Drunk Driving

In February of 2019, A Bowie woman was driving drunk and killed 5 children and a 23 year old. Stories like this are all too familiar where a person driving under the influence (DUI) alters a stranger’s life forever. We all know the public safety concerns with drunk driving or driving while under the influence of drugs or other substances. However, crashes involving drunk drivers and drivers who drive while impaired continue to account for a third of all traffic related fatalities in America. The bottom line is that the destruction that comes from these accidents is catastrophic.

Below are common steps that one should take when they have been involved in a collision with a drunk driver.

1. Make sure you and any passengers in the vehicle are safe.
   1. Look around in the vehicle, if possible, and do a quick assessment of any injuries so that you can talk to emergency services.
2. Call the Police.
   1. We recommend calling the police before exiting the vehicle if it is safe to stay in the vehicle to make the call.
   2. If you suspect that the driver is drunk, you will want the police to come to the scene and conduct a field sobriety test on the other driver and make a report.
      1. This step is important because it will help you later on.
3. Get as much information as possible.
   1. Take pictures of the other driver’s vehicle.
   2. Write down or take pictures of the other driver’s license plate.
   3. Take pictures of the other driver’s license plate.
   4. Get the other driver’s insurance information.
   5. If the driver flees the scene, DO NOT CHASE THEM. Call the police and give them any information that you may have regarding the driver or the vehicle that they were driving.
   6. Take pictures or videos of the scene. Make sure to document the damage done to both vehicles.
   7. Document any other things that may have played a role in the accident.
   8. Get Information from any witnesses.
4. Seek medical attention.
   1. Most people make the mistake of not getting medical attention quickly enough. Prompt medical attention after an accident helps to determine the extent and cause of any injuries and it helps you start the healing process.
5. Report the Accident to your insurance company.
   1. When reporting the crash to your insurer, you must have all the important information with you:
      1. Name of the other driver.
      2. License plate and vehicle information of the other driver.
      3. Insurance information of the other driver.
      4. Witness information.
      5. Police report number.
      6. Whether the other driver was arrested.
      7. Whether you sustained injuries and/or if you sought treatment.
6. Consult With Foran & Foran P.A., An experienced Maryland Personal Injury Law firm.
   1. After you have been struck by a drunk driver in Bowie, Greenbelt, Hyattsville, Clinton, College Park, Landover or any other city in the region, contact one the members of our experienced personal injury firm.
   2. Prompt consultation is important.
   3. During the consultation, we will discuss the accident, your injuries and what your next steps are.

Do not go through this daunting process alone! If you have been injured by a drunk driver or a person driving under the influence, you need a team that is knowledgeable with these types of cases. The family at Foran & Foran P.A. has much experience taking on various personal injury cases. Please contact us today to discuss your vehicle collision. Call us at (301) 441-2022. Or contact us online. Let Our Family Help Your Family! We look forward to hearing from you.