Brooke graduated from the University of Richmond School of Law after receiving her undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Brooke worked for five years in private practice with a law firm specializing in insurance defense litigation before becoming the trial litigator for Allstate Insurance Company in the metro Richmond area.
While you know of the dangers of drunk driving, no one expects to be the victim of a DUI accident. Yet, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, between 2003 and 2012, there were 2,613 people who died in drunk driving accidents in Virginia.
Things don’t appear to be getting much better, as the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles reports that drunk driving accidents injured 3,986 people and killed 272 in 2020 alone.
At River Run Law, our experienced drunk driving accident attorneys understand this stark reality and know that motorists need to be informed as to what to do after being hit by a drunk driver in Richmond.
Steps to Take After Getting Hit By a Drunk Driver
The minutes, days, and weeks following a drunk driving accident are exceptionally challenging times. However, this is also a very important period, both for your physical health and your legal right to bring a personal injury lawsuit.
Below is a list of a few things to keep in mind if a drunk driver hits you:
Report the Accident as Soon as Possible
The very first thing you should do after a DUI accident is to call 911. When you call in an accident, the operator will send out an emergency response team to determine if anyone involved needs medical care.
This also creates a police record of the accident.
Gather Evidence
If you can, take a few pictures of the accident scene. You should focus on the positions of the vehicles, damage to the vehicles, street signs, lane markings, and any damage to stationary objects.
If anyone witnessed the accident, get their name and contact information.
Seek Immediate Medical Care
Even if you don’t think your injuries are serious enough to justify a trip to the emergency room, it is essential that you see a doctor as soon as possible.
Many car accident injuries do not appear serious at first, but can worsen over time if untreated. Your health is of utmost importance in these situations.
Not only does this ensure you receive the treatment you need, but it creates a record of your injuries.
This makes it more difficult for the other driver or their insurance company to claim something else caused your injuries.
Recent Drunk Driving Accident Settlement
The Case: Our client was involved in a motor vehicle accident where the other driver was intoxicated and ran him off the road. He suffered whiplash injuries and was treated at the emergency room, by an orthopedic doctor, and had a course of physical therapy. His medical bills totaled about $13,000. We settled the case for the full amount of the policy limits of $60,000. There was no other available coverage.
Disclaimer: Please keep in mind that testimonials or reviews do not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter, as the facts and circumstances of each case differ.
Contact an Experienced Richmond, VA Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
Despite all the planning in the world, getting hit by a drunk driver is not something you can prepare for. It’s normal to wonder what happens if a drunk driver hits you and what you can do about it.
If you have questions about your options, schedule an initial consultation with the best drunk driving accident lawyer near you in Richmond for assistance. An attorney can explain your rights and what you need to do to hold the drunk driver financially responsible for the accident.
Have You Suffered Injuries in a Richmond, VA DUI Accident?
For those injured by a drunk driver, it’s especially important to seek legal counsel. While you may be entitled to monetary compensation, that is not a guarantee—even in drunk driving cases.
At the Richmond personal injury law firm of River Run Law, we proudly represent accident victims and their families, helping them recover fair compensation for what they’ve been through.
We are unique in our ability to leverage cutting-edge technology by combining it with the personalized service we’re known for.
To learn more, and to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation consultation today, call (804) 889-0500. You can also reach us through our online contact form.
Where You Can Find Our Richmond, VA Office Location
