Law enforcement usually responds to accidents that have already occurred or pulls people over when they’re driving erratically before they can cause an accident. This time, the action came to them when a drunk driver crashed into a highway patrol cruiser.
Drunk driving is a problem that the nation just hasn’t been able to shake. The state of Florida has its own share of automobile accidents resulting from people driving while under the influence as evidenced by the recent crash. Here’s what you need to know about the incident and what to do when you’re injured by a drunk driver.
The Collision
A 24-year-old was driving under the influence of alcohol when he crashed into a Highway Patrol cruiser, causing significant damage. The accident occurred on SR-408 after two in the morning.
The cruiser that was hit had been parked with its emergency lights on, making it hard to miss. As hard to miss as it was with its lights on, the inebriated driver hit it anyway while it was enforcing a lane closure.
The trooper that was inside the cruiser in question was injured by the collision. Fortunately, the hardy trooper did not require immediate medical attention and did not go to a hospital for treatment.
The Consequences
After crashing into the Highway Patrol cruiser, and injuring the trooper inside, the driver was arrested, however, he posted bail shortly afterward. Not only was he driving under the influence of alcohol when crashing into the vehicle, but he was also an unlicensed driver.
Drunk driving is a fairly serious crime, driving under the influence of alcohol without a license is even more serious. The driver’s blood-alcohol content was 0.221, a figure that is much higher than the legal limit.
Driving under the influence of alcohol is an irresponsible act that endangers other people as well as the driver. In this case, the damage was minor, however, many other incidents involving drunk drivers are much more tragic.
What to Do When You’re Injured by a Drunk Driver
After any car accident, your first priority is to get medical attention and take care of yourself. In a drunk driving accident, however, the dangers are compounded because the other driver was under the influence of alcohol. This can be especially alarming if you were injured and worry about possible long-term consequences. If you are injured in an accident that was caused by a drunk driver, it’s important to know what to do as soon as possible after the crash.
While it might be difficult to think about logistics in the aftermath of a serious accident, taking these steps as soon as you can will help you recoup from this incident faster and with less stress on your end. These tips will help navigate what may feel like a challenging situation after being injured by a drunk driver:
Report the Accident to the Police and Request an Accident Report
If you’ve been in a car accident, it’s important to report it to the police and get a copy of the accident report. This will help you prove that the accident happened and that you should be compensated for any damages resulting from it. You should also make sure that the parties involved exchange information and report the accident to their insurance companies.
This will help you collect important documentation related to the incident, including the police report and information about who was involved. This information will help you through the insurance claims process and take the initial burden off of your shoulders. Getting this information as soon as possible can save you time and stress in the long run.
Seek Medical Care ASAP and Keep Records of the Injuries You Sustained as Documented by the Hospital
If you’re hurt after being hit by a drunk driver in an auto accident, you should get medical attention as soon as possible. This is especially important if someone is seriously injured and requires immediate medical attention, but it’s recommended in all cases. Be sure to share your medical history if you’ve had any previous injuries or health conditions diagnosed.
Medical records are important to have on hand after an accident regardless of who caused the crash. The information in your medical records can help determine your future treatment plan and how much it will cost. While it can be frustrating to deal with insurance adjusters, having your records will help you get the best treatment and the highest amount of compensation possible.
Find a Trusted Attorney and Ask for a Settlement
When you’re injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver and you’re seeking compensation, it’s important to find an attorney who has experience handling drunk driving accident claims.
It can be helpful to get in touch with an attorney as soon as possible after the accident to speed things along and get the ball rolling. While it’s understandable that you might feel overwhelmed and unsure of your next steps, talking to an attorney right away can help you get on the right path to receiving the compensation you deserve.
Why You Should Sue a Drunk Driver After Being Injured in a Car Accident
If you were injured in a car accident caused by a drunk driver, you may be able to sue the driver for damages. In addition to suffering physical injuries, such as broken bones or head injuries, you may also have suffered emotional damage. You might be stuck with medical bills and lost wages, and you may have had to deal with a traumatic event that changed your life forever.
Injured by a Drunk Driver? Call The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine!
Drunk drivers cause a lot of damage, and when they do, they need to pay for it. Whenever you’re injured in a car accident involving a drunk driver, you can sue them for damages. The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine have helped countless people win large sums of money for damages.
In an Accident? The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine Can Help.
Our injury attorneys assist people in Florida who have been injured in traffic accidents caused by negligent drivers, road rage, and more. Contact us today to explore your legal options and determine if you qualify for financial compensation. You may be able to collect compensation for medical bills, loss of wages, disability, and other losses related to your injuries.
Call the Law Firm of Anidjar & Levine at 1-888-816-9520 for a free consultation.
We Can Help.
