Halloween brings people together for parties, costumes, dinners, and nights out across New Orleans and surrounding communities. With more people traveling to and from gatherings, some drivers may make the dangerous decision to get behind the wheel after drinking.
If you are injured by a drunk driver, the consequences can be overwhelming. You may be dealing with vehicle damage, emergency medical treatment, lost wages, pain, and uncertainty about what happens next.
Knowing what to do after the collision can help protect your health and preserve important evidence.
Get to Safety and Call 911
After any serious collision, your first priority should be to get yourself and your passengers to safety.
If your vehicle can be moved safely, get out of active traffic when possible. If anyone is seriously injured, request emergency medical assistance immediately.
Calling law enforcement is especially important when you suspect the other driver may have been impaired. Tell the responding officer what you observed without exaggerating or guessing.
You should not confront the other driver. If the driver appears intoxicated, aggressive, confused, or otherwise unpredictable, keep your distance and let law enforcement handle the situation.
Pay Attention to Signs of Impaired Driving
You may not know whether another driver was drinking before the crash. However, certain observations may be important.
For example, you may have noticed the driver:
- Swerving between lanes
- Driving unusually slowly or quickly
- Failing to maintain a lane
- Nearly causing another collision.
- Ignoring traffic signals
- They appeared confused about where they were
- Smelling strongly of alcohol after the crash
If you personally observed something relevant, tell the responding officer. Do not attempt to investigate the other driver yourself.
The police investigation may produce information that becomes important later, including observations about the driver’s condition, statements made at the scene, or the results of impairment testing.
Document What You Can Safely Document
If you are physically able and it is safe, take photographs of the vehicles, roadway, visible injuries, and surrounding area.
Write down what you remember as soon as reasonably possible. Your memory may become less precise with time, especially after a frightening collision.
If someone witnessed the crash, obtain their contact information if possible.
Preserve photographs, videos, messages, medical paperwork, and other records related to the accident.
Do not delete posts, photographs, or other information simply because you are concerned about how they might be interpreted. If you have questions about social media or evidence, discuss them with your attorney.
Seek Medical Attention Even If You Feel Fine
Some crash injuries are not immediately obvious.
After an accident involving a drunk driver, adrenaline and shock can make it difficult to recognize symptoms. Pain, headaches, dizziness, neck problems, back pain, or other symptoms may become more noticeable later.
If you believe you were injured, seek appropriate medical care. Follow your provider’s instructions and keep records of your treatment.
A medical record can also help document when your symptoms began and how the collision affected you.
What Happens If the Other Driver Is Charged?
A criminal case and a personal injury claim are separate matters.
If the other driver is arrested or charged with an alcohol-related offense, that information may be relevant to your injury claim. However, you should not assume that a criminal charge automatically resolves your civil claim.
A personal injury case focuses on the harm you suffered and the compensation that may be available under the circumstances.
Your claim may involve medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and other losses associated with the collision.
Be Careful With Insurance Companies
An insurance company may contact you soon after the crash.
You should provide truthful information, but avoid guessing about your injuries, the other driver’s conduct, or details you cannot remember. You also should not assume that an early settlement offer reflects the full impact of your injuries.
Some injuries require ongoing treatment, and the financial consequences of a collision may become clearer over time.
Before accepting a settlement, understand what you are agreeing to and whether the proposed resolution addresses your known losses.
When Should You Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer?
A drunk-driving collision can involve complicated insurance issues, significant injuries, and questions about evidence.
If you suffered serious injuries or are facing substantial medical expenses, lost income, or long-term treatment, speaking with a personal injury attorney can help you understand your legal options.
At Cossé Injury Law, we represent people injured in car accidents throughout Louisiana, including New Orleans, Covington, and surrounding communities.
If you were injured by an impaired driver this Halloween season, contact Cossé Injury Law at (504) 438-2342 to discuss your accident and your options.