If you or a loved one suffer a serious injury in a drunk driving accident, you can seek legal compensation from the responsible motorist. Taking the right steps after this type of incident can help you obtain coverage for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Learn more about the process to follow after a drunk driver hits your vehicle in West Virginia.
Keep careful records
When you file a personal injury lawsuit associated with a drunk driving accident, you will need to provide the court with a full list of injury-based expenses. This includes medical care, hospitalization, ambulance fees, property damage, medical supplies, lost wages, and transportation to and from medical visits. You should also take notes about the personal impact of your injury, such as activities and events you can no longer enjoy.
Limit insurance company contact
The other driver’s insurance company will not necessarily offer you a fair settlement for your injuries. Do not speak to the insurance adjuster through email or over the phone. Instead, direct him or her to speak to your attorney. Sometimes, these representatives try to get you to admit a portion of fault for the crash.
Contact witnesses
If you left the scene in an ambulance, you will have to rely on police statements and witness information to paint a picture of the crash. Your attorney can help you gather photos, videos and evidence from people who witnessed the accident.
Follow the criminal case
Attend the traffic court and criminal court hearings for the drunk driver that hit you. You can provide evidence to aid the prosecution, which may help support your case for civil damages.
In West Virginia, you have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit in civil court after an auto accident injury associated with another driver’s DUI. You can also file your case even if the criminal charges for the drunk driver are still pending in court.
