Even a fender bender can lead to serious damages and cause a lot of stress. A fender bender can also mean a lot of trouble for a drunk driver. While most people are involved in some kind of auto accident during their lives, the likelihood of a crash is much higher for a driver who is intoxicated.
The alcohol in the system makes for slower response time and causes erratic actions, which are going to cause the likelihood of a crash to increase significantly. For you, being hit by a drunk driver can be a frightening and costly experience, so you will want to pursue a personal injury claim to recoup compensation for your damages.
What to Do After a Fender Bender With a Drunk Driver
Always stay on the scene of the crash, regardless how minor it might seem. You want the police to complete an accident report.
In this case, it is also for the safety of others because if the drunk driver continues his or her way, they could cause another accident that will lead to serious injuries or even loss of life. You should take photos of the accident scene and of the damages. You can take these pictures with your smartphone.
Get statements from eyewitnesses and try to exchange insurance details with the other driver, but he or she might not be cooperative. Regardless of how minor you believe your injuries are, you should be checked by a medical professional to establish medical care because some injuries worsen over time or aren’t obvious for days.
Damages From a Fender Bender
If you have been in a fender bender, you might suffer a variety of damages. The most common damages suffered from a minor crash include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damages
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
You will need to maintain documentation to support your claim. Here are some of the documents and records that can be used as supporting evidence for your personal injury claim after a fender bender caused by a drunk driver:
- Medical bills and/or records
- Prescription records and receipts
- Medical device and equipment receipts
- Accident report
- Photos of the accident scene and damages
- Written repair estimates for fixing vehicle
- Proof of missed work and lost wages
Consult With a Personal Injury Lawyer
If you have been hit by a drunk driver and involved in a fender bender, you should consult with a personal injury attorney. Personal injury lawyers take accident cases on a contingency basis, meaning they will not be paid until they recover damages for you.
They will then get a percentage of your judgment or settlement, which will be agreed upon when you retain their services. Consult with a personal injury lawyer who is licensed in your area today. Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form to get your case reviewed.
