Drunk driving causes thousands of accidents and hundreds of thousands of injuries every year, and they’re sadly common in Texas. If you have been unfortunate enough to be one of those victims, you may be wondering what options you have available to you when it comes to getting help with the treatment you need and recovering the damages you have sustained.
Look no further—in this blog, our team from the Austin, Texas-based Stewart Law Firm will go over the basic things you need to know about drunk driving accident claims, what steps you should take, and your rights as a victim.
Get Medical Attention ASAP
Some people mistakenly feel as though it’s better for them to wait to receive medical attention after a car accident because they’re either uninsured or unsure if their insurance will cover their injuries. Unfortunately, this is usually not a good decision: a serious injury left untreated can only get worse, and you may suffer even more serious consequences that could have been prevented. Always see a medical professional as soon as possible.
Obtain Info from Witnesses
If you have been injured, whenever possible ask to receive a copy of the police report for your incident and get all important information from all drivers involved, including names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance policy numbers, license plate numbers, and driver’s license numbers. Any passengers involved in the incident as well as anyone who saw the accident can also be beneficial to your case, so make sure you get their info as soon as possible.
Know Your Rights According to Texas Law
As an injury victim, you may be pressured by insurance companies to give a statement as soon as possible after the accident, often while things are still hazy and you can’t fully recall all of the relevant and important details of the incident. This is by design: insurance companies know that the more they can get you to leave out, the harder it will be for you to prove that the driver at fault is responsible for your injuries. You have the right to have an Austin auto accident attorney at your side when giving any statements about your accident, so exercise this right before speaking to an insurance adjuster.
Collect Evidence of Your Car Accident
While insurance companies will collect statements, you can do everything in your power to collect evidence that supports your claims and can solve discrepancies in your case. Pictures are a great form of evidence, including pictures of any relevant traffic control devices in your accident, skid marks, damage to your car, and even pictures of any visible injuries.
Contact The Stewart Law Firm Today
At The Stewart Law Firm, we truly care about our clients. If you’ve been injured in a drunk driving accident, call The Stewart Law Firm today at (512) 326-3200 to request a case evaluation!
