Switch to ADA Accessible Theme Close Menu
Florida Personal Injury Lawyers
$3,830,000

Catastrophic motorcycle accident resulted in a jury verdict.

$1,748,000

Auto accident, multi-car crash

$1,200,000

Auto accident

$1,035,000

Auto accident involving defective airbag

$850,000

Auto accident

$700,000

Auto accident

$700,000

Auto accident

$600,000

Hospital turned away patient

$550,000

Auto accident involving tractor trailer

$450,000

Auto accident

$400,000

Car accident

$350,000

Golf Cart Accident

$300,000

Slip and Fall at Work

$210,000

Slip and Fall

$195,000

Auto Accident

$175,000

Accident involving pressure cooker

$106,890

Auto Accident

$100,000

Auto Accident

$100,000

Auto Accident

Call: 844-200-0000
Free Initial Consultation
Do you opt in to being contacted via SMS texting or phone call?
 
protected by reCAPTCHA Privacy - Terms

Steps to Take After Being Injured By a Drunk Driver

DUI

There’s no way around it – drinking and driving is a bad idea. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has asserted that almost 30 people in the United States die in drunk driving crashes on a daily basis, a staggering number that means there is a death every 50 minutes. Intoxicated drivers are a leading cause of traffic fatalities right here in Florida. And while drunk drivers often operate on weekends, at night, and around holidays, the unfortunate reality is that anyone on the road can become a victim of an accident caused by an impaired driver any time that he or she chooses to disregard the risks and climb behind the wheel. Therefore, everyone should know the steps to take if they happen to become involved in an accident with a drunk driver.

What Do You Do at the Scene of the Accident?

You may suspect the other driver is intoxicated because you noticed suspicious behavior prior to it occurring such as the vehicle swerving lanes. Or you may encounter the driver at the scene and notice that you smell alcohol. Either way, remembering that your safety has to remain your priority is essential after an accident where you are dealing with someone who has an altered state of mind. Other than obtaining any needed emergency treatment at the scene, you should:

  • Assess the situation. Observe the situation prior to offering to help the other driver. Someone whose mental state is altered may be aggressive and act erratically. Your safety is first in this situation.
  • Take pictures, record video, and take note of witnesses. Almost everyone has a smartphone these days and this is the perfect opportunity to utilize it. Recording as much as possible now will substantiate your account of what happened if you need it later. Additionally, get contact information from anyone who observed the accident.
  • Alert authorities. Call 9-1-1 and alert law enforcement, whether at the scene or on the phone, that the other driver is intoxicated. In addition, make sure that a police report is generated by the officers.

What Additional Steps Should be Taken After the Crash?

  • Cooperate with the D.A. It is essential to follow up on any criminal charges the district attorney may file against the drunk driver as a drunk driving conviction can only help strengthen your personal injury claim. Testify if requested, with the guidance of your attorney, and keep your testimony as truthful as you can.
  • Continue medical treatment. Even if you feel okay after the accident, it is crucial to get checked for internal injuries. Whether you visit an emergency room or your primary care provider, you should follow all instructions and continue treatment until you are instructed by the doctor to stop.

Reach Out to an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney Today.

If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident where the other driver was intoxicated, you should turn to the West Palm Beach personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm. We have been assisting the victims of others’ negligence throughout Florida for many years and have extensive experience helping people like you. Begin by contacting us today to schedule a free consultation.

The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Orlando, Ocala, Tampa, Bradenton, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Fort Myers and Daytona Beach areas.

Resource:

nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving

https://www.pendaslaw.com/so-youve-been-involved-in-an-accident-and-the-other-driver-doesnt-want-to-go-through-insurance/

Read What Others Have To Say About Us

  • “I can’t express how much I appreciate this law firm. I had the honor to deal with attorney Daniel. He kept me updated on my case. I couldn’t ask for a better law firm. Daniel fought for me til the end and got me what I deserved. Thanks Daniel and your team for always being there to answer any of my questions. If I ever need a law firm again...”

    Terry Mcphillips
  • “Speedy & superb handling of clients & cases, kind & caring. Highly recommended professionals. They made everything very easy for us, were outgoing & polite. I would call them again if ever in need, rather than call the larger firms that need to advertise & brag about winnings…Pendas was a pleasant & more personal approach instead of...”

    Joseph Kestell
  • “Wow I called Pendas Law Firm the other day at their main intake line it was around 11 o’clock at night and I’ve got this wonderful representative his name was Jeffrey Alvarez. This guy was very professional and his compassion was out of this world I don’t know what I would do if I could not have got a hold of him...”

    Luis Sanchez
  • “Thank you for helping us in our time of need. This firm handled my father’s workers comp case, and helped us with every question we had, and we had a plenty. Thankful for the entire legal team!”

    Enilno Resu
  • “I just concluded a case with attorney Michael Sanchez and paralegal Camilo Lopez. I can only say they are exceptional. The customer service is unique, they have been battling alongside me since day 1. They are not only courteous and professional, but they also are amazing at their job. Thanks to them I got a great deal. I am glad I decided to use their services...”

    Israel Garcia
  • “Their attorneys are absolutely someone you want handling your car accident claim. They communicated with us promptly and thoroughly. I was very happy with our recovery. Already recommended them to others in the same circumstances, their staff speaks Spanish and you feel like in family.”

    Ian Brito
  • “Very Professional law firm. They explained to you every detail what to do according to the laws (worker’s compensation). Mr. Danilo Cruz is the best Lawyer and his team. They are very kind, friendly, responsible, I love this firm. They fight for their clients. AwesomeTeam!”

    Lau Rod