Drunk drivers are a leading cause of fatal car accidents, and so a drunk driver on the road can lead to devastating results. Many lives are at stake every time a drunk driver takes the road. If you are driving and observe a drunk driver on the highway you should take action as soon as possible.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or any drug is a criminal offense with serious penalties. The drunk driver can face criminal charges, hefty fines and even imprisonment.
The seriousness of injuries in a car crash, the intensity of accidents, and the economic damages can be tremendous. Therefore, every public-spirited citizen should report any drunk drivers they see on the road as a matter of highway safety.
It is prudent to consult an experienced DUI attorney after an accident. If you cannot do so instantly, you can call for an appointment after seeking medical treatment. In some accident cases, the victim still faces medical issues after a few months or even years.
If reporting is the responsible thing to do after a witness spots a drunk driver, how can one confirm that the driver is, in fact, intoxicated?
Signs to confirm if a driver is intoxicated
If you think a driver may be drunk, observe the driving pattern of the vehicle, looking at its speed, direction and movement. The following signs can give a better idea:
- Applying brakes suddenly and frequently;
- Going out of the traveled lane for no reason;
- Swerving repeatedly for no reason;
- Driving on the wrong side of the road;
- Honking repeatedly;
- Guard-railing or driving on the gravel or verge of the road;
- Coming too close to other vehicles;
- Going above or far below the speed limit;
- Accelerating or decelerating the car for no reason.
These are some commonly observed driving mistakes that drunk drivers make unintentionally.
If you see such behavior on the road, keep a safe distance, and note down the car license plate number, and a description of the vehicle. Stop driving and call 911 or another law enforcement telephone number as soon as possible. Once you report the license plate number and the location, the authorities will take appropriate action. Click Here for more information – alperovich-law.com
Your Safety Should Be The Priority
It is essential to keep yourself safe and take steps like reporting the accident. Don’t try to come closer to the car which you suspect is operated by a drunk driver. Even if you have suffered a car accident, and the driver did not stop, don’t follow him. Instead. take steps to keep yourself safe. Here is what you can do in such a situation;
- Check your condition and then the surroundings- After the accident, you must first check yourself for any injury, vehicle damage, or other losses. Before offering help to others, check your condition. Call 911 immediately, and ask them to send an ambulance in case of any injury. If you can, assist and support others. Don’t try to talk or argue with the intoxicated driver because their mental state may not be stable due to the influence of alcohol or drugs. The drunk driver might become aggressive and cause further harm. So, instead of arguing, sit quietly and wait for the police to come.
- Take videos and photographs of the surroundings, along with witnesses’ information- It is essential to have proof through phone pictures or videos of the damaged car, injuries, vehicle damage, and the general scene of the accident, together with witnesses, their statements, and contact information.
- Don’t omit informing the police and other authorities- You must inform the local authorities about the incident and the intoxicated driver who caused the accident. Doing this can safeguard many people’s lives, once the drunk driver is caught and punished.
What to do if you have been injured by a drunk driver
Many aspects are taken into consideration in DUI cases. Without being at fault, people who face significant injury, vehicle damage, and other loss in road accidents can file a personal injury claim to receive compensation for their losses. The victim can be entitled to monetary compensation for medical expenses, vehicle repair, lost wages, pain, and suffering.
In such a scenario, you should talk to a legal professional and discuss everything. The injury law varies from state to state, and even after time has passed, you may still be eligible for filing a lawsuit. Attorneys understand the tort law, and hence they can do anything needed, including filing a claim, gathering documentation, and talking to witnesses.
You can concentrate on your recovery while your lawyer speaks to your healthcare professionals, police, local authorities, finds witnesses who saw the accident, estimates the overall loss, gathers proof in your favor, keeps a check on case deadlines, and represents your case vigorously to seek full redress for your losses.
If you have been injured in a drunk driving accident, you can seek compensation. An experienced New Jersey auto accident lawyer can help you fight for fair and full compensation.
