Drunk Driving Accidents in Columbia
At one point in the past, many people viewed driving while intoxicated as a ‘folk crime,’ something that was against the law but not morally reprehensible. Nowadays, however, we recognize that it is anything but okay. Driving while intoxicated is one of the largest reasons why car accidents happen in Columbia. According to a report from the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety, 1,023 people have died because of an accident involving a drunk driver.
Even if the drunk driving auto accident does not result in a fatality, it is still very likely that anyone involved will be injured. For many, a car accident can only bring a long and painful road to recovery. Not only would the injured victims need to physically heal, but now they will have to face a mountain of medical bills and may even lose work because of their injury. In cases like this, the victims of a drunk driving accident do not have to suffer alone. With the help of an experienced car accident attorney, they could file a personal injury case and seek compensation for a drunk driving car accident in Columbia.
What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident
If you or a loved one experience a car accident, the first thing you should do is contact law enforcement. In many instances, it is required by law to call police after a car accident if one of the following has happened:
- Property damage exceeds $500 in value
- You cannot contact the other vehicle’s owner
- Someone is injured or killed
Once called, the police will investigate the accident and collect evidence and testimonies. Most likely, emergency medical services will also arrive. It is important to get medical treatment as soon as you can if you are involved in a drunk driving accident. Even if your injuries are minor, seeing a doctor and getting treatment establishes a paper trail of your injuries and your treatment. If you intend on pursuing a personal injury claim after a drunk driving accident in Columbia, you’ll need this information.
When to Call a Car Accident Lawyer
In claims that involve drunk drivers and car accident, the injured party needs to prove that the other party was careless or negligent with their actions, and that this is what caused their injury. That’s why contacting a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible is important.
An attorney who specializes in car crashes can help you through every step of the personal injury claims process. From collecting your evidence to bringing in subject matter experts, they will help you build your case. They can also handle all negotiations between you and the other parties involved. Most of the time, you’ll not only be dealing with the drunk driver, but their insurance company as well. A lawyer can navigate these tricky conversations surrounding drunk driving accidents in Columbia with ease.
Call the Law Office of Chris Miller to Get Started
It doesn’t matter how serious your injuries are, if you are injured in a car accident caused by a drunk driver, you could file a claim and have your pain and suffering compensated. To do that, you’ll need a lawyer on your side with years of experience in personal injury. When it’s time to file your claim after a drunk driving accident in Columbia, call us at the Law Office of Chris Miller. The sooner you call, the sooner you can get your settlement and focus on your recovery.