At The Slocum Firm, we are committed to standing by your side and fighting for your rights. Contact us today for the dedicated legal support you need after being injured in a DUI accident.
Being involved in a DUI accident in Philadelphia can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience, leaving you unsure of what to do next. The steps you take immediately after the crash can significantly impact your ability to seek justice and recover compensation for your injuries. From ensuring your safety to collecting essential evidence, knowing how to handle the aftermath of a DUI accident is crucial.
At The Slocum Firm, our experienced Philadelphia DUI accident lawyers are here to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring your rights are protected and helping you pursue the compensation you deserve. Here are the steps you should take after being harmed in a DUI accident in Philadelphia.
Call the Police
Calling the police immediately after being hit by a drunk driver in Philadelphia is essential for several reasons, starting with your safety and the safety of others involved in the accident. The police can quickly secure the scene, addressing any ongoing danger, such as removing the drunk driver from the road to prevent further harm.
Additionally, the police will assess the situation and determine if medical assistance is needed for anyone involved. The presence of law enforcement is also critical to properly document the incident, as a police report will become a key piece of evidence in your case against the intoxicated driver.
Another important reason for contacting the police after a DUI accident is to have the drunk driver’s level of intoxication officially tested and recorded. When the police arrive, they will perform field sobriety tests or administer a breathalyzer test to determine the driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC). This evidence is crucial in establishing the driver’s impairment during the crash, which can strengthen your case when seeking compensation for your injuries and damages. Without police involvement, proving the driver was intoxicated can be much harder, potentially weakening your legal claim.
A police report documenting the DUI accident is also vital for insurance purposes. Insurance companies will look to the police report to verify details of the accident, such as fault, BAC levels, and witness statements. Having an official report can help streamline the claims process and improve your chances of recovering compensation.
In DUI cases, the at-fault driver’s insurer may try to minimize or deny liability, making the police report an invaluable tool for supporting your claim. In addition, the report can protect you from any false statements the drunk driver may attempt to make later, ensuring that the facts of the incident are clear and preserved.
Get Medical Attention
Getting medical attention immediately after being hit by a driver under the influence in Philadelphia is crucial, even if you feel fine initially. Many injuries from car accidents may not show symptoms right away due to the adrenaline and shock that can mask pain. Conditions like internal bleeding, concussions, or soft tissue injuries can develop or worsen over time if left untreated. A medical evaluation right after the accident ensures that any hidden or delayed injuries are identified and addressed before they become more severe.
Another key reason to seek medical attention promptly is to create a clear link between the accident and your injuries. If you wait to see a doctor, the drunk driver’s insurance company may try to argue that your injuries weren’t caused by the accident or claim that you worsened your own condition by not seeking immediate care.
By visiting a doctor or hospital right away, you can establish a medical record that ties your injuries directly to the accident, strengthening your case when you pursue compensation.
In addition to documenting your injuries, obtaining medical treatment early on helps ensure a smoother recovery process. Healthcare providers can recommend treatments, therapies, or medications to prevent your injuries from worsening or becoming chronic. Ignoring symptoms, such as headaches, dizziness, or muscle pain, can lead to longer-term health issues that might require more intensive treatment down the road. Addressing injuries early on gives you the best chance at a full recovery.
Gather Evidence
Gathering evidence after being hit by an intoxicated motorist is essential to building a strong case and protecting your rights. When you’re involved in a DUI accident in Philadelphia, the burden of proving fault often rests with the victim, which is why collecting as much evidence as possible is crucial. This evidence can play a significant role in establishing the drunk driver’s negligence, which can lead to obtaining compensation for your injuries, damages, and other losses.
One of the most critical pieces of evidence to gather is photographs or videos of the accident scene. Capture images of the vehicles involved, the damage to each vehicle, any visible injuries, skid marks, and road conditions. These images can provide a visual account of the crash and help recreate the events leading up to the collision.
Also, take note of nearby traffic signs, road hazards, or anything that could have influenced the accident. Evidence from the scene is precious since conditions can change rapidly, and preserving these details is vital before they disappear.
Witness statements are another critical form of evidence. If anyone saw the accident occur, ask for their contact information and a brief account of what they witnessed. Witness testimony can help corroborate your version of events, particularly if the driver was exhibiting erratic behavior before the crash. The statements from bystanders who observed the driver’s intoxication, such as slurred speech or stumbling, can be powerful in proving that the motorist was impaired.
Police reports are another key form of evidence after a drunk driving accident. Law enforcement officers will document their observations and conduct field sobriety or breathalyzer tests at the scene, all of which can be used to demonstrate that the other driver was intoxicated. Request a copy of the police report as soon as it’s available, as this official document is crucial for proving fault and securing compensation.
