Being in any car crash is a traumatic experience for the victims, even when the physical injuries seem comparatively minor. However, things tend to take a turn for the worse when there is a drunk driver involved.
What Makes Being Hit by a Drunk Driver Worse?
An inebriated driver poses several additional risks to everyone on the road. For example, if someone is driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol and/or drugs:
- Their reaction time will be compromised, which makes them far more likely to get into a serious accident.
- They will often fail to register they’ve hit another vehicle or pedestrian.
- They may have a high propensity towards blaming the victim, arguing with them, and even being violent with/without provocation.
- They are less likely to stop, check, and help the victim than they would if they were sober.
- They are less likely to even be in a position to help, even if they want to do so.
Consequently, it can be extremely challenging for DUI victims to heal from their physical and psychological traumas. Healing is still possible, though, even if it is often not an easy process. As to how one can begin approaching the process, let’s discuss that from the very first step.
Emergency Medical and Police Assistance
Calling the local or national helpline (911) to seek immediate police and medical assistance should always be the first step. Even if the victim cannot speak, just placing a call and keeping the line connected should be enough for emergency assistance to track the location and reach them as soon as possible.
Setting up emergency numbers on speed dial can be a lifesaver for a car crash victim who is not in control of his/her faculties after the accident. There is no reason to argue or even blame the drunk driver right away, even if they are aggressive. Once the officials get there, the situation will be handled appropriately.
Seek Psychiatric Counselling or Trauma
Mental trauma is often undermined and ignored, which is what leads to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If you were victimized in a car accident, it is highly recommended to seek appropriate psychiatric counselling to help your mind heal. It’s common for people who suffered catastrophic physical injuries from a car accident to also be susceptible to PTSD, but don’t let that fact mislead you. Even people with minor physical injuries from a DUI accident may develop deeply embedded mental trauma down the line without help.
Contact Your Personal Injury Attorney
While this may not seem like a step towards healing right away, seeking reliable legal assistance after being hit by a drunk driver could very well be the most important step of them all. Everything from emergency medical assistance and rehabilitation efforts to psychological counselling for mental trauma costs money.
Provided that you have a case, your car accident attorneys will ensure that all your physical and mental healing costs are covered in their entirety. If applicable, they will also negotiate with your insurance providers to get you the coverage you need to heal.
It is recommended that you contact your personal injury attorney as soon as possible. The Statute of Limitations varies widely from state to state, but it’s a universal fact that you can never be too quick about it. If the victim is in a serious condition and they are not going to be in any kind of condition to contact their car accident attorney anytime soon, then the call must be made by either a friend or a family member.
Note that if a DUI victim waits too long to act, it may affect their chances of winning the case. It will also have a depreciating impact on the maximum possible compensation that they could be entitled to. This will hold true even if the case is launched well within the state’s time limit.
Collecting proof through court orders is a critical, time-sensitive process. Rest assured that the responsible party will not be very accommodating, and they, too, may take action to get rid of any proof against themselves if they have the time and the opportunities to do so. To find the legal help you need to heal, contact us now for a free consultation on (883) 626-2587.
We have four main offices:
- Tupelo office: 2005 West Main St. Tupelo, MS 38801
- Oxford office: 406 Galleria Drive, Suite 7, Oxford, MS 38655
- Jackson office: 5548 I-55 Suite A, Jackson, MS 39211
- Memphis office: 500 Poplar Ave, Suite 2700, Memphis, TN 38137
