How can a lawyer help me if a drunk driver hits me?
Alexandria, VA DUI lawyers understand that getting hit by a drunk driver on the road can be a traumatic experience. While there are always dangers on the road, nobody expects to be involved in a collision, especially not with a drunk driver. Unfortunately, according to recent studies, close to one person per hour every day dies due to an intoxicated driver. For this reason, it is incredibly important to inform yourself on both the signs of an intoxicated driver and what you can do if you do find yourself in a collision. After all, it is always better to be safe than sorry.
What does DUI stand for?
According to Alexandria, VA DUI lawyers, the exact definition of a DUI varies depending on the state you live in, and/or where the collision occurred. Generally speaking, a DUI stands for “driving under the influence.” Typically, this refers to driving under the influence of alcohol or any other drug-related substance. It is also important to understand that when most people reference a DUI, they insinuate that a driver’s driving abilities were impaired by whatever substance they were under the influence of.
How do I know if the driver is drunk?
A common question you may wondering is “how do I tell if a driver is drunk?” According to Alexandria, VA DUI lawyers, there is not one answer to this question. In fact, as another driver, you can never know for certain. That being said, there are many telltale signs that somebody could be under the influence on the roads. It is critical to keep an eye out for these signs so you can take extra caution. It is especially important to give the suspected driver a large amount of space so as not to endanger yourself with potential sudden and reckless actions.
Although every individual may act differently under the influence of various types of alcohols and drugs, there are certainly common traits to a drunk driver. According to Alexandria, VA DUI lawyers, some of the most common signs of a drunk driver include:
- Weaving in and out of traffic
- Sudden, jerking movements
- Slow driving
- Speeding
- Driving on the wrong side of the road
If you happen to see the person operating the vehicle, you can also keep a look out for:
- A confused driver
- The driver’s eyes are bloodshot
- The driver looks extremely fatigued or tired
If you notice any of the above signs, you should call 911 as soon as you can. When it is say to do so, you should pull over to call 911 and inform them of the suspected driver. This can potentially help keep others on the road safe and will ensure that you also keep your distance. Alexandria, VA DUI lawyers may also suggest that you record their license plate if it is safe to do so.
What happens if a drunk driver hits me?
At the scene of the collision, you should first contact a law officer. It is also recommended that you try your best to collect information from the other driver, however, they may not want to cooperate. It is important not to aggravate somebody under the influence because you may be putting yourself in danger. In the case that a drunk driver hits you and causes you to suffer from an injury, it is in your best interest to seek out Alexandria, VA DUI lawyers.
Hiring a legal professional is an excellent way to better your chances of having a successful case. Experienced attorneys can help you navigate the complexities of the legal system and can help you answer the question “who is liable for my injury?”
If you or a loved one has suffered from a drunk driver who hit you, do not hesitate to contact Cohen & Cohen, a group of skilled personal injury lawyers proudly serving Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and the surrounding areas for years. At Cohen & Cohen, we believe that you deserve to have the best legal representation for an injury, especially when your injury is caused as a result of somebody else’s negligence.
Call us today to set up your free consultation with Alexandria, VA DUI lawyers on our team.
