera footage, or newspaper report photographs. Gather Vital Information If you are involved in a drunk driving accident in Springfield, IL, it is vitally important to gather as much information as possible about the at-fault driver, other occupants of the vehicle, and any available witnesses. Some of the most important information to gather includes the following: Full name, date of birth, and home address Home, work, and cell phone numbers Driver’s license number Insurance information Complete description of the vehicle Vehicle identification number and license plate number Name and address of employer Contact information and written statements from any witnesses It is also important to observe and record all indications and proof that the at-fault driver was intoxicated and bring them to the attention of the responding police officers. Kerley & Associates Law Office is a drunk driving accident in Springfield, IL has experienced personal injury attorneys providing legal advice. Contact us for a free consultation today.
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