Drunk Driving Accident Attorney in Raleigh, NC

What to Do If You’re in an Accident Caused by Someone Driving Under The Influence

No form of negligent driving has been the subject of more media scrutiny or targeted law enforcement campaigns in the past few decades than drunk driving. Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is dangerous: reaction times are slowed, attention is impaired, and a driver’s sense of space, time, and speed can all be affected. In North Carolina, perpetrators of these crashes are considered drunk if they drive while possessing a blood alcohol content (BAC) that meets or exceeds the legal limit of .08 percent.

Despite the targeted attempts of the media, transportation safety agencies, non-profits, and law enforcement to spread the word about the dangers of drunk driving, however, drunk drivers got behind the wheel millions of times in the past year – with serious or even deadly results. In our state, nearly 1/3 of auto accident fatalities are caused by drivers under the influence.

If you are in a car accident with a driver whom you suspect is drunk, take as many of the following steps as you can. If you cannot do any of these tasks yourself, consider asking another person, such as a passenger in your car or a witness.

1. Move everyone out of the way of traffic.

   If possible, move the vehicles and people involved in the accident to the side of the road. If a vehicle is too damaged to be moved, use hazard lights, flashlights, flares, or reflective equipment to make the vehicle easier for oncoming drivers to see. This will help others avoid becoming entangled in the crash. If any person at the scene is unconscious or is complaining of head, neck, or back pain, do not move them. Instead, wait for emergency medical personnel to arrive.

2. Call, or ask someone to call 911.

   The sooner you or someone nearby makes this call, the sooner emergency help can arrive. Emergency medical personnel can help treat anyone who is injured, and police can help secure the scene, make an accident report, and take other steps to protect those on the road.

3. Document everything you can.

   Write down everything you remember about the moments leading up to and during the accident. If you have a smartphone or a camera, take pictures of the accident scene. If not, try to draw a diagram or have someone help you. Collecting the names and contact information of any witnesses will help you reach them if you need their help later. And don’t forget to get the contact information and insurance information of the driver.

4. Don’t admit fault.

   In some accidents, you’ll know right away that the other driver caused the crash. In others, you may not be sure, or you may even think that you make a mistake that led to the accident. No matter what happened, however, don’t admit that the accident was your fault. Wait until police have investigated the scene and you and your lawyer have collected all the details before deciding whether or not it is fair for you to take the blame. Were you unable to get to some or all of these steps in the moments after your accident? Don’t worry. Your attorneys can help you gather information, contact witnesses, and determine what happened at the scene.