Accidents caused by drunk drivers are an unfortunately common experience for many people and lead to serious injuries or death. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were more than 10,000 fatalities caused by accidents involving a drunk driver in 2013 alone. If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash with a drunk driver, the accident attorneys at Osborne & Francis Law Firm PLLC have the legal skills and knowledge you need to obtain substantial compensation for your physical injuries, emotional distress and lost wages.
So you've been in a car accident. What happens next? There are many things that you should do but here are the three most important:
Number One: See a doctor immediately.
A broken bone is easy to see, but some injuries are not. The most common injuries from car accidents happen in the neck, back, or head. The only way to diagnose and treat them is by seeing a doctor. A doctor can help ease the pain, provide medication, reassure you of how your injury may impact your daily life, and tell you what not to do to make it worse.
A visit to the doctor can also give you legally protected time off to recover and rest your body after an accident, and it documents and provides the evidence you may need for your case. Even a five-mile-per-hour car accident can cause a serious injury. So whether you've had a severe accident or a minor collision, see a doctor. And if you don't have medical insurance, let us know and we'll make sure that you receive the proper care.
Number Two: Write everything down.
Even if it seems small, during times of stress or injury it is common to forget the little details. Make sure you keep note of the pain that you're in. With neck, back, and head injuries, sometimes simple activities such as walking up the stairs or picking up a toddler may cause severe pain.
You may not be sleeping well at night. Documenting how much you sleep and how often you wake up due to pain is also very important. And lastly, if you have any cuts or bruises, take daily photos as you heal. This will provide visual evidence of the injuries that you've suffered.
Number Three: Do not speak to an insurance company until you've spoken to a lawyer.
Please understand that the insurance adjuster works for a billion-dollar corporation and not for you. Their interests are solely for their insurance company, and their goal is to provide you with the least amount of financial settlement as quickly as possible. When you do speak with them, remember they will record the conversation. Why do they do this? Because they've been trained to ask questions that may confuse you. So talk to us before you talk to them.
So remember: See a doctor, document everything, and call us before calling the insurance company for your free private consultation. We are here for you. Real tough lawyers fighting real tough issues.
Any type of automobile accident is a terrifying experience. When a drunk driver is involved, the situation becomes increasingly stressful and emotional. Our accident attorneys accept all types of cases involving drunk drivers including:
Regardless of what type of vehicle crash you’re involved in, drunk driving investigations require a high level of specific legal experience. We go the extra mile to ensure that all of the circumstances surrounding your accident are fully investigated.
Immediately following an accident, it is important to seek medical attention for urgent concerns. Your insurance company as well as the at-fault driver’s representative often tries to move the process along too quickly without taking your specific needs and concern into consideration. Before you agree to anything, it is important to seek legal advice to ensure that your rights are protected. Without an experienced attorney on your side, you may not receive the full damages you deserve to cover your medical expenses, past and future lost wages and pain and suffering. We have what it takes to work with all parties involved through mediation, negotiation and litigation and achieve the best possible results for you and your family.
The injury attorneys at Osborne & Francis Law Firm PLLC are a trusted authority regarding all legal matters that arise following a crash with a drunk driver. To discuss your case with a member of our team, call us at (561) 293-2600 or send an email. We offer free consultations at our offices in Boca Raton and Orlando.