In 1998, due to changes in United States law, alcohol-related car accidents were generally significantly reduced; therefore, only a new record of 15,935 was established, which is 38.4% of all accidents.
According to the 1982 report, this number was much lower, where 57.3% or 25,170 alcohol-related accidents were recorded. DUIs (Driving Under Influence) is the most common violent crime in the United States, and 1.4 million people are arrested each year.
If you happen to be involved in a car accident and require support on how to act in legal matters, you should contact Conexión Legal as soon as possible by calling 1800 201 1220 or by contacting us through WhatsApp to receive the best free legal advice, and thus be able to receive guidance from a professional and experienced traffic accident attorney who will help you receive the highest possible compensation for your case.
Of all alcohol-related traffic accidents, 65% are caused by drivers with blood alcohol levels of 0.15 or higher. A driver with a blood alcohol content of 0.15 is 300 times more likely to suffer a fatal accident than a sober driver.
In these cases, it is important to act quickly to ensure that all those involved are safe and follow all legal steps. Knowing how to act after a car accident with the help of a responsible and efficient traffic accident attorney can protect you from trivial legal proceedings and ensure that you receive adequate compensation for any injury or vehicle damage.
Take a Moment to Calm Down
Due to a car crash, you may feel frustrated, scared, shocked, nervous, or a combination of all these emotions. You must remain calm to better deal with this situation. Hold your breath or count to ten to stabilize your emotions.
Remain at the Scene of the Car Accident
Whether or not you caused a car crash, leaving the scene can result in serious criminal penalties. Depending on the location of the accident and the severity of the injury, the penalty for leaving injured people at the scene of the accident will vary, but generally a fine of $5,000 to $20,000 and a maximum sentence of 15 months in prison. In addition to civil damages. Leaving the scene of the accident, even if there is only minor damage, can result in the revocation of your license.
Check for Injuries
After a car accident, the most important thing is to assess whether you or other drivers or passengers are injured. Determine your own safety and call an ambulance immediately if necessary. If someone loses consciousness or has neck pain, moving them can cause serious injury. Unless leaving people in their place puts them in danger (for example, they are in traffic, your car is on fire, etc.), do not move them until medical personnel arrive.
Call the Police and Your Traffic Accident Attorney
Even if there is a minor accident, it is a good idea to contact the police and your legal representative. This way, you will have an official record of the accident, which will provide you with protection so that the other affected party cannot sue or question your liability for the accident. In case of a serious accident, the police can also help. Stay in contact with the police until they arrive or tell you that you can end the call. Many emergency service operators can provide you with safety instructions.
Request a Police Report
This police report will help you when you file a claim against an insurance company and when a lawsuit is filed. In some places, police only report on injuries when they exist. In this case, you should file a traffic accident report, which can be obtained from the police department website or the motor vehicle office. Get the name and badge number of the police officer who arrives at the scene in case your insurance agent or attorney needs to contact them.
If Possible, Move the Vehicle
If you can safely drive the vehicle, pull it to the side of the road and away from traffic. When exchanging information with other drivers, this will keep you at a safe distance from traffic and make it easier for police and paramedics to reach the accident scene.
Move Your Vehicle or Turn On Your Lights
If you cannot move the car, turn on your emergency lights (flashing) and place a safety cone. Especially if you are on the road, you can take any measure to remind traffic that you are driving, signaling that there are disabled vehicles on the road will improve your safety.
Remain in the Vehicle with Your Seatbelt On
Do not attempt to cross the street and get out of the car, and do not stand next to a car in the middle of heavy traffic. People who get out of the car are more likely to die or be injured than those who remain in the car. However, if you smell fuel, exit the car immediately. This may indicate a fuel leak that could cause a fire or explosion.
So then, if you need it, contact Conexión Legal as soon as possible so that you receive the best free legal advice, and if applicable, you can receive the highest possible compensation.
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