You should keep a record of any medical treatments, bills, and injuries related to the accident. This evidence is vital in proving the extent of your physical and emotional suffering and will be used to calculate damages in your case. Gathering and preserving all of this evidence can ensure you are well-prepared to hold the intoxicated motorist accountable for their actions.
Trade Information
Exchanging information with the other driver after a drunk driver has hit you is critical for several reasons. It allows you to gather key details necessary for filing an insurance claim, pursuing legal action, and ensuring accountability for the accident.
The other driver’s information, such as their name, contact details, insurance provider, and license plate number, is essential for any future legal or insurance-related proceedings. Without this information, you may face significant obstacles in recovering damages for your medical expenses, vehicle repairs, and other losses related to the accident.
If the driver is intoxicated, their insurance company is likely responsible for covering damages, so having their policy details will be crucial. Additionally, collecting as much information as possible at the scene helps law enforcement and your attorney establish fault, especially in DUI cases, where evidence of intoxication will play a central role.
Even if the other driver flees or is uncooperative, attempting to gather key information like their vehicle make and model, license plate number, and physical description can help authorities track them down.
However, situations involving drunk drivers can escalate quickly, particularly if they become belligerent or aggressive. If the intoxicated driver is confrontational or shows signs of hostility, prioritize your safety. It’s important not to engage in a heated argument or confrontation, as this can worsen the situation.
In cases where the other driver is too intoxicated to communicate clearly or is exhibiting threatening behavior, it is best to contact the police immediately rather than trying to force the exchange of information. Law enforcement can handle the situation, gather the necessary information, and ensure everyone’s safety.
If the drunk driver is belligerent, do not attempt to gather information at the risk of your safety. Instead, remain calm, keep your distance, and wait for the police to arrive and intervene. The authorities can take control of the situation and gather all relevant details for you.
It is also a good idea to notify your attorney of the circumstances as soon as possible. Suppose the driver refuses to cooperate or provide their details. In that case, the police report will serve as vital documentation, and your attorney can help guide you through the legal steps to ensure you are still able to pursue compensation.
In any case, making sure that the necessary information is obtained, either by yourself or the police, is vital to protecting your rights and ensuring that the drunk driver is held accountable for their actions. If the exchange is not possible due to their behavior, the authorities will help facilitate the process and ensure that you have the documentation needed to pursue a claim.
Track Your Recovery
Tracking your recovery after being hit by a drunk driver is essential for several reasons, particularly when it comes to your health, legal case, and potential compensation. Your recovery process not only helps you regain your physical and emotional well-being but also serves as key evidence in establishing the full extent of your injuries and losses. Detailed documentation of your recovery can strengthen your claim and ensure that you receive appropriate compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
One of the primary reasons to track your recovery is to create a comprehensive record of your medical treatment. This includes doctor visits, hospital stays, physical therapy sessions, medications, and any other treatments required for your recovery. Keeping a detailed log of these interactions helps show the seriousness of your injuries and their long-term impact on your life.
Medical records, including diagnosis, prognosis, and prescribed treatment plans, are crucial in demonstrating the extent of your injuries to insurance companies or a court, ensuring you are fairly compensated for your medical expenses.
In addition to medical documentation, keeping track of how your injuries affect your day-to-day life is essential. This includes noting the pain levels you experience, how your injuries limit your ability to work, participate in activities, or complete everyday tasks, and any emotional distress you encounter.
Keeping a pain journal or daily log can be a powerful tool in showing the ongoing physical and emotional impact of the accident. This type of evidence can help support claims for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Tracking your recovery also helps demonstrate the connection between the accident and your injuries. The insurance company or the opposing party may try to argue that your injuries were pre-existing or not as severe as claimed.
Having consistent and well-documented records of your medical treatments and recovery progress will make it more difficult for them to dispute your claim. Maintaining all correspondence related to your injury, including emails with doctors, therapists, and insurance companies, is essential as these can further validate your case.
Contact The Slocum Firm to Discuss Your Philadelphia DUI Case
If you’ve been injured in a DUI accident in Philadelphia, the legal team at The Slocum Firm is here to provide you with the support and representation you need.
Whether you’re facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, or emotional distress, we are committed to helping you hold the responsible party accountable for their actions.
Don’t let a drunk driver’s negligence go unchecked. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward recovery. Call The Slocum Firm at (570) 209-7376 today or fill out the contact form on our website for a free consultation. Let our Philadelphia DUI accident lawyers help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
We take all car accident cases on a contingency fee basis, which means we will never ask you to pay for our services until we win your case.
