According to the American Centers for Disease Control and Preventing, 28% of all traffic-related deaths in the US are caused by drunk driving1, and Canada is facing similar struggles. Due to the magnitude of the problem, this article will only talk about 1 thing:
(1) What should a person do if they were injured in a traffic accident caused by alcohol?
STEPS TO FOLLOW IF YOU HAVE BEEN A VICTIM OF A DRUG OR ALCOHOL-RELATED CAR ACCIDENT
KEEP CALM AND SEEK THE SAFETY OF ALL PEOPLE INVOLVED
The main thing in any risky situation is to remain calm, the same thing happens with traffic accidents. Although it takes mental toughness, doing so can do a lot of good in the future.
For example, if due to a traffic accident a car began to drop gasoline, the people involved should abandon the vehicle to prevent burns that could cause greater health complications in the future.
COMMUNICATE QUICKLY WITH THE AUTHORITIES
Once the situation is reasonably under control, the persons involved should call the appropriate authorities. Sure, in case the crash didn’t make them lose consciousness.
This step is especially important in accidents caused by alcohol and drugs because, due to their frantic nature, they usually leave people injured.
If any of the car passengers or a pedestrian suffered a fracture, a back injury, or a hemorrhage is suspected, no one should move the injured person because they could aggravate the damage already caused. Instead, calling the authorities guarantees the physical integrity of those involved.
This is the last of the steps in favor of security, from now on the article will talk about the steps that guarantee legal integrity.
DO NOT FLEE TO ANOTHER PLACE, STAY IN THE PLACE OF THE ACCIDENT
If the cars involved are still running, none of the people involved should move them for any reason. Not even to facilitate road traffic. If the victim does this, the opposing insurance company could be relieved of the responsibility to pay.
As the accident involved alcoholic beverages, it is important to talk about the intoxicated person. Ideally, neither of them would move. But if the intoxicated assailant wants to flee, the victim should try to prevent it without putting themself at risk of further injury.
If the man does not see reason and decides to flee the scene, it is essential to record the plate and photos of the scene and the injuries. Why?
TAKE PHOTOGRAPHS AND VIDEOS OF THE ACCIDENT AND INJURIES
In traffic accidents that involve alcoholic beverages, it is convenient to record the situation with a smartphone, since the video itself records the face of the aggressor, the license plate of the car, and the place and circumstances surrounding the accident.
Also, the video will show irrefutable evidence of the state in which the aggressor was driving. For example, the scientifically proven tone of voice and regular behavior of a person while intoxicated 234.
CONTACT A PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER IN ALCOHOL TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS
Just as it is important to call the authorities to ensure the medical integrity of those involved, it is also necessary to call a personal injury lawyer in Vaughan to ensure that medical integrity is maintained over time.
Suffering the traffic accident caused by alcoholic beverages was not your fault, but it is your responsibility to sue the person responsible. If you do, you will receive the compensation you deserve to cover your medical expenses and you will take an irresponsible driver out of the streets.