What Can You Do After a Fatal Drunk Driving Crash?
If you lost a loved one in a fatal drunk driving crash, there are steps you can take to preserve the legal rights of your family. These steps can make a tremendous impact on the outcome of a wrongful death claim.
Deadly drunk driving accidents happen far too often in Texas. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, in 2019, there were fatal drunk driving crashes nearly every day, with the exception of only 54 days. Even minor car accidents can be a traumatic experience. There might be property damage, injuries, and at least one party at-fault. Drunk driving accidents can be all the more traumatic and, in some instances, someone might lose their life, either at the scene or shortly after the accident. It is essential that you know what to do under these circumstances. One of the first steps should be contacting a compassionate Round Rock wrongful death lawyer.
Gather Evidence
While medical personnel are attending to the victim or giving medical care to other victims, you can assist those injured and their families. In some instances, a friend or a family member might need to come to the scene to help their loved one as well.
The scene of the accident should be checked, and attempts should be made to gather as much evidence about what happened as possible. You can take pictures or video footage of the vehicles immediately after the accident, specific damage points on the vehicle, any skid marks on the roadway, or any other objects that may have been impacted, such as street signs or trees. The family of the deceased can provide this information to their Round Rock wrongful death attorney for a wrongful death claim.
Provide Your Contact Information
If you are not related to the victim or do not know them but witnessed the accident, your testimony will be crucial. Make sure you give your name and contact information to the police and anyone present who knows the victim. You may be deposed by a Round Rock wrongful death attorney at a later date regarding what you saw, or you might be asked to testify at the drunk driver’s criminal trial.
Document the Incident
As soon as possible after the accident, write or type all that you remember about what led up to the accident, the accident itself, and what happened immediately after. Be as specific and detailed as you can. Even if some details seem insignificant, they may actually end up being crucial in the case.
Memories can fade over time, and sometimes the human brain tries to bridge the gaps with inaccurate information. By documenting what you observed shortly after the accident, you will be able to provide a more accurate account of what occurred to a Round Rock wrongful death lawyer and any other interested parties.
A Round Rock Wrongful Death Lawyer Can Help
If you lost a loved one as a result of a drunk driving crash, you need to know about your legal rights. You and your family might be entitled to compensation for such a significant loss. Schedule a wrongful death consultation with a seasoned Round Rock wrongful death lawyer at the Elissa I. Henry Law Firm, PLLC, by calling (512) 766-4529 today or completing our online contact form.
