Strengthening Your Drunk Driving Accident Claim
If you were recently struck by an impaired motorist, you probably don’t know what to do or where to turn. Should you have grounds for legal action, though, it’s imperative to handle the aftermath properly, so you can protect your right to compensation.
To help you get started, here are five steps you can take immediately to give your personal injury claim the best chance of success:
1. Visit a Doctor
Even if you feel relatively okay, it’s crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries may not be apparent right away, and waiting too long to seek treatment could result in complications that ultimately jeopardize your claim.
Putting off treatment will also make it difficult to prove causation. Since there won’t be any dated medical records linking the accident to your condition, the opposing party may try to argue that you were hurt in some other way and you’re merely trying to hold them liable since it’s convenient.
2. Save Evidence from the Scene
Preserve any potential evidence you have from the scene. This might include photographs of the wreckage, statements from eyewitnesses, black box data, and dash camera footage.
If you hire a resourceful car accident attorney, your legal team should be able to conduct a comprehensive investigation on your behalf. You can support their efforts—and streamline the proceedings—though, by handing over whatever evidence is already in your possession.
3. Track Your Associated Expenses
Keep a detailed log of all the costs you incur as a result of the crash. Examples include vehicle repair expenses and hospital bills. Tracking your economic damages diligently will make it easier to seek every dollar you deserve.
As for tracking your non-economic damages, start writing daily entries in a journal. As long as you record how your condition is hurting your quality of life, you may use these entries to demonstrate damages like mental anguish and emotional distress.
4. Stay off Social Media
It’s advisable to lay low online until your claim has been resolved. You can be sure the insurance adjuster will be monitoring your online activity in an effort to find cause to challenge your claim.
Since you cannot stop them from spinning what you post, it’s best to avoid posting altogether. If you must use social media, however, you can protect yourself by activating the strictest privacy settings. You should also avoid posting about anything that has the potential to be misconstrued.
Speak with a Michigan Car Accident Attorney
At Smith & Johnson, we know all too well the devastating toll that a drunk driving accident can take on the whole family. If your life was turned upside-down by an impaired motorist, you deserve justice, and our tenacious team will help you seek it.
We have been representing Michigan citizens since 1965, and we know what it takes to resolve even the most complex legal disputes. Call 231-946-0700 or submit our Contact Form to schedule a free initial consultation with a car accident lawyer in Michigan.
