Do I Need to File a Third-Party Injury Claim after a Drunk Driver Hits Me?

Dead pedestrian after a car accident in the street

One of the most dangerous things you can be exposed to as a driver is another driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol. It doesn’t matter how safe you are driving or how adherent you are to the laws of the road; a drunk driver can come from anywhere, at any time, and cause serious damage to your property and your body. If you have been injured by a drunk driver, you may wonder what legal recourse you have to cover your damages. Here is a short primer of what to do if you are struck by a drunk driver.

  1. First things first, take care of your health. Seek medical attention even if you do not believe you have been seriously injured. Some injuries, like traumatic brain injury or soft tissue injuries, may not manifest right away.
  2. Document every aspect of the accident. Police will likely take care of much of this process, but having your own evidence is crucial to your claim. Photographs of the damage and your injuries, as well as contact information of witnesses, can go a long way in helping you secure damages.
  3. You will probably receive a call from the drunk driver’s insurance company shortly after your accident. No matter how cordial or sympathetic the representative is, the bottom line is that he or she is trying to get information out of you that might make it harder to pursue your claim. Do not tell them anything about the accident or your injuries. If you are offered a settlement, you should decline until you have spoken to an attorney.
  4. Perhaps the most important step – contact a car accident attorney as soon as possible. You need a trusted lawyer with experience in the field of drunk driving accidents to help you receive the best recovery possible.

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Chances are you’re here because you or someone close to you has been hurt. Your life has been turned upside down. The “it’ll never happen to me” mentality gets thrown out the window- No pun intended. And chances are you know someone who knows some lawyer who did a thing and blah blah blah. [READ MORE]

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They handled my case involving a car accident. They’re extremely polite and professional. Any questions I had they addressed them immediately, I never had to wait for a reply. Everything about my experience with this firm has been the absolute best. I without a doubt recommend them [READ MORE]

Howard Harvey

Mr. John Hayes had assisted my wife in a settlement and help take good care of her accident claim. He helped to ensure that she receive full compensation through recourse of mediation and gave her security that she was being led in a rightful [READ MORE]

Nadine S.

I contacted the firm for an injury.. They were very professional and, most importantly, they set real expectations on what to expect. They explained in great detail the process would be, and what to expect as outcomes. They communicated to me what paperwork was needed and helped me fill out some of the more [READ MORE]

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I highly recommend James McKiernan lawyers. I was in a terrible accident 4 months ago and didn’t know what to do. I was referred to their office and they have worked miracles for myself as well as for my family. They were prompt in everything they did for me and settled my case when [READ MORE]

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I was the victim of a head on collision. I was referred to James McKiernan Lawyers and glad about it. Darrel O. worked my case and always kept me in the loop. He and his staff did 110%. He made sure I received a proper medical assessment and treatments in a timely manner. He [READ MORE]

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