What action can I take if a drunk driver hits me?

Serious injuries deserve experienced attorneys

Arlington, VA DUI Lawyers

Experienced Arlington, VA DUI lawyers know all too well that nobody anticipates experiencing a car accident on the roads, especially not with a drunk driver. Although there are always risks when you get in your vehicle and drive on public streets, generally most people don’t anticipate getting into an accident. For this reason, it can be especially alarming when an accident does occur. It is important to inform yourself beforehand to know what steps to take in these cases. It never hurts to learn about what you can do. Here in this article, some expert personal injury attorneys have come together to provide you with information to help you if you ever do find yourself in an accident with a drunk driver.

What does DUI stand for?

Arlington, VA DUI lawyers will inform you that the definition of a DUI changes depending on your state. However, typically stands for “driving under the influence” of either alcohol or other-drug related substances. When you hear discussions about a DUI, typically you may hear about a driver being impaired by the substance they are under the influence on.  Driving under the influence is not only a severe crime, but it can endanger everybody on the roads, including the driver. If you suspect that anybody is on the road intoxicated, do not hesitate to call 911, when it is safe to do so.

Signs of a Drunk Driver

According to Arlington, VA DUI lawyers, there are many different signs that indicate a driver that may be intoxicated. Although you cannot always tell for certain, there are commonalities among all cases that can help you make an informed assumption. If you are on the roads and you notice any of the below signs, it is critical that you drive with extra caution. The following is a list of the most common signs of a drunk driver:

• The driver is speeding
• The driver is going slower than the speed limit
• The driver is weaving in and out of traffic
• The driver is driving on the wrong side of the road
• The driver is not using their turning signals
• The driver is swerving in and out of traffic
• The driver is using jerking movements
• The driver appears to be confused

If you notice any of the above signs, Arlington, VA DUI lawyers will strongly advise that keep a large distance between you and the vehicle in question. When it is safe for you to do so, you can pull over and call 911 to inform them of the situation. It is especially important not to engage with a suspected drunk driver, regardless of how poorly they are driving.

What happens if I am in an accident with a drunk driver?

If you are involved in an accident with a drunk driver and you have suffered an injury, it is important to take action. There are several steps you can take to ensure you not only receive fair compensation, but that you also treat your injury in the best way possible.

First and foremost, Arlington, VA DUI lawyers will suggest that you take care of your injury. Seek out a medical professional and in the most extreme cases call 911. If you are able to do so at the scene, call a law enforcement officer and collect information from the suspected intoxicated driver. If they are too intoxicated or unwilling to share information, take a picture of your vehicles and their license plates.

Once you have taken care of the scene, it may be in your best interest to reach out to a legal professional. Hiring a skilled attorney who specializes in DUI cases can help you navigate the complexities of the legal system. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury as a result of a collision with a drunk driver, do not hesitate to reach out to Cohen & Cohen to set up your free consultation with trusted Arlington, VA DUI lawyers on our team.