Drunk Driver Accident Lawyer in Seattle, WA
Of all the irresponsible actions a driver can take while in charge of a car, drunk driving is perhaps the most serious. Despite awareness of how devastating and selfish the action can be, research shows that around 11,000 Americans are killed each year by motorists under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
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What If I Am Involved in a Drunk Driver Accident?
If you are involved in an accident with a drunk driver, it is crucial that you take steps at the scene to help ensure that you protect your legal rights and increase your chances of a successful compensation claim. There are several boxes you need to tick to protect yourself, including:- Call the police: this needs to be the first thing you do. Make sure you tell them that you suspect the other driver was under the influence of drugs alcohol while driving, and that this caused the collision. This point will be confirmed by the police using a breathalyzer and sobriety test.
- Record all your conversations with the drunk driver—make sure you tell them that you are doing so to ensure that the evidence can be used. You may capture crucial evidence such as slurred speech, aggressive or inappropriate behavior, slow and poor response to questions, staggering and swaying, and other clear signs of intoxication.
- Do not allow the driver to destroy or touch any evidence before the police arrive, such as empty cans or bottles.
- Gather as many witness statements as possible at the scene to strengthen your case.