Being in an accident with a drunk driver is a frightening experience. You may be left with injuries, emotional trauma, and damage to your vehicle. If you or a loved one gets into an accident with a drunk driver, it is important to know what to do next.
How drunk drivers cause accidents
They may swerve into oncoming traffic, run red lights or fail to yield at intersections. In some cases, they may even fall asleep at the wheel.
Drunk drivers often cause accidents because they are not paying attention to the road. They may be speeding, tailgating or weaving in and out of lanes. They may also get distracted by their passengers, cell phones or other objects in the car.
What should you do if you are in an accident with a drunk driver?
If you are in a motor vehicle accident with a drunk driver, the first thing you should do is call the police. If you or anyone else has been injured, seek medical attention immediately. Once the police arrive, they will investigate the accident and determine who was at fault. The drunk driver will likely get charged with a DUI and may face other penalties as well.
If you have been involved in an accident with a drunk driver, you may receive compensation for your damages.
Does motor vehicle insurance cover damage caused by a drunk driver?
Yes. However, the amount of coverage may vary depending on your policy. For instance, if you have collision coverage, your insurance company will pay for the repairs to your vehicle, minus your deductible. If you do not have collision coverage, you may be responsible for the entire cost of the repairs.
If you get injured in an accident with a drunk driver, your motor vehicle insurance policy may also cover your medical expenses. Most policies have personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, which pays for your medical bills regardless of who was at fault in the accident.
If the drunk driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may be able to file a claim with your own insurance company. Uninsured motorist coverage and underinsured motorist coverage can help pay for your damages if the at-fault driver does not have enough insurance to cover the cost of the accident.
If you get into an accident with a drunk driver, you may be able to recover damages for your medical expenses, property damage, lost wages and other losses. To recover the compensation you deserve, it is important to call the police and your insurance company to begin the claims process.