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If you have been involved in a car accident and you believe that it was caused by a drunk driver, it is critical that you fully understand your options and find a good law firm to handle your case. A DUI case is complicated, and the responsible driver could face criminal charges, as well as being held responsible for any injuries or damages that resulted from the accident. The at-fault driver may also be responsible for punitive damages for driving while intoxicated.  The actions you take immediately after the accident can have a significant impact on your case.

Contact the Police

The very first step to take after being involved in a DUI case is to call the police. By doing so, you will ensure that your case is properly investigated, which is essential for any claims going forward. If you fail to contact the police, there may be no evidence to support your case. The police officer will investigate the accident and prepare a report. It is important to provide all the necessary details to the investigating officer at the scene. If you are injured you should seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Be cautious in stating whether you are injured because sometimes injuries only start to register after a few hours.

Gather Evidence and Information

Although you may not be in a state of mind to gather evidence, you can try and collect as much information from the accident scene as possible. Information such as the responsible driver’s contact and insurance information are critical to collect. Additionally, if possible, it is a good idea to take pictures of the accident scene and the damaged vehicles for future reference. Be sure to get the citation or accident case number from the police officer so that the police report can be obtained quickly.

Get Appropriate Medical Treatment

It is imperative that you seek proper medical treatment for your injuries as soon as possible after the accident. It is not a good idea to take things lightly, since some injuries start to show up after a few hours and you may start to feel the pain afterward. Be sure to tell the doctor about all of the problems that are related to the accident. A qualified doctor can accurately diagnose and treat your injuries so that you don’t develop chronic pain. It is also essential for your case that your injuries and treatment are properly documented.

Hire a Qualified Attorney

You will be busy getting medical treatment and dealing with the aftermath of the accident, and it is important to hire a qualified attorney to assist you with some of the details that need to be taken care of after an accident.  An attorney should be contacted before you start the claims process with the insurance company and will provide the expertise to ensure you have a fair resolution of your case.

At Wheeler & Watson PC, we are attentive, accessible and experienced personal injury attorneys dedicated to protecting your rights. We have over 55 years of combined experience in auto wrecks, truck wrecks, premises liability, insurance and disability claims. We promise to use our best efforts and experience to get the best results for your claim. If you are the victim of a DUI case, you need an experienced lawyer to handle your case. Feel free to contact us at (770) 998-6655 for any questions, and we will be happy to assist you.