You just got into a drunk driving accident. First off, know that you’re going to be okay. And while there are probably a dozen thoughts running through your mind, the best thing to do is stay calm and breathe.
Even though it’s not a pleasant thought, about 28 drunk driving accidents happen every day in the United States. And many people don’t know what to do when they hit another car, let alone know what to do when there’s alcohol involved.
Here at Taxman DUI Defense, we are here to help those who have been in a drunk driving accident in Sacramento and other cities. And based on our experience, we recommend taking the following critical steps after a drunk driving accident.
Stay calm and stay put
People often feel afraid of the consequences of being arrested for driving under the influence. But it’s best to stay put in case you need medical attention or if your car isn’t safe to drive. Fleeing from the scene is never a good idea, so sit tight and take a breath. Check yourself for any injuries and check your surroundings. Before you exit the car, make sure it’s safe for you to do so.
Check involved parties for injuries
If it’s safe for you to get out of your vehicle, check on any other involved parties for injuries. Make sure either you or the other people involved call the police as soon as possible so that everyone gets the help they need. Once you’ve confirmed everyone is okay, take a moment to document the accident.
Take pictures
Even though this may be a moment you want to forget, it’s crucial to have evidence of the accident for a potential trial. Take pictures of the accident scene if possible, including road conditions, weather, road signs and more. If you or any involved parties sustained injuries, try to document these as well.
Comply with law enforcement without disclosing information
While you must abide by law enforcement, you are not required to disclose any information regarding the accident without a lawyer present. If they ask you to perform a drug test or sobriety test, you can comply with this request. But don’t feel like you need to over-explain the accident. Be cordial, helpful and respectful while reminding them you’d like to have a lawyer present for any discussions around the incident.
Inform emergency contacts of the accident
The last thing you want to do is to make friends or loved ones worry about you unnecessarily. But it’s important that they know what’s going on and that you are okay. If you have a designated emergency contact, let them know what happened and ask them to contact anyone else who may need to know you’re okay. Then ask if they will contact a legal team on your behalf.
Being in a DUI accident is scary and traumatic. But despite the overwhelming feelings that come from a DUI, you can move on. The best way to handle a sensitive incident like a drunk driving accident is to remain calm and request legal representation to help you handle your case.
Taxman DUI Defense believes in helping our clients get the best support possible for their cases. We review your situation in a holistic way and will work with you throughout any legal process.
If you want to learn more about DUI defense lawyers, we’re here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our experienced team of attorneys.